Odisha
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.
eNAM digital revolution empowers tribal farmers in Odisha’s Nabarangpur
eNAM is connecting tribal farmers directly with buyers across India, eliminating middlemen, ensuring fair prices, and promoting transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in agricultural trading.
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.