New RDC & Chairman of Tara Tarini Development Board Shri B J Sharma visits Tara Tarini Adi Shakti peetha

Berhampur ITI adjudged best institute in the country

Berhampur ITI student gets best craftsman award

The government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Berhampur has been adjudged best institute in the country in ‘Mechanic Motor Vehicle Trade’ and Srikant Sahu, a student of this trade of the institute, has been declared as the best craftsman of his trade in India.

These recognitions have come from the Director General of Employment and Training (DGE&T) of the Ministry of Labour, said the principal of this ITI, Rajat Kumar Panigrahy. On Friday, State Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Sanjay Das Burma honoured Srikant as well as staff and students of the Institute for this achievement. On Thursday, Srikant along with the principal of the institute had met the CM Naveen Patnaik in Bhubaneswar.

Every year the DGE&T assesses infrastructure and quality of training imparted in different trades in ITIs all over the country. There are 12,275 ITIs in India, including the government and private ones. The DGE&T also conducts tests to find out best craftsman in the country each trade taught in ITIs. Students in final year ITIs are eligible for this test. Initial scrutiny is done at state level and one student for each trade is selected to take part in the national level test.

This year Srikant of 2012-14 batch of ‘Mechanic Motor Vehicle Trade’ of Berhampur government ITI had represented Odisha in the national level test held in Kanpur in May. He was adjudged the best craftsman of his trade in the country. Adding to his honours, his institute was also distinguished as the best ITI in the country for ‘Mechanic Motor Vehicle Trade’. Srikant hails from Jharigaon in Nabarangpur district of south Odisha.

-BERHAMPUR, November 7, 2015

Horrible condition in Puri Jagannath Temple

Condition of Educational Institutions in Odisha

Shifting of NHAI office Berhampur to Balasore

Friends, Please raise your voice against this anti Berhampur stand of the Naveen Patnaik led BJD govt...otherwise this negligence towards Berhampur and South Odisha will continue for ever............

-Ram Prasad Tripathy

Happy Dussehra

Shodasa Puja commences at Tara Tarini Shakti Peeth

The famous Sodasha Puja at Tara Tarini Shakti Peeth near Berhampur in Odisha started from Mulastami i.e. on 04 October, 2015. This Puja will continue till Mahastami i.e. on 20th October, 2015. In major Shakti Peethas like Kamakshya, Daksinakali, Tara Tarini, Bimala, Chamundeswari and Maha Kali the Durga Puja is observed for 16 days, starting from Bhadrapada Krushna Paksha Ashtami to Ashvina Shukla Paksha Navami of the Hindu Calendar, also known as Shodasa Puja or  Shodasa Dinatmaka Upachara.

Noteworthy Tara Tarini is worshiped as the Breast Shrine (Sthana Peetha) and manifestations of Adi Shakti. The Tara Tarini Shakti Peetha is one of the oldest pilgrimage centers of the Mother Goddess and is one of four major ancient Tantra Peethas and Shakti Peethas in India.

Amidst chanting of hymns the Sodasha Puja also known as Devi Utthapana began at Tara Tarini shrine after 3.00 pm on Mulastami. 108 Sevakas of Tara Tarini Shakti Peeth brought 108 pots of water from the holy Rushikulya River flowing at the foothill of the shrine.  After rituals of Snana, Majana, Mangala Arati, Maha Arati, Chhandi Path and commencement of Chandi Yagna in the established tradition, the goddess gave darshan to her devotees in the Rajarajeswari Besha and the entire process continued till 12.30 pm next day.

As per the information from the shrine, the Chandi Patha and Chandi Yagna started on the first day of Sodasha Puja will continue till last day of Vijayadashami / Dussehra. Out of the 16 days, the Navratri Puja will start from October 13 and will culminate on October 21. Navaratri is the last nine days of Shodasa Puja and the Shakti is also worshiped by devotees in different pandals for a period of nine days.

