Work Starts on Nabarangpur Bypass; January Deadline Set for Completion
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Work Starts on Nabarangpur Bypass; January Deadline Set for Completion

Nabarangpur, Dec, 03:  The long-awaited Nabarangpur Bypass Road project has finally begun. This development is expected to provide major relief to the public from the persistent traffic congestion within the town. The 9.12 km stretch of National Highway–26 passing through the city is being constructed at a cost of ₹168.58 crore. According to the National Highways Department Executive Engineer B.A. Chhatria, the bypass road construction will be completed by January 2026.

Five Vehicle Underpasses / Overbridges

Out of the five planned vehicle underpasses (overbridges) on the National Highway, construction work near Rangamatiguda and Keshariguda has already started. Similar underpasses will also be built at Diabata, Kaiguda, and the Kaiguda–Diabata stretch.

In total, five overbridges will be constructed, and at these locations, the bypass road will pass over the national highway. The two-lane National Highway will have a width of 12 meters, out of which 10 meters will be blacktopped (paved).

At the start and end points of the bypass, a four-lane road will be constructed. Along the remaining 8 km, a two-lane road will be built. The bypass will connect Diabata village near the town to Keshariguda, pass by the SP’s Office, and further link to the National Highway-26 near Patramunda village.

Cost Breakdown

Out of the total ₹168.58 crore,

₹60 crore is allocated for constructing the 9 km road,

₹2.8 crore for land acquisition,

₹3.5 crore for plantation to compensate for the 9,000 trees cut during the project,

Funds have also been earmarked for new electric poles and electrification works.

The contractor company will maintain the road for five years after completion.

City Traffic to Improve Significantly

It is noteworthy that 5 km of NH-26 currently passes through Nabarangpur town. Between Jagannath Temple and Ram Temple, the narrow stretch of road causes heavy daily traffic congestion. With the new bypass, these long-standing traffic issues are expected to be resolved.

DEO Expresses Displeasure Over Poor Cleanliness at School Premises
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DEO Expresses Displeasure Over Poor Cleanliness at School Premises

Nabarangpur, Dec, 03:  Nabarangpur District Education Officer (DEO) Chhatrapati Sahu made a surprise visit on Monday to Jalani Mata High School in San Masigaon under Sadar Block. Upon seeing the unhygienic and unclean school environment, the DEO expressed strong displeasure toward the headmaster, assistant teachers, and school staff.

As no staff members took any initiative toward cleaning, DEO Sahu himself picked up a broom and cleaned the school veranda, removing accumulated dirt and cobwebs. Teachers and staff present at the school remained silent while witnessing this.

After cleaning the premises and instructing staff for regular monitoring, the DEO issued strict directives to the headmaster.

DEO Sweeps the Premises Himself, Teaches Students

The District Education Officer also inspected the Mid-Day Meal Programme. Although the menu listed egg curry, dalma had been served instead. He taught students in the classroom and inquired about issues faced by them.

Parents and students have expressed dissatisfaction regarding the unclean and poorly maintained school premises. The toilets have reportedly not been cleaned for a long time, and the drinking water facility is unhygienic. Parents allege that due to such poor conditions, student attendance is gradually decreasing.

Particularly, 68 girl students are facing difficulty due to the lack of water supply in the toilets. Officials have stated that steps will be taken to resolve the issue through awareness drives and collaborative management.

However, complaints continue that both the school premises and classrooms remain unclean. Not just this school—many schools across the district are reported to have unhygienic surroundings.

District-Level Unity March Kicks Off with Massive Public Participation
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District-Level Unity March Kicks Off with Massive Public Participation

Nabarangpur, Dec, 03:  On the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a two-day district-level Unity March will be held in Nabarangpur district on the 18th and 19th of November.

On the 18th, the march will begin at 7 AM from the Shaheed Minar located at Papadahandi and proceed for 12 km to the RCD High School ground in Nabarangpur. A meeting and cultural programme will be organized at the school ground.

On the 19th, the march will start at 7 AM from the statue of Shaheed Baga Pujari in Bada Bharandi village and continue up to the NK Ground in Umerkote.

Throughout the march, the district administration will arrange rest points, food, drinking water, primary medical services, public announcement (PA) kiosks, cultural programmes, and traffic management at various locations along the route.

Bharat Media Association Marks National Journalists’ Day with Grand Celebration
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Bharat Media Association Marks National Journalists’ Day with Grand Celebration

Kotpad , Dec, 03:  On the occasion of the sacred National Journalists’ Day, heartfelt greetings and congratulations were extended to all working journalist friends. Marking this occasion, the Kotpad unit of the Bharat Media Association organized a celebration today.

