Odisha
The thirst of Jaladihi: A village’s fight for water
It took a crisis for the villagers of Jaladihi, in Odisha, to realise their ability to move the establishment. Here’s more on the village’s tussle for water, and their victory over an indifferent system.
From waste to wonder – Odisha’s eco-friendly cow dung toys
At a time when plastic and rubber toys rule the market, artisans in Ganjam district are crafting them in the traditional way. From dolls to animal masks and vegetable shapes, the toys come in various forms and sizes.
How this 15-year-old Odisha girl ‘sprinted’ to a weightlifting record
Preetismita Bhoi made headlines at this year’s IWF World Youth Championships. She tells us how she moved from sprinting to weightlifting due to her coach’s perseverance, and the inspiration she derived from her idol Mirabai Chanu.
Herbal healer leads biodiversity revival in Odisha’s Koraput district
In the green hills of Deomali, Hari Pangi’s mission to plant healing trees shows that with a deep connection to the past and a commitment to the future, one person can inspire change on a grand scale.
How a struggling widow became a micro-entrepreneur
Widowed young, Basanti Nahaka of Odisha was financially struggling till she joined a producer group. With support from her group, she extracts and sells mustard oil in her village and other places, which improves her finances.
Tribal women ensure safe drinking water for their village
In Kantakoli, a remote village in Odisha where the indigenous Juanga community lives, a severe water crisis spurred women to take action and ensure access to clean drinking water and improved livelihoods.
Coastal erosion takes its toll on this Odisha village
As the thriving coastal community with 200 families has been forced to abandon their houses and leave the village because of sea erosion, Podampetta in Odisha’s Ganjam district appears like a ghost village.
Odisha dholak player’s journey from village squares to viral video
Despite battling night blindness and financial hardships, Golak Paik, a musician from Dublabahal village in Odisha, has captivated netizens with his Sambalpuri music after a video of his performance went viral on social media.
Young tribal woman transforms farming in rain-scarce Malkangiri
Muni Madkami has empowered her village and surrounding communities to reclaim their livelihoods through agriculture, effectively curbing large-scale migration to cities for work.
26-year-old Puri youth leads Odisha’s green revolution
Soumya Ranjan Biswal, the 26-year-old founder of Odisha Paryavaran Sanrakshan Aviyan, has mobilised local communities to protect ecosystems, promote mangrove restoration and Olive Ridley turtle conservation, and organise events to combat sea pollution.
Koraput-Rayagada, India’s hidden gem of rail tourism
Scenic beauty, cultural richness and engineering marvels along the Koraput-Rayagada and Kothavalasa-Kirandul rail routes in Odisha make them must-visit destinations for any travel enthusiast.
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.
Odisha trans woman battles stigma to serve humanity
Braving multiple odds, trans woman Chinmayi Das has risen to be known as a figure of compassion in Odisha. She provided dignity in death by cremating over 400 Covid-19 victims, and her organisation continues to work for the disadvantaged.
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.
Bahabanga festival: A cultural identity of the Santhals
The Santhals’ practice of welcoming a new season through rituals, songs and dances during the Bahabanga festival showcases their culture, and demonstrates how their lives revolve around nature and agricultural seasons.
Odisha man gains recognition for humanitarian innovations
Ashish Mahana, a 46-year-old from Odisha’s Sambalpur, left his well-paying corporate job to pursue his passion for innovation, developing a smart stick featuring obstacle sensors and GPS tech to aid the blind.
Odisha man’s home museum boasts 3,200 rare coins and more
Meet Mitesh Ranjan Sahu, a 38-year-old government employee in Odisha, who is an avid collector of coins, currency notes, matchbox labels, postage stamps, and medals, earning him the nickname ‘Currency King’.
Traditional Odia sweet magaji ladoo awarded GI tag
Magaji is a beloved sweet of Odisha’s Dhenkanal district. Its makers’ dedication to quality and tradition has earned this remarkable preparation a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, ensuring its authenticity and preservation for future generations.
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.
Lemongrass flavours prosperity in Odisha’s Koraput
Farmers in Koraput are transitioning to lemongrass cultivation, supported by the district’s horticulture department and the Odisha government, as the herb offers a higher return than traditional crops.