Villagers Face Hardships After Building Compost Pits for Waste Management
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Villagers Face Hardships After Building Compost Pits for Waste Management

Kolnara: Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, 10 compost pits were constructed in various villages of Katikana Panchayat in Kolnara block. Although these pits were built during the 2022-23 financial year, even after 2 to 3 years, the payments for the work have not been processed.

In protest, the Katikana committee members have submitted a written complaint to the district collector’s grievance hearing camp. Villagers had informed the block authorities about the completion of the compost pits. If the bill had been cleared, they could have paid back borrowed money, settled dues with suppliers, and compensated the laborers who worked on the project.

However, due to the non-payment, villagers are facing severe difficulties. The district administration has been urged to take immediate action and release the pending funds.

“Three years have passed, yet the block authorities have not cleared the payment,” complain villagers.

Papadahandi Comes Alive for Shivaratri Festivities at Neelakantheshwar Temple
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Papadahandi Comes Alive for Shivaratri Festivities at Neelakantheshwar Temple

Papadahandi: On the occasion of the sacred festival of Shivaratri, the famous Neelakantheshwar Temple in Papadahandi witnessed a large gathering of devotees. The rituals began in the early hours, followed by devotees being allowed to have darshan of Lord Shiva.

Under the supervision of chief priest Shiva Prasad Tripathi, priests Hari Tripathi and Neelakantheshwar Tripathi performed the worship rituals. Temple management committee chairman and tehsildar Tapan Nayak ensured a smooth darshan experience for devotees, while the police managed security arrangements.

The Rajmishri Sangha distributed pana (a traditional sweet drink) and drinking water to visitors. By night, there was a huge crowd for the Maha Deepa darshan.

Tomorrow, the “Basi Shivaratri” celebration will take place, along with a grand procession. Street vendors have already set up their stalls in Papadahandi.

The temple puja committee, including Jagan Mohan Rao, Trinath Pradhan, Rajkishore Rao, V. Srinivas Rao, Hari Panigrahi, and Trinath Amanatya, played a key role in organizing the event.

Balianta Mourns the Loss of Renowned Kaviraj Prabhat Kumar Kar
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Balianta Mourns the Loss of Renowned Kaviraj Prabhat Kumar Kar

Balianta: Balianta’s renowned Kaviraj and founder of Dhanvantari Aushadhalaya, Prabhat Kumar Kar, passed away at the age of 76. He succumbed to a heart attack yesterday at around 4:30 PM, as informed by his family members. His untimely demise on the day of Maha Shivaratri has cast a shadow of grief over Balianta.

Notably, Prabhat Kumar Kar was a well-known businessman in the Balianta region near Bhubaneswar and the father of Sudhir Ranjan Kar, a distributor of Bharat Gas. Various dignitaries have expressed their condolences over his passing and prayed for the eternal peace of his departed soul.

Grand 1100 Kalash Yatra Marks the Beginning of 51-Kundi Gayatri Mahayajna
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Grand 1100 Kalash Yatra Marks the Beginning of 51-Kundi Gayatri Mahayajna

Nandapur: The 51-Kundi Gayatri Mahayajna has commenced at Netaji Shishu Udyan in Kumast, Nandapur Block, and will continue for four days. On the first day, water for the yajna was collected in 1,100 Kalash from the banks of the Gangesiuni River in Nandapur. 1,100 women carried the Kalash and paraded around Nandapur town, creating a deeply devotional atmosphere. The Kalash were then installed at the yajna site with Vedic chanting by sages from Shantikunj.

A core committee of 18 members was formed for the yajna, and their recitation of the Gayatri mantra infused the entire town with spiritual energy. Every evening for four days, discourses and bhajans have been organized. Over the next three days, offerings will be made in 51 yajna kunds at the yajna site.

The Nandapur Gayatri Parivar members—Baladev Rath, Bichitrananda Dhal, Basudev Sahu, Bansidhar Maharana, Subhash Chandra Khada, and Simanchal Khol—have shared details about the event. Thousands of Gayatri devotees from Nandapur, Semiliguda, and Lamtaput blocks are expected to participate. The Nandapur police have arranged extensive security measures to ensure a peaceful conclusion of the yajna.

