Retired Headmaster Passes Away, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Education
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Retired Headmaster Passes Away, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Education

Balipadia Vishnu Charan Pradhan, a resident of Balipadia village under Balipadia Panchayat in Badachana block, passed away in the early hours today at the age of 82. He retired as a headmaster in 2005 after serving in various schools during his career, earning widespread appreciation. Known for his affection for students, kindness, and philanthropic nature, he had established a distinct identity for himself. Not just in Badachana, but also in the neighboring Mahanga and Bari regions, he was widely respected.

Family and Community Mourn His Loss

At the time of his passing, his elder brother Basant Kumar Pradhan, sons Malay Kumar Pradhan, Tapan Kumar Pradhan, journalist Alok Kumar Pradhan, Pramod Kumar Pradhan, and daughter-in-law were present.

His demise was mourned by several prominent individuals, including Badachana MLA Amar Nayak, former ministers Sitakant Mohapatra and Amar Prasad Satpathy, advocate Prakash Kumar Dash, social workers Subash Chandra Tripathy, Chittaranjan Tripathy, Nigam Tripathy, educationist Umakant Bal, Hrushikesh Ray, and members of the Balichandrapur Press Club such as Ekadashi Sethy, Anil Kumar Ray, and Navakishore Goswami.

Others who expressed their condolences included Pratap Kumar Senapati, Sumanta Kumar Jena, Harihar Bal, Balichandrapur Press Club advisor Amarendra Chandra Singh, Prakash Chandra Samal, Prabhas Das, Prafulla Panda, Utkal Keshari Samal, Sheikh Iktal Hossain, Tushar Ranjan Jena, Pradeepta Kumar Prusti, Vibhu Prasad Prusti, and Upendra Sahu.

His eldest son Uday Nath Pradhan performed the last rites at the village cremation ground.

Jeypore Ghat Turns Hazardous: Large Potholes Triggering Accidents
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Jeypore Ghat Turns Hazardous: Large Potholes Triggering Accidents

Jeypore The JeyporeGhat road has turned into a death trap as massive potholes have developed along National Highway 26. These potholes pose a severe risk to drivers, leading to frequent minor and major accidents. However, despite being aware of the situation, the National Highway authorities have failed to take any action, causing growing public discontent.

Several stretches of Jaypur Ghat, particularly the Jubilee Ghat, have developed potholes, but the most hazardous section is near the Kalabhairavi Temple. The road surface has deteriorated significantly, with large potholes forming at multiple locations.

Dangerous Sections of the Highway

On the way from Jeypore to Koraput, the stretch just before the Kalabhairavi Temple ghat has the deepest and most dangerous potholes. Additionally, the road in front of the temple and the section between the temple and Ghatghumura 26 is filled with potholes and uneven surfaces, making it extremely risky for drivers.

These areas become even more dangerous during midday and late afternoon as the shadows from trees obscure visibility, preventing drivers from spotting potholes until they are dangerously close. As a result, many bike and scooter riders, especially women and elderly riders, lose control and fall. Similarly, when drivers suddenly notice a pothole and attempt to maneuver around it, they often fail to see oncoming vehicles from the opposite direction, leading to collisions.

Authorities Remain Indifferent Despite Frequent Accidents

Despite public complaints for months, no repair work has been undertaken by the authorities. Experts believe that the administration will only take action after a major accident occurs.

Every day, thousands of vehicles, including heavy trucks, pass through Jaypur Ghat on National Highway 26. Due to the narrow roads and rough patches, heavy vehicles frequently lose control, resulting in accidents and traffic jams.

Recognizing the severity of the situation, the district administration previously imposed restrictions on heavy vehicle movement. Orders were issued for heavy trucks to use the Rani Gada road instead of Jaypur Ghat after evening hours to minimize congestion and accidents.

Chinmaya Arya Shines at Rampur State-Level Bhagavad Gita Recitation Competition
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Chinmaya Arya Shines at Rampur State-Level Bhagavad Gita Recitation Competition

S. Rampur: Chinmaya Bagh, also known as Chinmaya Arya (14 years old), a ninth-grade student from Rampur in Subarnapur district, has brought great pride to his hometown. He secured the first position in the state-level Bhagavad Gita recitation competition and later represented the state in Haridwar, where he showcased his exceptional talent.

Chinmaya’s journey began when his father, Narayan Bagh, enrolled him at Haripur Gurukul Ashram in Nuapada district upon receiving information about the institution. This decision proved to be a turning point, shaping Chinmaya’s future in a remarkable way.