The chief guest of the event was Rupu Bhatra, Advisor to the Kotpad MLA. Among the dignitaries present were M. Shankar Rao, Chairman of the NAC; Rameshwar Jena, MP Representative; Parshuram Itara, Additional Tehsildar; Tapan Panigrahi, Block Vice Chairman; Ward No. 8 Member Salma Begum; Ward No. 10 Member Mohammad Sayed Yusuf; ex-Army personnel Gourang Nayak; and social worker and President of the Bhatra community Bhimsen Majhi.

The programme was presided over by Ajay Kumar Mishra, President of the Association.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA advisor Rupu Bhatra congratulated all working journalists of the Bharat Media Association on National Journalists’ Day. He appreciated their consistent efforts in delivering unbiased news and encouraged them to continue their dedicated work. He also announced that assistance would soon be provided from the MLA fund for setting up a new office for the Bharat Media Association.

Chairman M. Shankar Rao and all other guests praised the efforts of the Association and called upon all journalists to continue presenting impartial and responsible news.

Maruchi’s Signature Brunch Returns as Delhi’s Beloved Winter Ritual
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Maruchi’s Signature Brunch Returns as Delhi’s Beloved Winter Ritual

Maruchi’s Iconic Signature Brunch Returns for the Season: Delhi’s Favourite Winter Ritual Overlooking the Qutub Golf Course

Maruchi, Mehrauli’s beloved pan-Asian dining destination, brings back its much-awaited winter brunch series,  the Flying Brunch, a Delhi favourite that has become synonymous with the season. Overlooking the serene expanse of the Qutub Golf Course, this brunch continues to be the capital’s most celebrated weekend ritual, where great food, music, and sunshine come together effortlessly.

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Every Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm, Maruchi transforms into a lively open-air feast, offering a Signature Brunch format that combines the comfort of on-table dining with the excitement of multiple live counters and grazing tables. Guests can wander between the Teppanyaki counters, sushi grazing table, robatayaki grill, live khao suey station, live pizza and pasta bars, and the show-stopping duck carving station, serving both duck and mock duck rolls with hoisin and garlic sauces, all while soaking in panoramic golf course views that make this the most stunning brunch spot in the city.

Diners can indulge in favourites like thousand-spiced cottage cheese, lamb chop bulgogi, wok-tossed prawns in yellow curry, pork belly, and tiger prawn skewers, along with DIY salad counters and sustainable poke bowls with alternative gluten free options made with foxtail millet, quinoa, and sorghum jowar.

The mood is set by a live DJ and percussionist, while experiences like tarot readings and a puppy corner add an element of playfulness to the day. With both indoor and outdoor seating (the latter always in high demand), and an inclusive, kid- and pet-friendly ethos, Maruchi’s brunch remains a staple for those who love dining outdoors in style.

The Sober Brunch is priced at ₹3,500 all-inclusive, while the Boozy Brunch is ₹4,500 all-inclusive. For larger groups of 10 or more, special pricing applies  ₹3,000 AI (sober) and ₹4,000 AI (boozy). Advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Devam partners with Madhusudan to launch India’s first AI-powered micro devotional content series on historic temples
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Devam partners with Madhusudan to launch India’s first AI-powered micro devotional content series on historic temples

This collaboration brings unknown temple stories to Indians through AI, starting with Shakumbari Devi Temple, Saharanpur

Devam partners with Madhusudhan

New Delhi, Dec 2: Devam has partnered with leading FMCG brand Madhusudan to launch India’s first AI-generated temple micro-series, marking a pioneering moment in brand-led spiritual content creation. The partnership debuts with a Hindi-language series on Shakumbari Devi Temple, Saharanpur.

This launch comes as India’s spiritual tech sector experiences unprecedented growth. The devotional products market is projected to reach $9.5 billion by 2035, while micro-content consumption has surged 300% year-over-year.

“This partnership represents a new era where AI meets ancient wisdom to preserve India’s spiritual heritage. Young Indians are curious and seeking authentic storytelling. Through devam, we want to bring these temple stories to every Indian. This can have a huge impact.” said Nihal Rustgi, Cofounder, Devam.

The series uses advanced AI to create 60-second episodes featuring photorealistic temple visuals, authentic hindi narration, and interactive elements that let viewers virtually participate in temple rituals.

