Odisha
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.
Farmers turn to organic farming thanks to this ‘agri-friend’
Observing the rampant use of farm chemicals and resultant asthma among villagers, Geeta Rani Satpathy becomes a krishi mitra, and with an indirect approach convinces farmers to give up chemicals and practise organic cultivation.
On Kolab reservoir’s perilous pathway, villagers await bridge
Despite being a 15-minute drive from Koraput town in Odisha, 138 villages remain isolated due to the absence of a road bridge over the Kolab reservoir. They currently use a two-foot-wide pathway attached to an old railway bridge.
Why Odisha wants a GI tag for Koraput coffee
As Koraput coffee of Odisha embarks on an arduous journey to secure a geographical indication tag, farmers believe the recognition isn’t just a label but a celebration of their unique contribution to the global coffee tapestry.
Rajanigandha perfumes Odisha’s cyclone-wrecked Ralaba
Ralaba’s rajanigandha fields are a source of livelihood and a testament to a community’s ability to reinvent itself after a natural calamity.
She sold her family’s car to start a farmer producer company
Working as a supervisor to support her family, Reshamdevi Mallick faced many hurdles – some due to the choice of her life partner – but gained enough confidence to sell her family’s car and start a farmer producer company.
How the commons are intertwined with Odisha’s tribal groups
Adivasi communities, especially women, have a deep connection with the commons, as they depend on these resources for sustenance and livelihood. Here are some interesting insights into the relationship.
Planting palm trees to prevent lightning strike deaths
Odisha tops the list of states with the most number of deaths caused by lightning. Now an environmentalist is on a mission to revive the traditional practice of planting palm trees to counter the problem.
Odisha’s tribal youth excel in Pencak Silat martial art
The Bhatra family from Modiguda village in Odisha’s Nabarangpur district has scripted an inspiring tale of triumph over challenges as the young athletes overcome all odds with perseverance and indomitable will
Inspiring rural women who defied expectations
They had only a dream to start with. And they have made their mark in various fields with a never-quit spirit. This International Day of Rural Women, we revisit some inspiring stories covered on Village Square.
Football bridges social divides in Odisha village of Lodhas
In a village in Odisha where dominant tribal groups had set unwritten rules of divisive boundaries, a unique social transformation of inclusion is taking place through football.
Rural youth pioneer water sports on Mahanadi
In Odisha, water sports that were once confined to the marine drive thrive in the Mahanadi River, attracting rural youth and offering them a new livelihood.