Odisha
A mother’s determination brings mid-day meals to children in Odisha village
The lack of an anganwadi centre and mid-day meal programme posed challenges for children’s education and nutrition in Kharkhari village until housewife Jyotsna Mohanta took matters into her own hands
This paan seller is an inspiring life coach in rural Odisha
Narahari Malla, a 77-year-old paan shop owner in Baanbarada village of Odisha’s Puri district, imparts invaluable life lessons to students across multiple schools, teaching traditional values and holistic well-being.
Odisha delivery agent seeks support to continue MBBS
Despite facing financial challenges, the determination of Hebal Pradhan, who hails from a remote village in Odisha, to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor has ignited a wave of support from his community, his medical college and well-wishers.
The Fighters lead the charge against cancer in Odisha
A group of 60 survivors in Odisha's Bargarh district band together as The Fighters Group and spearheads efforts to combat cancer, culminating in the inauguration of the region's first cancer hospital.
Villagers unite to battle forest fires in Odisha
As forests provide them sustenance, residents of Nitigotha village in Odisha unite to contain the forest fire spreading from neighbouring areas and take collaborative steps to prevent fire incidents.
Bela pana, a nutritional and cooling Odia drink
Belapana, made from bael (wood apple) fruit, is a Odia drink that is believed to have cooling and digestive properties, making it ideal for the hot summer days.
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.
A journey of devotion and activism to revive Odisha’s Prachi river
As the once-glorious Prachi river languishes in neglect, a noble initiative known as Prachi Parikrama and led by spiritual guru Paramahamsa Prajnanananda seeks to breathe new life into its waters.
From pond to Padma Shri, Odisha’s aquaculture icon charts new waters
Batakrushna Sahoo, the ‘Aquaman’ of Odisha, rose from humble beginnings to national recognition for revolutionising fish farming and empowering thousands through free training programmes and initiatives like Aqua Chaupal.
Sparrow Saviors of Jeypore: A Tale of Community Conservation
A contract worker pours in his savings, and efforts, for the cause of the sparrow in Odisha’s Jeypore city where urbanisation has taken its toll on the species.
Unsung heroes of Odisha’s anganwadi centres
Despite formidable challenges like traversing a hill trail on foot, these anganwadi workers ensure that essential medical services reach those in need, even amidst Koraput’s rugged landscape.
Delicious traditional Odia recipes that you must try
As Odisha celebrates its Utkala Divas (formation day) on April 1, we bring to you some star dishes from the state that appeal to varied palates.
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.
The cheesiest Indian desserts on offer
One of India’s favourite sweet treats, rasmalai, was chosen as the second-best cheese-based dessert in the world. Here are more such sweet dishes from India that lean in on our cheese-making traditions.
Odisha’s guardian angel for the homeless
Setting a profound example of empathy and social responsibility, Bipin Bihari Panda has been rescuing and rehabilitating mentally ill and destitute people from the streets for nine years.
Boat ambulance brings solace to isolated villagers in Odisha
No bridge, bring boat. This old saying encapsulates both the challenge and the solution for over 20,000 residents of 138 villages in Odisha's Koraput district, separated from the district headquarters town by the Kolab reservoir.
Exciting village festivals you can attend this March
Spring is here! And rural India is getting ready to celebrate the blooming season with festivities that reflect each region’s cultural richness. These are some of the most vibrant festivals you can enjoy this March.
Night-watchman supports Odisha’s Adivasi archers’ Olympic dreams
Mitrabhanu Mohapatra, an archery coach in Jujumura village of Odisha, dedicates his life to coaching aspiring archers from low-income Adivasi families, transcending the boundaries of sport and shaping futures
Field trainers help Odisha villagers claim forest rights
With the help of trained field trainers, forest-dependent villagers of Keonjhar in Odisha are now increasingly able to file their claim for their rights under the Forest Rights Act.