“Madhusudan has been part of Indian households’ spiritual rituals for generations. This partnership allows us to evolve that connection for the digital age. We’re not just advertising – we’re investing in cultural preservation through technology,” said Amit Aggarwal, Director, Madhusudan.

The 10-episode series will premiere on the devam platform, with daily episodes on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Following the Hindi launch, the partnership will expand to Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali in Q1 2026, with more significant temples in the pipeline.

This marks the first time a major FMCG brand has invested in AI-generated devotional micro-content, setting new standards for brand partnerships in spiritual tech and demonstrating AI’s potential in cultural preservation.

Madhupurgad Showcases Rich Heritage and Cultural Legacy
Rabindra Sahu news
Madhupurgad Showcases Rich Heritage and Cultural Legacy

Gad Madhupur, Dec 02:

Madhupurgad, located in the Dharmashala block of Odisha’s Jajpur district, is a historic fort deeply rooted in the legacy of ancient kings. For more than five centuries, the Madhupurgad palace has stood as a symbol of cultural heritage and royal grandeur. Once the royal capital, it served as the administrative center from where rulers governed their kingdom.

Nestled at the foothills of a scenic mountain range, the fort complex is home to the revered Jagannath Temple, drawing devotees and travelers throughout the year. The eastern part of the fort houses several significant temples, including:

    • Pancheshwari Temple
    • Sunamukhi Temple
    • Nilakameshwar Temple
    • Shiva Temple
    • Ashtashambhu Temple
    • Hanuman Temple
    • Mangala Temple
    • Tarini Temple
    • Munibaba’s Ashram

The Jagannath Temple inside the palace is built in the architectural style of the iconic Shree Jagannath Temple of Puri. All rituals and festivals, including the grand Rath Yatra, are observed with traditional sanctity. The surrounding village, set against picturesque hills, enhances the charm of this heritage site, making it a peaceful destination for tourists.

Adding to its historic value are the ancient royal ponds—Koilishwar Pushkarini, Rangasagar, Bhavang Pushkarini, and Aga Pokhari, each contributing to the fort’s serene environment.

Madhupurgad lies close to the Chandikhol–Dubura stretch of National Highway 53, just a few kilometers from Barada Chowk. A railway station named New Madhupurgad is situated on the southeastern side, improving accessibility. The fort is also surrounded by legends and stories that continue to draw visitors. During British rule, its prominence was such that it appeared in films, and to this day, many Odia movie and album shoots take place here.

The palace, positioned at the base of the hills, stands as a magnificent example of traditional architecture. Built between 1808 and 1847 during the reign of King Sudarshan Chandra Dhir Narendra Singh, the structure is crafted from massive stone blocks. The Jagannath Temple remains the focal point, and the annual Rath Yatra has been celebrated here for centuries. Historically, the king and queen would perform ceremonial duties before the chariot festival commenced.

Legend traces the origins of Madhupurgad back to 1526 AD, during the time of Mughal Emperor Babur. It is said that Shikhawan Singh, a Rajput from Jethpur in Rajasthan, arrived in Odisha and assisted the King of Puri in battles against neighboring territories. Impressed by his bravery, the Puri king granted him control over parts of Odisha, where he later established Madhupurgad and built the royal palace. Over the years, the palace came to be known as the King Palace, Rajbati, or Madhupur Estate.

Inside the palace, visitors can still find remnants of royal life, such as elephant-mounted telephones, ornate cups, and plates used by the kings. The royal line continues today: since 2007, Krishna Prakash Dhir Narendra Singh has been the custodian of the estate, with his daughter, Apanda Dhir Singh, carrying forward the family legacy.

Disha Committee Meeting Held in Nabarangpur to Review Development Projects
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Disha Committee Meeting Held in Nabarangpur to Review Development Projects

Nabarangpur, Dec 2: A Disha Committee meeting was convened today at the District Council Conference Hall in Nabarangpur, under the chairmanship of MP Majhi. The meeting reviewed the progress and implementation status of various central government schemes across the district.

Key infrastructure projects such as the Bharatmala Project, Jaipur–Nabarangpur railway line, and Junagadh–Nabarangpur railway connectivity were discussed in detail. Members also proposed steps to simplify loan disbursement under the Mudra scheme to ensure wider accessibility.

Concerns were raised about inadequate internet connectivity in several panchayats under the BharatNet initiative, which is hindering the delivery of essential digital services.

