News from Odisha

The centenarian maid of Rairahol royal family is no more. Shankari Bai, passed away after a life of neglect and loneliness in her twilight years. Shankari Bai, who was over 100 years old, was once living in the royal palace.

Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA)have already initiated the process to make the EkamraKshetraaround Lingaraj Temple beggar-free. As a part of the beautification and developmental program of the temple, beggars in the region will be rehabilitated. Apart from this, another Social Inclusion scheme of the state government, ‘Sahaya’, will provide means of livelihood to these beggars.

Without trees, we will all cease to exist. However, the never-ending greed of humans has often come at the expense of nature. But a group of women in Punasia village under Bangiriposi of Mayurbhanj district have been on a mission to protect Mother Nature. For nearly two decades, the women of a self-help group (SHG) have been waging a war against deforestation. For them, preserving their local forest is their sole aim. Many years ago, the entire stretch of the Punasia forest was ravaged by the timber mafia. The continuous abuse had left the land barren rendering animals homeless. The tract of around 80 hectares was reduced to a bald patch of land with the trees, animals and birds were gone.

Classes for standard X and XII students in Odisha are likely to resume in January 2021! School and Mass Education Minister, Sameer Ranjan Dash said that there is an increased likelihood of reopening of schools across Odisha in January 2021. The minister also hinted at a major change in the schedule as classes may be conducted on Saturdays and Sundays to complete the syllabus. Dash also said that priority will be given to standard X and XII classes due to the board examinations.

Secretary of the Odisha Higher Education Department, Saswat Mishra said that the State government will take the final decision regarding reopening of colleges. But they are hopeful that colleges may reopen soon. Under Graduate and Post Graduate semesters will be postponed.

This is Ramchandra Baidanga, an employee of Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar, which is one of the biggest government hospitals in the State. Even though this 62-year-old is engaged as an ordinary class four government employee, his work is not so ordinary.  

Think you are buying pure and safe food items! Well, think again! Do you know that out of 100 food samples tested in last three years in Odisha, as many as 21 were adulterated or incorrectly branded. This means that in Odisha, one in every five food items is adulterated. If this isn’t enough, according to the Food Safety Index of 2019-20, Odisha is found languishing in the bottom-10. The State was ranked 13th among 20 states, while Gujarat topped the chart in the country.

In a land where it was difficult to even grow a blade of grass, one can now see the rich greenery of an irrigated field. Barhampura Village under Rairakhol of Sambalpur district was grappling with water shortage once, but is now abundantly irrigated. So how did it happen?

I am Chanduram Majhi. I was a soldier in the Indian army. For many years I had served my motherland without caring for my own life. But today I am working as a daily labourer at my village in Nuapada district. Today, I need help. I need the government to listen to my pleas.

Rourkela is getting ready to prepare itself for the much-awaited Men’s Hockey World Cup. The steel city is one of the venues for the mega event set to take place in the year 2023.  

This could easily be one of the most bizarre marriage ceremonies. As you can see here, the groom dressed up for the occasion is all set to tie the knot. But in an embarrassing turn of events, a woman claiming to be the groom’s first wife turns up at the venue with police. And before anyone could understand anything, the groom is in police custody.

First Pari, then Pihu and now another minor girl has gone missing. And nobody seems to have a clue…

This submerged temple in Balasore’s Oupada Block is not only historic but also holds many legends within its largely invisible structure. It is called the temple of goddess Gadachandi. Just the top part of the temple with its flag is visible while everything else is underwater. The Goddess, also called as Gupta Chandi, is worshipped from outside and devotees offer their prayers from across the lake.  

In a country where farming is the primary source of livelihood for most, a man from Bhadrak has set an example for others. Farmer Mrunmay Jena has proved that it is possible to excel in any field. This simple farmer from Dhamara in Bhadrak district runs a flourishing poultry and fishery business.  

Srimandir is likely to open its gates for devotees soon. After a painful wait of nine months, devotees may soon be able to have darshan of Lord Jagannath. According to the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, the temple may open its gates for devotes between December 22nd and 24th. Initially, there are plans to allow locals, following which general darshan is likely to resume from January 3, 2021.