A Journey of Dedication and Perseverance

Chinmaya lost his mother at a young age, and his father, despite financia…

New Poetry Collection ‘Kavita 99’ Unveiled to Celebrate Creative Voices
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New Poetry Collection ‘Kavita 99’ Unveiled to Celebrate Creative Voices

Nuapada: In a literary gathering organized by the Maraguda Sahitya Sansad at the Sahu Samaj Sammilani Hall, Khariar Road, poet Satyapriya Pattnayak’s poetry collection ‘Kavita 99’ was unveiled.

The event was presided over by Bikash Kumar Barik, a former professor and researcher of Khariar Autonomous College. The chief guest was Pareshwar Munda, principal of Kalahandi Evening College, who is also a writer, playwright, researcher, and the author of the Kalahandia Dictionary. Other dignitaries present included Gouranga Sahu, reviewer of the poetry collection, Sushanta Kumar Munda, editor of Maraguda Sahitya Sansad, and other literary scholars.

Shiva Prasad Sahu, an Odia professor at Nuapada National College, delivered the welcome speech. The reviewers discussed the significance of the title ‘Kavita 99’, while chief guest Pareshwar Munda emphasized that a poem must have artistic depth to truly touch the reader’s heart.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Gopi Gopal Suna, a professor at National College. The successful execution of the event was supported by Paramananda Sahu, Bibhunandan Das, and Kishore Kumar Parida.

Jagdalpur-Thakurnagar Route to Get a Dedicated Express Train
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Jagdalpur-Thakurnagar Route to Get a Dedicated Express Train

Rayagada: The East Coast Railway has decided to introduce an independent express train between Jagdalpur and Thakurnagar, starting today. The train will depart Jagdalpur every Wednesday at 8:00 AM, traveling via Koraput and Rayagada, reaching Rayagada at 2:10 PM in the afternoon. From there, it will continue towards Thakurnagar, reaching its destination at 10:45 AM the following day (Thursday). On the return journey, the train will depart from Thakurnagar on Fridays, reaching Jagdalpur on Saturdays, as per railway sources.

The train composition includes:

2 Second AC coaches

4 Third AC coaches

4 General coaches

2 coaches for Divyang (specially-abled passengers) and luggage

The Jagdalpur-Thakurnagar Express (Train No. 08563) will halt at 17 stations between Jagdalpur and Thakurnagar, according to the railway department.

Iti Samanta Honored with Prestigious Utkal Bharati Kuntalakumari Saraswat Samman
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Iti Samanta Honored with Prestigious Utkal Bharati Kuntalakumari Saraswat Samman

Cuttack: Eminent writer and editor of Kadambini magazine, Dr. Itirani Samanta, has been selected for this year’s prestigious Utkal Bharati Kuntalakumari Saraswat Samman.

The award will be presented to Dr. Samanta by the Utkal Bharati Kuntalakumari Saba Foundation on February 22 at 6 PM at Sarala Bhavan in Cuttack. The honor includes a cash prize of ₹25,000, a citation, and a memento, as announced by the foundation’s General Secretary, Choudhury Satyadas, in a press release.

Dr. Samanta is a renowned writer, known for her notable works, including:

Tathapi

Iti Tor Liska

Kathabarbha

Jhada Parara Surya O Krabhidhara

Niraba Alapa

Kathare Kathare Upanyasare Nari Charitra

Charchare Chandrasekhar

She is also the editor of the prestigious Odia family magazine “Kadambini,” which has gained widespread recognition both in India and abroad, according to the event organizers.

Srijay Baral Re-Elected Unopposed as Konark Bar Association President for 7th Term
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Srijay Baral Re-Elected Unopposed as Konark Bar Association President for 7th Term

Konark: As per the directive of the Odisha State Bar Council, the election process for lawyer associations across the state for the 2025-26 term has commenced. In this sequence, the election process for the office bearers of the Konark Bar Association began on the 5th of this month.

According to information provided by the election officer Rajanandini Mohapatra, the election process for all positions in the Konark Association was conducted peacefully. Srijay Baral has been elected unopposed as the President for the seventh consecutive term.