According to the Vedic scriptures, Adi Shakti or Goddess Durgā is a symbol of power. She is worshipped in nine different forms and is therefore termed Nava-durgā. Each of the nine manifestation of Durgā are  worshipped with full devotion during Navarātri at Tara Tarini Adi Shakti Peeth. These nine forms of manifestation are Śhailaputrī, Brahmachāriṇī, Chandrakaṇṭā, Kuṣhmāṇḍā, Skandamātā, Kātyāyanī, Kālarātrī, Mahāgaurī and Siddhidātrī. It is believed that if worshipped ‘Nava Durgā’ with religious fervor during Navaratri, it bestows all spiritual fulfillment to a devotee.

The Sodasha Puja, Navratri and Vijayadashami are very important and major festivals in the religious calendar of this Shakti Peeth. During this entire 16 days period, the sanctum of Maa Tara Tarini remains open round the clock for Darshan of the devotees. Lakhs of devotees gathering to obtain darshan of Maa during Sodasha Puja.

Ram Prasad Tripathy

PRO, Tara Tarini Development Board, 

Berhampur, Odisha

Shifting of NHAI office in Berhampur to Balasore

IIS-ER Odisha to come up at Berhampur

IISERs are a group of premier science education and research institutes in the country

The Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (IISER) would come up in the southern city of Berhampur.

"The state government would provide 200 acres of land for IISER. Academic session would commence from 2016-17", said state minister for employment, technical education & training Sanjay Das Burma.

Union finance minister Arun Jaitley had announced the establishment of IISER in Odisha in the Budget for 2015-16.

"Today is a h istoric day for the people of Odisha since chief minister Naveen Patnaik today decided to set up IISER at the life line of southern Odisha, Berhampur in Ganjam district", Dasburma told reporters here.

"Berhampur has necessary infrastructure like road, rail and air connectivity, which is in conformity with the central guidelines. This apart, the state government is committed to provide temporary campus facility for this institute of national importance in and around Berhampur", he added.

The IISERs are a group of most premier science education and research institutes in the country. These institutions have been declared by an Act of Parliament as institutions of national importance and are intended to be the IITs of basic sciences. The institutes were created by the Government of India, through the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), under The National Institutes of Technology (Amendment) Bill, 2010.

Five IISERs have already come up in the country at Kolkata, Pune, Mohali, Bhopal and Thiruvnanthapuram. In the 2015-16 Budget, two new IISERs were announced for Odisha and Nagaland.

- BS Reporter  |  Bhubaneswar I August 1, 2015

For Berhampur people Sidhanta Mahapatra is not a hero ......................

What's the way out now??

- https://www.facebook.com/futureBerhampur?ref=hl

Why Berhampur is more deserving and suitable than Sambalpur to host the IIM in Odisha?

Widespread agitation resurfaces across Ganjam district demanding the establishment of IIM in Berhampur city

World Bank discusses strategies with BMC to develop infrastrcuture in Berhampur city

GANJAM FORUM HOLDS DRIVE FOR IIM AT BRAHMAPUR

To strengthen the demand for setting up of the proposed IIM Odisha at Brahmapur and to create public awareness on the apathetic attitude of the State Government towards the silk city, the Forum for Ganjam held a drive here on Tuesday. Forum members distributed pamphlets and leaflets among the public at important places like Khallikote Collage, Girja Square, Ramalingam Tank Road, Gandhinagar, Komapalli. The pamphlets displayed information on how Brahmapur has been neglected.

The forum members alleged that ignoring the demand to set up the proposed IIM at Brahmapur, the State Government is contemplating to have the institute in Sambalpur or in Bhubaneswar. Form coordinator Sidhir Sahoo and members J Suresh, Rajendra Panda and Rabi Kumar, among others, joined the awareness drive.

Puri priest held for assaulting couple

A Puri priest was arrested on Tuesday for assaulting a couple and misbehaving with their daughter when they refused to take his assistance to enter the Jagannath temple.

Singhadwar police nabbed the priest, Chandan Khuntia, 30, after receiving a complaint from the victim, Sanatan Nayak, a retired army officer from Bhadrak.

"Khuntia forced us to take his assistance while offering puja and then demanded dakshina. When we refused, he abused us," said Nayak. "The priests called two others who misbehaved with us. Khuntia pulled the hands of my daughter and wife. My wife sustained injuries. When I intervened, he rained punches on my nose and face. Nobody came to our rescue," Nayak said. A profusely bleeding Nayak came out of the temple and went straight to Singhadwar police station. "We took him to Puri district hospital. Based on his complaint, we arrested Khuntia," said Krushna Chandra Sethi, the IIC of Singhadwar police station.

