Jamadihi School Celebrates Annual Function with Enthusiasm and Joy
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Jamadihi School Celebrates Annual Function with Enthusiasm and Joy

Jharsuguda: The Annual Function of Jamadihi Government Primary School, under Sahaspur Cluster, Laikera Block, Jharsuguda District, was celebrated with great enthusiasm in the school premises. The event was held under the chairmanship of Bhakti Kisan, the School Management Committee (SMC) President.

The program was graced by Talmanda CRCC Manoranjan Kanta as the chief guest, while Sahaspur CRCC Pradeep Kumar Nayak attended as the keynote speaker. Other notable guests included Satyavati Kisan (Head Teacher of the school), Padmalaya Parekh (Head Teacher of Bandhapali Upper Primary School), Surendra Kumar Nayak (Assistant Teacher at Kendrihi Upper Primary School), committee members Rasabati Kisan and Board Member Sairendri Kisan, among others.

The stage was hosted by teacher Chhatralal Kisan. The event began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the esteemed guests, followed by prayers to Lord Ganesha. After that, the students presented a welcome song, and the villagers performed traditional folk dances to Kisan-language songs.

The Head Teacher presented the annual report, highlighting the school’s progress and achievements. The President of the event emphasized the importance of celebrating the Annual Function, while chief guest Mr. Kanta spoke on the significance of co-curricular activities in achieving quality education. He also delivered an awareness message about preventing forest fires.

Keynote speaker Mr. Nayak elaborated on holistic education, social-emotional learning, and various government schemes aimed at improving education. Following this, meritorious students were honored with certificates and prizes by the guests.

A cultural program featuring dance and song performances by students was organized under the guidance of teachers Surendra Kumar Nayak and Chhatralal Kisan. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by teacher Tasila Kumar Deo.

The function was successfully conducted with the support of teachers Ganeshwar Kisan, SMC members, alumni, youth leaders, and respected villagers.

Kotpad Hosts Grand Celebration of Bali Yatra with Enthusiasm
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Kotpad Hosts Grand Celebration of Bali Yatra with Enthusiasm

Kotpad: Kotpad, a region in Koraput district known for its lush forests and hills, is famous for its natural beauty as well as its unique festivals. One such major festival is Bali Yatra, an integral part of the Kotpad Block’s cultural heritage.

The festival begins only after seeking divine approval from Goddess Mashitala Thakurani and Lord Bhima, following which all religious rituals commence. This year, Bali Yatra started on February 25 in Kotpad town and will continue for 45 days. The festival follows the traditional tribal Hindu rituals, and more than 150 deities are worshipped in a single location.

According to experts, Bali Yatra is believed to bring prosperity, good harvests, and ample rainfall to the Kotpad region. Every year, thousands of devotees and visitors from far and wide gather to witness this grand festival. It is considered a symbol of communal harmony in Koraput district.

Unique Rituals and Celebrations

During the festival, priests and priestesses (Guru and Gurumaini) invoke the gods and goddesses from heaven, earth, and the underworld through ritualistic chanting. It is believed that the deities become spiritually present in the bodies of devotees, who then perform traditional dance rituals.

A special offering of Guda Pana (jaggery drink) and Lia Muha (puffed rice) is made to the deities. The main event of the festival is the “Bihana Sangraha” (seed collection ritual), where each household contributes grains such as paddy, moong, biri, ragi, mustard, and other crops, along with sand from the river.

At the end of Bali Yatra, a tree symbolizing prosperity is placed on bamboo frames and carried in a grand procession with traditional music, dance, and thousands of devotees. The idol of Lord Bhima is then ritually immersed in the temple premises.

Festival Occurrence and Revival

Bali Yatra is observed once every three to five years in different villages, depending on tradition. This year, after 19 long years, the festival has been celebrated with great enthusiasm in Bira Kotar village, Kotpad, with the active participation of thousands of villagers from different communities.

Nagavali River on the Brink of Extinction, Alarming Water Crisis Ahead
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Nagavali River on the Brink of Extinction, Alarming Water Crisis Ahead

Rayagada: Over the past five years, multiple projects constructed by the Andhra Pradesh administration along the Nagavali River have reduced the water flow into Rayagada district. The perennial river that once flowed through the district is now gradually disappearing due to Andhra’s water diversion projects.

Currently, water is visible in the river only during the monsoon season, while for the rest of the year, the riverbed remains dry.

Andhra Builds a Rs1,814 Crore Water Project

Due to these water diversions, many deep borewells that relied on small-scale irrigation have dried up. The groundwater levels have significantly declined, making future water availability a serious challenge, according to an engineer from the Nagavali division.

