Dhenkanal
Mother-coach propels Odisha lad to throwball stardom
In a country where cricket and hockey dominate the sports landscape, Odisha athlete Kuldip Samant’s journey offers hope to aspiring throwball players, proving that even the most unlikely dreams can become a reality.
Elderly puppeteers of Odisha keep kandhei nacha alive
Rabi Narayan Jena, Dukhabandhu Jena and Umakanta Jena are fighting to revive the ancient art of kandhei nacha (rod puppetry), despite modern entertainment threatening its existence in Odisha.
From momos seller to hockey hero, Odisha teen overcomes hardships
Dhenkanal under-19 hockey team captain Debrat Nayak, an 18-year-old from Mangalpur village, works at a street food stall to support his family and fund his hockey gear.
Straw artist Pradeepta Nayak preserves heritage using paddy waste
Armed with little more than paddy straws and a boundless imagination, Odisha’s national award-winning artist Pradeepta Nayak resurrects an ancient art form and empowers women in his native Jirala village through his craft.
Danda, a festival of the people’s belief
The Danda Yatra festival, spanning 13 days, is one of Odisha’s traditional festivals, and culminates in the Pana Sankranti marking the Odia new year. Village Square brings to you the highlights.
Kolha – A neglected village in Odisha’s Dhenkanal
Despite several decades of independence, Kolha Village in the district of Dhenkanal, Odisha, continues to be untouched by progress. Villagers here can only dream about proper road connections and electricity. Here’s more on their plight.
Odisha school bridges gap between disability and ability
Teachers at Nandini Devi school for deaf, mute and blind students in Dhenkanal prove that with love and dedication, every obstacle can be transformed into an opportunity.
Check out Sarakapatna’s vibrant ‘Hastatanta’ sarees
Sarakapatna in Odisha is the home of 'Hastatanta' sarees that weave a tapestry of beauty and tradition. The rhythmic clatter of tanta (looms) echoes in every household, a testament to the enduring artistry of this captivating craft.
Pad perfect – championing menstrual hygiene
Two humble initiatives in Odisha and Jammu and Kashmir are making a difference in the lives of thousands of rural women by providing them easy access to sanitary napkins.