Police-Community Bond Strengthened at Public Relations Camp in Kakarapani
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Police-Community Bond Strengthened at Public Relations Camp in Kakarapani

Chandahandi: A Police Public Relations Camp was organized by the district police in Kakarapani village, located in the remote Fatik Panchayat of Chandahandi Block. The event was conducted under the supervision of Chandahandi Police Station Officer Prashant Kollaharsha.

The Superintendent of Police (SP), Mihir Kumar Panda, attended the camp as the chief guest. Other dignitaries included Umerkote SDPO Shubhendu Kumar Sabar and R.I. Ajay Ekka. The chief guest emphasized the importance of education and highlighted the camp’s main objective—bringing people closer to the police. He encouraged citizens not to fear the police but to cooperate with them.

Students from Kakarapani School participated in the camp and presented various dance performances. Several competitions were held, and outstanding students were awarded. 14 distinguished individuals from nearby villages were honored at the event. Additionally, educational materials were distributed to students, while blankets and sarees were provided to elderly citizens.

In the volleyball competition, players were given volleyballs, nets, and jerseys. Several police personnel, including SI Khageshwar Khosla, ASI Labanya Bemal, Dilip Barik, Basant Swain, Home Guard Pramod Sahu, Hridanand Bagh, Tarun Tripathi, Vidyadhar Netam, Lalit Gopal, Baliyar Poda, and Jayakrishna Gauda, actively supported the camp.

Moreover, the Chandahandi Community Health Center conducted health checkups for patients and distributed free medicines during the event.

Artist Gurubaru: A Beacon of Inspiration for the Youth
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Artist Gurubaru: A Beacon of Inspiration for the Youth

Umerkote: Artist Gurubaru Gand, who can bring life to his paintings with intricate details, has become an inspiration for the younger generation. Gurubaru (22), a young artist from Chikalapadar Panchayat in Umerkote Block, Nabarangpur District, is the son of Kamala Lochan Gand and Budri Gand. He has two sisters and was the only son in the family. His family had hoped he would pursue a good education, secure a job, and support them. However, financial difficulties became a major obstacle. Seven years ago, after completing his 10th grade, the family’s deteriorating economic condition forced him to drop out of school.

Since childhood, Gurubaru had been fascinated by painting. He used to watch his friends paint, and his interest in art grew over time. As he took on family responsibilities, he immersed himself in painting and decided to turn his artistic skills into a livelihood.

Currently, Gurubaru paints murals in houses, wall paintings in schools, and detailed depictions of deities and natural landscapes. His realistic and intricate artwork has given him a new identity. Many people admire his paintings, and his ability to capture the essence of rural life in his art brings joy to viewers.

Although his earnings are modest, ranging between ₹8,000 to Rs10,000 per month, he remains determined. Instead of opting for other jobs, he has chosen painting as his primary source of income. Despite financial struggles, he has never given up. Gurubaru believes that if the government or administration extends some support, he could further develop his talent and improve his livelihood.

Odisha Shines: Four Distinguished Personalities Honored with Padma Awards 2025
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Odisha Shines: Four Distinguished Personalities Honored with Padma Awards 2025

Cuttack: In 2025, four distinguished personalities from Odisha will receive the Padma Awards. Their names and respective fields

Adwaita Charan Gadnayak: He has been awarded the Padma Shri for his contributions to the field of art. He is a renowned sculptor and the Director-General of the National Gallery of Modern Art, India. Some of his notable works include a 28-foot monolithic stone statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the National Police Memorial in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.

Durga Charan Ranbir: He has been awarded the Padma Shri for his contributions to the field of Odissi dance. A distinguished Odissi dancer and teacher, he has played a crucial role in promoting this dance form on international platforms. Through his dance institution, Nrutyayan, he has trained many disciples.

 Pratibha Satpathy: She has been awarded the Padma Shri for her contributions to literature and education. A celebrated Odia poet, she has published numerous poetry collections and serves as the editor of the literary magazine “Udbhasa.” Her work has made a significant impact on Odia literature.

 Dr. Ashok Kumar Mahapatra: He has been awarded the Padma Bhushan for his contributions to the field of medicine (neurosurgery). A renowned neurosurgeon and the Vice-Chancellor of Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, he led India’s first successful craniopagus surgery in 2017.

These prestigious honors reflect Odisha’s rich cultural heritage and intellectual excellence.