Why is Utkal in the news for wrong reasons, asks Jamir

In an unprecedented manner, governor and chancellor of universities S C Jamir on Wednesday pulled up the Utkal University administration for making headlines for all wrong reasons. "If we look back on what happened in the last 12 months, we see the university finds itself regularly in the news for reasons other than academic excellence, and mostly for undesired happenings on the campus," Jamir said. He was addressing the 71st foundation day function of the university. 

"It surely serves a reminder that there is an urgent need for serious introspection from all stakeholders. I expect all, from teachers to students, to do everything to enable the university maintain its reputation as a premier centre of higher learning in the state," the chancellor said. Stating that discipline is applicable not only to students but also to teachers, Jamir said a teacher without discipline can't be an ideal guide. The governor's speech was widely seen in the varsity fraternity as a reference towards frequent campus unrest and infighting among top varsity functionaries. Jamir also called for promoting spirit of camaraderie among all stakeholders of the varsity, which is often under criticism for infighting.

He proposed that a cooperative approach be taken so that every member feels part of a big family. Stating that there are many complaints about functioning of the varsity, Jamir suggested the administration resolves the genuine problems immediately, which otherwise would lead to major conflict. Jamir emphasized on respecting women and bringing discipline among students and teachers. Vice-chancellor P K Sahoo, in his address, conceded serious difficulties in running the varsity due to inadequate faculty and infrastructure.

"I want to remind the government and society at large that Vani Vihar campus is now 50-year-old and is ageing. Nothing less than a complete renovation of teaching, administrative and residential blocks and hostels would save us from a disaster," Sahoo said. Highlighting faculty shortage, Sahoo said, "We can not fulfil the minimum requirement (for special assistance programme of the University Grants Commission) owing to lack of teachers. This is not a happy situation," he said. 

The VC said with a large number of vacancies and no digitized library, the varsity can't seek re-accreditation from National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), which is mandatory under UGC guidelines. Pressing for more state funding, the VC said the state government had declared a few post graduate departments centres of excellence. Such declaration must be backed by additional manpower and funds, he said. "We know our problems. We know the solutions, yet we feel helpless. So we feel uncertain about the future. The days ahead are difficult and full of struggle. We need support from all quarters," the VC said. Source: ToI 

100-foot high brick made British era Chimney withstands two cyclones in Berhampur

A few meters away from this chimney, a major shed of the CWC depot has been completely devastated by Phailin cyclone

A tall brick built chimney of the British era on the campus of the Central Warehouse Corporation (CWC) in the city has withstood the super cyclone of 1999 and the recent Phailin cyclone proving that at times ‘old can also be strong’.

This around 100-foot high chimney stands proudly amid signs of devastation by the Phailin all around it on the campus of the Central Warehouse Corporation (CWC) in goods shed area of the city. The Phailin has also not been able to put any mark of damage on this decades old chimney.

It is quite interesting to note that a few metres away from this chimney, a major shed of the depot of the CWC had been completely devastated by the Phailin cyclone.

This large shed containing 2,000 MT of rice had collapsed under the wrath of the cyclone. Its asbestos roof was blown away and its walls had also collapsed making the rice stock in it exposed to rains that accompanied the cyclone. But the old chimney stood undeterred by the heavy winds of the cyclone as if hinting at a ray of hope.

According to regional manager, Odisha of the CWC, S. Pravin Kumar, this brick made chimney had also not suffered any damage due to the super cyclone of 1999. It only bears the effects of time and nature. At present a large banyan tree has grown at the top of this chimney. Although roots of the tree have reached the ground through the chimney, they have also not been able to bring in cracks on its stone wall. Mr Kumar felt some bird may have dispersed banyan seed at the top of the chimney which has now grown into a mature tree.

Before the CWC took up this patch of land to establish its largest depot in Odisha, it had a rice mill during British-era. This chimney happens to be the only remnant of that rice mill.

Several times in the past, the CWC authorities had tried to demolish this brick made chimney but they were not successful in their effort. It has been made by small sized strong bricks which were joined by traditional joining materials rather than cement. Moreover, metal rings had been provided around the chimney at several places to make it stronger. ‘These factors have till now saved this chimney from vagaries of nature as well as human efforts to break it down”, said Mr Kumar.

The CWC has now decided not to make any more efforts to demolish this old chimney. It would now be renovated and used as a landmark for the CWC depot in Berhampur. As it can be seen from quite a distance, the CWC plans to put up its signboard above the chimney after its renovation. Source: The Hindu