Tribal Uans Festival Celebrated with Kendu Twig and Turmeric Leaf Rituals
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Tribal Uans Festival Celebrated with Kendu Twig and Turmeric Leaf Rituals

Malkangiri, 30th July 2025:In tribal-dominated regions, local tribal communities celebrate 22 different festivals across 12 months. Among them, Uans (or Uansi) Festival is one of the most significant. This unique agricultural festival is celebrated with the hope of a good harvest, protection of crops from pests and wild animals, and for the well-being of the family. It is not an exaggeration to call this a farming-based festival.

The festival is generally celebrated in the month of Shravan, starting seven days from the new moon of Chitalagi Amavasya. During this time, rice seedlings in the fields have already grown into saplings with tender green leaves and are often prone to pest attacks.

As a tradition, tribal farmers perform rituals in their farmlands, where they plant Kendu twigs, offer turmeric leaves, food offerings, and light lamps and incense to worship the rice plants. They also worship Mother Earth, along with village deities and ancestral gods. To protect their domesticated animals such as cows, goats, and sheep, they are bathed and cleaned thoroughly, offered jaggery and rice cakes, and in some cases, special pithas (rice cakes) are cooked and floated in nearby rivers and ponds.

In Malkangiri district headquarters’ areas like Talasahi, Pradhaniguda, and the surrounding regions of Chalanguda and Tandiki, tribal farmers celebrated this festival with enthusiasm and grandeur. Farmers ventured into nearby forests to collect Kendu twigs, Shatavari, Dashamoola roots, and other medicinal herbs, while also bringing turmeric leaves from their backyards.

They went to their fields with their families, where they planted the Kendu twigs in the center of the farmland. Near the rice saplings, they performed rituals using items like milk, Deobadani (sacred grass), Rasna (a medicinal plant), Diuna, Baatri, Bhelua, and Kendu branches. After the rituals, the twigs were firmly planted in their field.

This festival has been celebrated since ancient times, handed down through generations. Its purpose is to ensure a bountiful harvest, prevent wild animals from harming the crops, avoid crop diseases and pests, and bring peace and prosperity to the family. According to farmers from the old tribal village of Podapadar, near Goiparbat in Malkangiri, Uans is a deeply rooted traditional agricultural festival.

Farewell Ceremony Held for Malkangiri District Collector
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Farewell Ceremony Held for Malkangiri District Collector

Malkangiri, 30th July 2025: Malkangiri District Collector Ashish Ishwar Patil has been transferred to Dhenkanal district. On behalf of the district administration, a farewell felicitation ceremony was organized in the District Council Conference Hall under the chairmanship of Additional District Magistrate (Revenue), Bedabar Pradhan. Prior to his tenure in Malkangiri, Mr. Patil had served efficiently as the Collector of Kandhamal district.

During his tenure in Malkangiri, Mr. Patil left a distinct mark on the district. Due to his efforts, the aspirational blocks of Malkangiri are now on the verge of being recognized by NITI Aayog for outstanding performance across various sectors. Additionally, significant steps were taken under his leadership for the distribution of forest land titles and compensation disbursement for railway projects.

Officials attending the event praised Mr. Patil’s remarkable contributions. Many officers shared their personal experiences of working with him, appreciating his unique working style and leadership. They unanimously commended his innovative approach and dedication to public service.

In his farewell address, Mr. Patil expressed that working in Malkangiri would always hold a special place in his heart. He remarked that the innocent tribal population and the unconditional love and respect of the people of the district would remain unforgettable. He also emphasized the power of teamwork, stating that even the impossible can be achieved through collective effort.

The ceremony was attended by District Forest Officer Sai Kiran, Additional District Magistrate (General) Somanath Pradhan, District Planning Officer Naresh Chandra Sabar, Deputy Collector Duryodhan Bhoi, Additional Superintendent of Police Rashmiranjan Senapati, and other senior district-level officers. Similarly, the staff of the Collector’s office also organized a separate felicitation program in honor of the outgoing Collector.

Two Years After Floods Washed Away Bridge, 4,000 People from 6 Villages Still Struggle
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Two Years After Floods Washed Away Bridge, 4,000 People from 6 Villages Still Struggle

Malkangiri, 30th July 2025: It has been two years since the old bridge was washed away in heavy rains, yet no steps have been taken to construct a new bridge. Despite repeated demands from villagers, the construction has not even started. As a result, over 4,000 residents from six villages are facing severe transportation issues.

Villagers have resorted to crossing the river by dangerously laying cement electric poles to create makeshift paths, risking their lives daily. Such scenes have been witnessed in Anantapali village under Kalimela Block of Malkangiri district, which dates back to the British era.

According to locals, the old bridge was the only means of communication for villages like Anantapali, Jamara Guda, Clarasanpalli, Nelakata, M-81, and Tinirajpalli. Even though there is an alternate road, the old route is shorter, so residents continue to rely on it. The old bridge, considered the lifeline for these villages, was washed away during the floods two years ago.