-Debabrata Mohapatra,TNN | May 20, 2015

Air pollution in Bhubaneswar alarming

The air you breathe in the city may invite respiratory complications if the recent report of Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) is any indication. According to the board, the air quality here was found to be bad.

At present, the city is recording an alarming level of suspended particulate matter (SPM) in air. According to prescribed standard, the SPM shouldn't exceed 100 micro gram per metre cube, but samples taken by pollution board show SPM between 180 and 200 micro gram per metre cube.

"We take weekly data of ambient air quality from five places, where we have installed devices. By collating the data taken from five places in last one month, we found an increased SPM level in air," said OSPCB regional officer (Bhubaneswar) Hadibandhu Panigrahi.

He said unlike winter, the SPM in the air in summer is usually not found above the limit. "We need to find the reasons as to why the city is recording high SPM in summer. In winter, air quality remains continuously bad as the low temperature keeps the air particle at a low level," he said.

Panigrahi attributed vehicle pollution and construction activities to increasing SPM level in air. "Road and flyover expansion works and transportation of construction materials are perhaps responsible for higher SPM. However, a scientific study will help to find the other factors responsible for it," he added.

Capital Hospital director B B Patnaik said everyday about 30-40 adult patients and same number of children with respiratory disorders are coming to the hospital. "Bad air quality can cause tuberculosis, bronchitis and dry cough," said the director.

Senior environment scientist with OSPCB D K Behera said, "We have been asking the civic body, works department and National Highways Authority of India to sprinkle water on the roads on a regular basis. We are planning to install one more air quality reading device in the city."

-TNN | Apr 22, 2015

No takers for Netaji light & sound show in Cuttack

The light and sound show at Netaji Birthplace Museum here is waiting for audience. The museum authorities are running the show only twice a week due to thin attendance.

Only 10 turn up for the show, though arrangements for 50 people have been made.

The 25-minute programme on childhood and early life of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was introduced in the museum on January 23, 2013, at a cost of Rs 30 lakh. The authorities had hoped that the addition would increase footfall and the popularity of the museum.

The museum records revealed that only 1136 visitors, mostly locals, watched the show in the last two years. It attracts over 38,000 visitors annually.

Locals attributed the sorry state of affairs to the government's apathy. "The approach road to the museum from Dargha Bazaar is not properly lit. The street lights on the stretch hardly function, so tourists are not inclined to visit the museum in the evening hours for the light and sound show," said Rabindra Sahoo, a resident of Odia bazaar.

The light and sound show starts at 6.45 pm. Visitors have to pay Rs 15 each for the show. "The government had planned to landscape the areas adjacent to the museum. It had also announced to introduce boating facility and construct amusement parks. But the projects are gathering dust for last four years," said Dibyashankar Sen, a resident of Dargha Bazaar.

The beautification project would have helped to attract more tourists, he added.

There has been a long-standing demand for dubbing the script of the show in Hindi and English so that tourists from outside Odisha can understand and enjoy it. The show is currently being run in Odia only.

The authorities admitted to the problems and claimed measures are being taken to resolve them. "We have decided to dub the script in Bengali and Hindi. Besides an interpretation centre will be set up near the museum. After completion of these projects, things will definitely improve," said deputy director of culture department B P Ray.

TNN | Apr 23, 2015

Orissa CM's nod for university status to Khallikote, RD colleges

The state government on Thursday approved the proposals to upgrade Khallikote Autonomous College, Berhampur and, RD Autonomous Women's College, Bhubaneswar to universities.

Higher education minister Pradeep Panigrahy told the media that the universities would function from 2015-16 academic year. RD will become a women's university. Around 50 women's colleges, which are under Utkal University, will be affiliated to it. The exact shape of the university and its affiliated colleges will be decided soon. Besides the existing 25-acre campus, the government will look for another 25 acre for its second campus, the minister said.

Khallikote will be part of a cluster university, comprising five nearby colleges. The other four are S D Women's College and Binayak Acharya College in Berhampur, besides colleges at Chhatrapur and Gopalpur, the minister said.