During the review of the MGNREGA program, it was highlighted that out of 2,39,038 active job card holders, only 2,871 individuals had completed 100 days of work. Officials were instructed to take necessary steps to increase this number. The committee also announced plans to electrify 1,802 households through solar energy.

The meeting further assessed the functioning of the health, education, transportation, and forest departments. Strong dissatisfaction was expressed over the absence of officials from the Water Resources Department, especially concerning issues related to household irrigation and lift irrigation projects.

National Child Adoption Awareness Camp and Awareness Rath Launched in Nabarangpur
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National Child Adoption Awareness Camp and Awareness Rath Launched in Nabarangpur

Nabarangpur Dec, 02: Under the directions of the Women & Child Development Department, Government of Odisha, the Nabarangpur District Administration and District Child Protection Unit organized a district-level National Child Adoption Awareness Month program at the Ashok Mehta Auditorium, District Collectorate, Nabarangpur.

The meeting was chaired by District Collector Dr. Maheswar Swain, who emphasized that various administrative departments are working to ensure the safety and security of every child in the district, and that every child in society needs a family. Children who are adopted according to the law are protected, and attention is being given to prevent illegal child adoptions.

The District Child Protection Unit, Child Welfare Committee, District Health Department, BDOs, CDPOs, Anganwadi workers, and ASHA workers have been instructed to ensure legal compliance. Any children living with someone other than their parents must be immediately presented to the Child Welfare Committee, failing which they will be declared illegally placed and brought under government care, as advised by the District Collector. All field-level staff will survey children in their areas and submit a list to the District Collector promptly.

Other dignitaries present included DSP Saroj Punam Kispata, District Social Welfare Officer Draupadi Kahna, Additional District Medical Officer Dr. Malay Kumar Tripathy, District Welfare Officer Ravindra Palja, District Planning Officer Anand Palai, Cluster Development Officer Nabarangpur Kshirorad Chandra Sahu, and District Child Protection Officer Suresh Kumar Pattnayak.

Officials from the District Security Unit, Child Adoption Centers (Manager Sagar Pattnayak), One Stop Center staff, Child Protection Assistance Centers, Anganwadi workers, Supervisors, and Gender Code Mentors were also present, making the program a success.

At 10:00 AM, District Collector Dr. Maheswar Swain inaugurated the Child Adoption Awareness Rath by hoisting the flag. This Rath will travel through all 10 blocks of Nabarangpur district, spreading messages about child adoption.

The awareness campaign aims to educate people about:

Child safety

Legal adoption procedures

Preventing children from being exploited

Prohibition of child marriage

Elimination of juvenile crime

Due to a lack of awareness, practices like child marriage still exist in society, depriving children of their fundamental rights. Parents, in the name of tradition, often marry off underage girls before they reach marriageable age, which may also lead to early motherhood.

The District Collector highlighted that the program aims to prevent child abuse, promote legal adoption, ensure child safety, rights, and education, and create widespread awareness among the community.

Preparatory Meeting Conducted for Block-Level Mandei Festival on December 6
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Preparatory Meeting Conducted for Block-Level Mandei Festival on December 6

Papadahandi, Dec, 02: A preparatory meeting was held today in the Block Conference Hall, Papadahandi, in connection with the upcoming block-level Mandei celebration. The meeting primarily discussed how to include more people in the Mandei on December 6, selection of chief guests, traffic management, date and start time, arrangements for food and drinks, cleaning of roads, bringing in artists, and various departmental exhibition stalls.

The meeting was chaired by Block President Hemlata Majhi, with Vice President Sushant Kumar Behera, MP representative Somnath Pujari, Ministerial representative Lingaraj Bhattara, SASMAL, MLA representative Raj Rajnikant, former MLA Bhujbal Majhi, Sub-Divisional Officer Satya Jit Khandekar, BDO Kapildev Sahu, and other key officials in attendance.

Other participants included Papadahandi Sarpanch Chandrashekhar Majhi, Makia Sarpanch Jagatjiban Nayak, former Sarpanch B. Jagannmohan Rao, G. Ananta Murti, BJP Mandal President Manoj Agrawal, Dinbandhu Bishoi, Trinath Amanatya, Hari Panigrahi, Rajkishore Rao, ABIO Balkadas Randhari,g CRCC Manoj Majhi, PIO Mangulu Bhattara, GPO Akshay Pattnayak, BSSO Subrat Kisan, along with sarpanch, PIOs, and committee members from various panchayats of the block.

The program was conducted by BPO Shashikant Das, who concluded the meeting with a vote of thanks.