Jeypore, 4th Sept 2025: Manasi Rani Mahanti has been selected as the first Shaktishree Companion of Vikramdev University. Following the directive of the Odisha Government’s Higher Education Department, a Shaktishree Empowerment Cell has been formed at the university. For this, a selection process was conducted among both undergraduate and postgraduate female students of the university. One undergraduate and one postgraduate student were selected from each department. The selection involved tests of academic merit, leadership skills, problem-solving ability, presence of mind, general knowledge, etc.
The selection process was organized under the chairmanship of Dr. Sagarika Mishra, convener of the Internal Complaints Committee. The selection panel included Dr. Prashant Patra, Director of the Postgraduate Council; Captain Laxman Patra, Principal of Higher Secondary School; Devadatta Induria, Director of Human Resource Development Council; Dr. Arun Raj; and others.
Sexual harassment cell members Santoshi Nayak, Pallavi Nayak, Krishna Priyadarshini, and others were also involved in the responsibilities.
Manasi Rani Mahanti was chosen as the Shaktishree Companion. Other Shaktishree representatives selected included Snigdhasuman Sahu, Vishnupriya Swain, Shubhashree Biswal, Mandira Sarkar, Pranati Panigrahi, Manisha Chichuan, Suchitra Pattnaik, Yamini Pattnaik, Pridarshini Chaudhury, Sharmistha Palai, Smritimedha Mishra, Anjali Satapathy, Shubhashree Biswal, Priyanka Patra, Aliva Swain, Premika Khilo, Baby Jal, Priyanka Satapathy, Sneharani Khemundu, Shubhasmita Shadangee, Pratisha Sahu, Surabhi Rath, Priyanka Sabat, Kashish Patra, among others.
The program was managed by Shaktishree convener Sukanti Saye.
Manasi Rani is a meritorious third-year undergraduate student in Zoology. She is known for her eloquence and has participated in over a hundred competitions at school, college, district, state, and inter-university levels, winning many awards in debates and oratory contests. She has been honored by Sambad Sahityaghara and has received youth awards from various organizations. Manasi is the eldest daughter of the late Simanchal Mahanti and Saudamini Mahanti.