At that time, the Rural Development Department (RD) created a temporary road with morrum and laid palm trunks for movement, which has now completely collapsed. Due to the broken connection and lands being located across the river, villagers recently placed cement electric poles across the stream and are using bikes to cross — risking serious accidents.

The villagers questioned, “Who will be responsible if a tragedy occurs?” Despite submitting multiple written complaints to the administration, no action has been taken, leading to growing anger among locals.

They allege that the village has been neglected since British rule, not just in terms of the bridge, but also basic infrastructure — no concrete roads, no drainage system, no telecom services, and no internet connectivity. Young people in the village have to travel nearly 10 km just to get a mobile signal.

In response, the Junior Engineer of RD-2 stated that around ₹4 crore will be spent on the new bridge. Tenders have already been floated, and within 15 days, the agency to undertake the work will be finalized. The selected agency will also be instructed to create a diversion road for public use during construction. According to the department, the new bridge construction will begin very soon, which should alleviate the villagers’ long-standing travel difficulties.

12th Battalion Nabarangpur Organizes Cycle Rally for Public Awareness
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12th Battalion Nabarangpur Organizes Cycle Rally for Public Awareness

Nabarangpur, 30th July 2025: A cycle rally was organized today by the 12th Battalion stationed in Nabarangpur as part of the Raising Day celebrations. On this special occasion, a green flag was waved by Battalion Commandant Mr. N.K.K. Prasad, marking the official start of the rally.

The rally commenced from the battalion camp and proceeded through a route covering Nabarangpur town. During the rally, officers and jawans rode bicycles to promote physical fitness and to spread awareness about environmental protection.

Several dignitaries participated in this event, including Deputy Commandant Firoz Arli, Medical Officer Dr. Madhav Kumar, Raju Pattnayak, Inspector Sujit Kumar, Mahesh Kumar, N.D. Naidu, and Pramod Sonowal, along with all the jawans of the battalion.

UltraTech Inaugurates Tailoring Training Centers in Dhutra and Orda Villages
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UltraTech Inaugurates Tailoring Training Centers in Dhutra and Orda Villages

Jharsuguda 30th July 2025: As part of its ongoing commitment to women’s empowerment and sustainable livelihood development, Jharsuguda Cement Works under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, has inaugurated two Tailoring Training Centers in Dhutra and Orda villages.

These centers aim to provide skill development opportunities to rural women from the surrounding areas, thereby promoting self-reliance and entrepreneurship. The training is expected to equip the women with practical tailoring skills, enabling them to generate income and become self-employed.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by:

  • Mr. Purushottam Vemuri, Unit Head, Jharsuguda Cement Works
  • Mr. Abhinash Lakra, Block Development Officer (BDO), Kirmira
  • Mr. Pitambar Prusty, HR Head, Jharsuguda Cement Works
  • Binapani Podh, local Sarpanch
  • Other distinguished guests from the community

This initiative will help local women gain essential tailoring skills, creating new livelihood opportunities and fostering economic independence. The program was anchored by Factory Development Officer Mr. Simiyan Barik, and was supported by the village youth groups.

10 Sarpanches from Brajarajnagar Constituency Join BJP
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10 Sarpanches from Brajarajnagar Constituency Join BJP

Bhubaneswar, 30th July 2025: Losing faith in the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), many of its leaders and workers from the Brajarajnagar Assembly constituency in Jharsuguda district formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday.

Sarpanches from various Gram Panchayats under Lakhanpur block of Brajarajnagar Assembly constituency ceremonially joined the BJP. The induction ceremony took place at the BJP State Headquarters, where Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari, Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, and Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra welcomed the new members by offering them party caps and scarves.

With the joining of these 10 sarpanches from Lakhanpur block, the BJP’s organizational strength in the region is expected to grow significantly, and this move is anticipated to boost local development. Minister Pujari remarked that many more BJD workers would be joining BJP in the coming days.

Among those who switched allegiance from BJD to BJP are:

  • Ashok Kumar Seth, Sarpanch of Kandheikela GP
  • Prafulla Kumar Singh, Sarpanch of Remta GP
  • Arun Suna, Sarpanch of Charpali GP, along with his wife Prashanta Suna
  • Tarulata Barik, Sarpanch of Kadamdihi GP
  • Sunima Pradhan, Sarpanch of Baghamunda GP
  • Gopinath Sai, Sarpanch of Jamgaon GP
  • Sushanta Nayak, Sarpanch of Remenda GP
  • Jharana Seth, Sarpanch of Saranda Mal GP
  • Seema Sahu, Sarpanch of Banjari GP
  • Rangadhar Dila, Sarpanch of Pipilimala GP

Also present on the occasion were State BJP Vice President Birancha Narayan Tripathy, State General Secretary Jatin Mahanti, Sharada Prasad Satapathy, and Jharsuguda District President Raghunandan Panda, among others.