For other positions, new faces have emerged:

General Secretary: Suresh Chandra Swain

Vice Presidents: Rashmita Satapathy, Sasmita Nishanka, Bijayalaxmi Bishwal, Prastujit Parida, Bhagaban Mohapatra

Joint Secretaries: Barun Nayak, Bhavagrahi Swain, Ajay Sethy

Treasurer: Bijay Mohanty

Executive Members: Ashok Bishwal, Tapan Pattnaik, Pradeepta Patra, Amitabh Mohanty, Lakshmikant Khatoi, Debadhuti Mohapatra

Advisors: Debaraj Dash, Madhabananda Pati, Somanath Nishanka, Purna Chandra Beura

The election process has been successfully completed, and the new office bearers have been elected.

Keonjhar Woman Radhe Maa Makes Headlines Again, Takes the Wheel of ‘Mo Bus’
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Keonjhar Woman Radhe Maa Makes Headlines Again, Takes the Wheel of ‘Mo Bus’

Keonjhar: No job is too small or too big when it comes to survival—it only requires determination. With this mindset, Radhe Maa, who once drove an auto-rickshaw in Keonjhar, is now driving a ‘Mo Bus’ in the capital. She has now taken up the challenge of driving a larger vehicle, bringing her back into the spotlight.

Santoshini Deo, popularly known as Radhe Maa, hails from Pentakap village in Keonjhar Sadar block. She has led a life full of struggles since childhood. She was married off at a young age in Rajasthan, but the marriage did not last long. Unable to bear the torture at her in-laws’ house, Santoshini fled back to her village while she was pregnant. Soon after, she gave birth to a baby girl, whom she named Radha. Over time, people began calling her Radhe Maa out of respect.

A Story of Struggle and Determination

Determined not to be a burden on her parents, Santoshini started working to earn her livelihood. Her parents ran a small snack shop in their village, where she initially helped. However, financial struggles persisted, prompting her to learn how to drive an auto-rickshaw. After taking a loan to buy an auto, she began driving it in Keonjhar town to support herself and her daughter.

Her story gained public attention, and after hearing about her perseverance, Subrata Bagchi, Chairman of Skill Development, and then Keonjhar District Collector Tirumala Naik took a ride in her auto to encourage her. They also provided financial assistance.

As her daughter grew older, the financial burden increased, prompting Radhe Maa to move to Bhubaneswar. There, she secured a job as a driver for ‘Mo Bus’, a public transport service. It is said that she is the first female driver to operate a bus in Odisha.

Regarding her journey, Santoshini Deo, a.k.a. Radhe Maa, says, “No profession is small or big. I used to drive an auto-rickshaw before; now, I drive a bus. There is nothing to be ashamed of.”

Authorities Issue Heatwave Guidelines for Safe Bus Travel
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Authorities Issue Heatwave Guidelines for Safe Bus Travel

Bhubaneswar: Guidelines for Bus Travel

1. The State Transport Department has issued guidelines for heatwave conditions.

2. All buses must have provisions for drinking water and ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution).

3. A first aid kit, including ice packs, will also be available on buses.

4. Adequate rest stops will be provided for bus passengers.

5. No more passengers than the permitted capacity will be allowed on buses.

6. Kiosks will be set up along highways for passengers’ convenience.

7. Overloading and rooftop travel will result in fines.

8. A 24-hour control room will be operational at the RTO offices to address heatwave-related concerns.

Renowned Literary Figure Bichitrananda Panda Receives ‘Dakshina Odisha Sevaratna’ Award
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Renowned Literary Figure Bichitrananda Panda Receives ‘Dakshina Odisha Sevaratna’ Award

Puri, On the occasion of the Hindu New Year, literary figure Bichitrananda Panda was honored with the Dakshina Odisha Sevaratna award for his contributions to literature and social service in the Nandapur block region of Jeypore.

The honor was bestowed upon him on Sunday at a literary ceremony organized by Basanta Nilaya Sahitya Sansad in Ali Namouja, Kendrapara district. During the event, the Sansad Secretary presented him with a certificate of honor and a bouquet.

The event was graced by notable guests, including Professor Dr. Pratibha Maharathi, Akhila Chakra General Secretary Harekrishna Panda, and Reserve Bank official Chakradhara Das.

The Narayan Panda Smruti Sahitya Sansad, operating in the Nandapur block, has been actively working to preserve language and literature. Some of its notable initiatives include publishing the book Baishakhi, establishing children’s nurseries and women’s committees for women’s development, and declaring five villages as completely addiction-free zones.

The President of Basanta Nilaya Sahitya Sansad, Pandit Maheshwar Nanda, and Secretary Govindachandra Nanda provided this information, emphasizing the significance of honoring such contributions to literature and social development.