In areas like Bairagi Haluva, Sheshakhal, Kereda, and Pitamahal of Rayagada district, many borewells are now releasing saline water instead of fresh groundwater. Every year, during summer, the Nagavali River experiences a drastic decline in water flow, leaving the riverbed completely dry.

MLA Urges Stadium Construction in Four Blocks, Writes to Authorities
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MLA Urges Stadium Construction in Four Blocks, Writes to Authorities

Lakshmipur: Lakshmipur MLA Pabitra Saunta has requested the construction of mini stadiums in four blocks under the Lakshmipur Assembly Constituency.

Since these four blocks are tribal-dominated areas, local students like Arjana Majhi and Pratik Bhotra have represented the district at the national level and brought recognition. Many other students and youths in the region are also enthusiastic about sports, but due to the lack of proper playgrounds, their talents remain underdeveloped.

A mini stadium construction project in Lakshmipur had started but remains incomplete. To expedite the process, MLA Pabitra Saunta met the State Sports Minister during the Zero Hour of the Assembly and submitted a letter requesting immediate action for the construction of mini stadiums in all four blocks.

The minister assured the MLA that once land is identified, all necessary support will be provided. Following this, the MLA wrote to the Tehsildars of the four blocks, directing them to identify 12 to 15 acres of government land within 5 km from the block headquarters for the stadium construction.

ARB Upper Primary School Hosts Grand Annual Function with Enthusiasm
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ARB Upper Primary School Hosts Grand Annual Function with Enthusiasm

Kolonara: The Annual Function of ARB Government Upper Primary School, Khilapada, Kolonara Block was successfully conducted.

The event was graced by Mada Rao Kandhagari, the Sarpanch of Badakhilapada, as the chief guest. Other distinguished guests included Kolonara ABEO Pitridev Bidika and School Management Committee President Ralika Ramrao.

The headmaster, Narayan Chintata, welcomed the guests and presented the annual report. On this occasion, 60 meritorious students who excelled in various competitions held earlier were awarded prizes.

Several notable educators and dignitaries attended the function, including:

Arun Kumar Mohapatra, Headmaster of Radangi Upper Primary School

Shivaram Mahangkud, Headmaster of Pujariguda Primary School

Sarveshwar Mishra

Manisingh, Assistant Teacher of Government High School

Kripali Minak, Chandrashekhar Behera, and Chittaranjan Chintata, Headmaster of Suri Upper Primary School

Girish Chandra Mahanta

Ramachandra Chandra Kaushalya, Headmaster of Rivalakana Upper Primary School

These guests encouraged the students with their motivational words.

The stage coordination was managed by Assistant Teacher Madhusmita Satpathy and Teacher Narendra Bhuinya. The program concluded with cultural performances by the students.

Grand District-Level Saraswat Ceremony 2025 Celebrates Culture and Knowledge
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Grand District-Level Saraswat Ceremony 2025 Celebrates Culture and Knowledge

Nabarangpur: The District-Level Saraswat Ceremony – 2025 was held at Alekh Mahima College, Dhotra, in collaboration with Fakir Mohan Pathanshala, Umarkote, and the Balasore-based daily newspaper “Aparahna”.

A discussion session was organized on “The Role of Small Magazines in the Development of Odia Literature”, presided over by Prafulla Kumar Raut, editor of Fakir Mohan Pathanshala. The chief guest was Ballabh Raut, a former member of the Odisha Sahitya Akademi, while the keynote speaker was Narayan Panda. Other notable guests included Bansidhar Jena, Professor Parikshita Sahu, and Durga Prasad.

Poetry Recital and Felicitation Ceremony

A poetry recitation festival and felicitation event took place at Dhotra, where renowned poets and literary figures from ten blocks of Nabarangpur district participated, reciting their self-composed poems.

The event was presided over by Kedareshwar Pattnaik, while distinguished guests such as Bilay Choudhury, Sahadev Parida, Ananta Barik, Ramachandra Ram, Jagadish Chandra Tripathy, Ram Prasad Patra, Professor Gopal Maharana, Tripati Balaji Sahu, Pranati Debnath, Jhanabi Panda, Santosh Kumar Khamari, and Manorama Mahapatra shared insights on the role of Odia language and literature.

The poetry session was coordinated by Sagar Kumar Parida, the district representative of Aparahna, with assistance from Sourya Nayak, Vivekananda Pattnaik, Prakash Chandra Behera, Bansidhar Bhuinya, Rupa Singh Nayak, Pradeepta Kumar Behera, Nagendra Nayak, Rashmita Swain, Prakash Samal, Sagolini Nayak, Santosh Kumar Sahu, and Chandan Kumar Patra.

The event honored numerous literary scholars dedicated to promoting Odia language and literature in Nabarangpur district, awarding them certificates of recognition and mementos.