TPCODL Celebrates Van Mahotsav with Tree Plantation Drive
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TPCODL Celebrates Van Mahotsav with Tree Plantation Drive

Bhubaneswar, 30th July 2025:  As part of a joint initiative between Tata Power and the Government of Odisha, TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL) organized Van Mahotsav celebrations at various locations.

The aim of this campaign was to raise awareness among the public about increasing greenery through tree plantation. On this occasion, group members were encouraged to actively participate in the plantation drive and to take responsibility for the protection and care of the saplings.

Emphasis was laid on the critical role of forests and trees in maintaining environmental balance and ensuring sustainability of the ecosystem for a better future.

Govt Plans to Lighten School Bags for Children
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Govt Plans to Lighten School Bags for Children

Bhubaneswar, 30th July 2025: From Class 1 to Class 10, students’ school bag weights must range between 1.5 kg and 5 kg only. If a school fails to comply with this directive, strict action will be taken against it. Though these guidelines were issued by the State Government back in 2019, their implementation has largely been neglected. As a result, children continue to carry heavy bags to school.

Now, the government has renewed its commitment to lighten students’ bags. The Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA) has issued instructions to all District Education Officers (DEOs) to strictly enforce the 2019 guidelines and ensure adherence in **all government, aided

Devotees Perform Jalabhishek at Shaiva Shrines on Third Shravan Monday in Redhakhol
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Devotees Perform Jalabhishek at Shaiva Shrines on Third Shravan Monday in Redhakhol

Redhakhol,30th July 2025: On the third Monday of the holy month of Shravan, large gatherings of Kawadias (devotees of Lord Shiva) and other pilgrims were witnessed at various Shaiva shrines in the Redhakhol region of Sambalpur district.

Near Bhima Bhoi College Chhak in Redhakhol town, Sri Haragauri Bolbam Committee organized a prasad distribution program for Kawadia devotees and other worshippers. With great enthusiasm, the committee members set up a stall along the NH-55 (National Highway-55) near the college chhak, offering food to devotees and pilgrims who had arrived in large numbers.

All members of the committee participated actively in making the arrangement a success.

Thousands of Kawadias were seen assembling at various Shaiva shrines in the region. Carrying holy water drawn from flowing streams and rivers, they had walked long distances to perform Jalabhishek (ritual water offering) on Lord Shiva.

Major temples that witnessed heavy footfall included:

  • Baba Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Redhakhol)
  • Khulagada Shiva Temple
  • Baba Kapileshwar Temple (Charamal)
  • Kadaligada Shaiva Shrine
    as well as other Shiva temples across several nearby panchayats and villages.

A large number of devotees and pilgrims were seen worshipping and celebrating the sacred day with deep devotion.

OSSTA Khordha District Gets New Leadership: Yogesh as President, Sudhakar as Secretary
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OSSTA Khordha District Gets New Leadership: Yogesh as President, Sudhakar as Secretary

Khordha, 30th July 2025: The 10th Constitutional Convention of the Odisha Secondary School Teachers’ Association (OSSTA), Khordha district, was held at Debaraj Vidyapeeth under the chairmanship of District President Ambika Prasad Pattnaik. During this convention, new office bearers were unanimously elected for the next three years.

The program began with a presentation by District Secretary Sudhakar Mahapatra, who outlined the organizational activities and financial report of the past three years. After discussion, the report was accepted.

Former OSTA President Padmanabha Bishwal, current OSSTA President Akshay Kumar Mishra, Working President Nilamani Purohit, General Secretary Ranjan Kumar Das, Joint General Secretaries Braja Kishore Bishwal and Ashok Kumar Mahapatra, District-in-Charge Manikeswar Swain, Secretary Ramakanta Mahapatra, District Working President Yogesh Chandra Samantsinghar, Education Editor Pradeepta Kumar Pradhan, State Executive Member Madhusudan Deo, and District Association Advisor Santosh Chandra Kar were present and raised concerns about teachers and employees.

Key demands included:

  • Granting TG (Trained Graduate) scale to all teachers completing 48 years of age.
  • Granting 7th Pay Commission benefits to the teachers and staff who have been left out.
  • The newly elected officials were unanimously chosen:
  • President: Yogesh Chandra Samantsinghar
  • Working President: Prakash Chandra Palai
  • Vice Presidents: Srihari Mali, Ramesh Chandra Pradhan, Swarnaprabha Dei
  • Secretary (third term): Sudhakar Mahapatra
  • Joint Secretaries: Ghanashyam Swain, Ratikanta Kahlasingh, Mamina Behera
  • Executive Committee Members: Sunil Kumar Panda, Niranjan Sahu, Kishore Kumar Subudhi, Santosh Kumar Sahu, Trinath Hota, Mrutyunjaya Rath
  • Additionally, Santosh Chandra Kar, Ambika Prasad Pattnaik, Kailash Chandra Tripathy, Ganeshwar Swain, and Ganeshwar Mishra have been nominated as advisors.
  • Executive President Nilamani Purohit administered the oath to the newly elected office bearers and members. OSTA Executive Member Madhusudan Deo offered the vote of thanks.