Dr. Saroj Nayak Elected President of Electro Homeopathy Association
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Dr. Saroj Nayak Elected President of Electro Homeopathy Association

Baripada:  The election of new office bearers for the Mayurbhanj Electro Homeopathy Association was held under the chairmanship of the association’s advisor and former MLA Dr. Budhan Murmu.

A large number of homeopathy doctors from Mayurbhanj district participated in the election, where Dr. Saroj Nayak was elected as the President. The other elected office bearers include:

Dr. Manoranjan Senapati as Vice President,

Dr. Kulaballabh Patra as Secretary,

Shantanu Ghosh as Joint Secretary, and

Dr. Gopal Chandra Sahu as Treasurer.

Additionally, Dr. Budhan Murmu and Dr. Chudamani Patra were appointed as advisors.

At the conclusion of the event, Dr. Budhan Murmu administered the oath to all newly elected office bearers.

President Dr. Nayak announced that the association would be launching a charitable hospital in Jharpokharia from April 1st.

Severe Water Crisis Grips Rayagada Village, Residents Struggle for Drinking Water
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Severe Water Crisis Grips Rayagada Village, Residents Struggle for Drinking Water

Rayagada: The villagers of Premnagar under Bairagi Halua Panchayat in Rayagada district are struggling with an acute water crisis. They have to travel 400 meters to fetch drinking water, as the solar-powered drinking water project is non-functional.

Out of the two tube wells in the village, one is completely out of order, while the other provides muddy water. As a result, around 25 families are relying on the railway station platform nearly 400 meters away to collect water.

Despite complaints to the concerned departmental officials, no solution has been provided so far, and the villagers have been suffering for a long time. However, Group Development Officer Sujit Kumar Mishra has assured that immediate steps will be taken to resolve the issue.

Nabarangpur Observes World Tuberculosis Day with Awareness Programs
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Nabarangpur Observes World Tuberculosis Day with Awareness Programs

Nabarangpur: World Tuberculosis (TB) Day was observed at the District Headquarters Hospital Conference Hall under the chairmanship of Chief District Public Health Officer (CDPHO) Dr. Nava Kishore Behera. The event emphasized the collective responsibility to make India TB-free by 2030.

Several key officials attended the event, including:

Dr. Malay Tripathi, ADPHO (FW)

Dr. Sukanta Satapathy, ADPHO (TB)

DIPRO Manoj Behera

ADWO Bharat Chandra Sahu

Officials from the Education and Social Welfare Departments

Heads and students of higher secondary schools and nursing colleges

During the event, doctors discussed TB as an airborne infectious disease, its causes, prevention, treatment, and awareness strategies. This year’s theme emphasized commitment, investment, and effective action plans to eliminate TB.

Dr. Behera highlighted the importance of:

Early diagnosis and free medication available at government hospitals

Proper nutrition for TB patients

Massive awareness campaigns at panchayat, block, and urban levels

Stocking of medicines in healthcare centers

Vaccination and ensuring well-ventilated living spaces

At the end of the event, winners of TB awareness speech and quiz competitions were awarded certificates and prizes. The event was coordinated by DIPRO Ramhari Panda.

Assessment Conducted for Prestigious PM Award Recognition
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Assessment Conducted for Prestigious PM Award Recognition

Koraput A two-member central team visited Koraput district to assess the implementation of various schemes for the Prime Minister’s Award. The team included K. Balen Nayak, Director, Ministry of Defence, and Vikas Singh, Director, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.

The team conducted field visits in urban and rural areas, interacting with beneficiaries of seven key central schemes, including:

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana

Pradhan Mantri Shehri Awas Yojana

Har Ghar Jal Yojana

Mission Indradhanush

PMJAY (Ayushman Bharat)

PM SVANidhi

The officials held discussions with beneficiaries in Jeypore Block’s Tankua area, Jeypore Municipality, and Chandrapada village in Baipariguda Block.

The team also visited the Rural Industrial Park in Chandrapada. Tomorrow, they are scheduled to visit Laxmipur and Semiliguda, as confirmed by Koraput Collector B. Kirti Swasan.

During their visit, they were accompanied by:

B. Kirti Swasan, Koraput District Collector

Benudhar Sabar, Chief Development Officer & Executive Officer, Koraput District Council

Jeypore Sub-Collector & Municipality Executive Officer Sushri Akabharam Sasyarani Reddy

Shakti Mahapatra, Jeypore Group Development Officer

Abhimanyu Kabi Satapathy, Baipariguda Group Development Officer

Ranjan Mishra & Srujita Sahasini Malik

Kartik Padhy, Block Social Security Officer

Anup Mishra, BPM

Pradip Acharya, BPC

Other officials

The assessment aims to evaluate the successful implementation of central schemes in the region as part of the PM Award selection process.