The government will spend Rs 55 crore each on infrastructure development of the two universities. The funds will be drawn from Rashtriya Uchhatar Shiksha Abhiyan, a central-sponsored programme for higher education.

-TNN | Apr 24, 2015

B-school shuts down in Bhubaneswar for 'want of students'

The International School of Business Management (ISBM) deciding to close down from coming academic year has evoked different responses from experts. While some attributed it to poor response to management courses, others said it is an isolated case.

Around 95 institutions, including 11 government-run, offer management courses in Odisha. Of them, 85 offer MBA while 10 offer postgraduate diploma in management (PGDM). Government sources said over 50% seats remained vacant in 2014-15. Altogether 2,548 students took admissions in various courses against an intake capacity of 5,455. "It is a struggle for survival for most institutions," said a senior management functionary of another institute.

Official sources said ISBM, an autonomous institution located at Gangapada on the outskirts of the city, has applied to the All India Council for Technical Education, seeking its nod to down shutters. The institute offers two-year PGDM course.

Confirming the development, ISBM chairman A B Singh said the management was forced to take the decision because it is not getting enough students. "Probably because of poor job prospects, a few students have been taking admission," he said. Against an intake capacity of 50 seats, the institute attracted eight students in 2013-14 and two students in 2014-15, he said.

Run by the Orissa Charitable Trust, the institute established in 2007 is located on an 11-acre Wi-Fi campus, having administrative block, academic block, separate hostels for boys and girls, indoor and outdoor recreational facilities, library and gymnasium.

The Odisha Management College Association (OMCA), a body of private management colleges, said the situation is improving and admissions would be far better in 2015-16. "Closure of an institute may be an isolated example. Students' response to upcoming entrance examinations for admissions has been far better this time," said OMCA secretary Saroj Kumar Sahoo.

Around 7,700 students have applied for MBA through Odisha joint entrance examination (OJEE). The number is over 2,000 more compared to that last year. "The last year's admission too was around 20% better compared to that in 2013," Sahoo said. "This year's very good placement records and rebound in economy would attract significantly higher number of students this time," he said.

Famous Thakurani Yatra extended by 11 days in Berhampur

In view of popular demand, the district administration in Ganjam has extended the famous Thakurani Yatra on April 19, 2015 in Berhampur by 11 days. The biennial festival, which started on March 28, will continue till April 27, officals said today.

Initially, the district administration had allowed the festival committee to hold the yatra for 20 days even though the latter had sought permission for 31 days.

"Several people approached the district administration requesting for extension of the festival", said Sub-Collector (Berhampur) Nikhil Pawan Kalyan.

The festival is attracting huge crowd from different places and hundreds of the people are thronging the Silk City to witness the famous Yatra. Locals dressed like mythological characters are seen moving around the city and so are chariots in different shapes like boita (ship) and doli (swing).

Famous Berhampur Thakurani Jatra to begin from March 28

The famous Budhi Thakurani Jatra of Berhampur will start from March 28 this year and will continue till April 27. Preparations for the biannual festival have started at the Desibehera Street in Berhampur after the Subha Khunti (auspicious post) was laid on March 12.

Devotees in huge numbers expected to visit the temporary temple at the Desibehera Street at the time of Jatra,

Devotees in huge numbers expected to visit the temporary temple at the Desibehera Street at the time of Jatra, 

“The construction of the temporary temple at the Desibehera Street has started, it will take four more days to complete,” informed the craftsman of the temporary Mandap Dasarathi Maharana. The Jatra begins with the arrival of the floral sign of the deity (Aagyamala) to the temporary temple. This will be followed by Ghata Yatra in which the Aagyanmala will be taken on a public procession around the streets of Old Berhampur.

As devotees in huge numbers are expected at the time of Jatra, the Public Health Department has planned to increase drinking water supply in the Bada Bazar area.

As informed by the Executive Engineer of PHD Deba Sundar Mahapatra, around 20 temporary stand points will be placed in Desibehera Street and the nearby places. Water tankers will be positioned on different squares of the city at the time of jatra.

20 March 2015 | Ronalisa Parida | Edited By: Longjam Dineshwori

http://microstatindia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2296&catid=19&Itemid=630

Railway line from Gopalpur to Kandhamal demanded

A group of intellectuals of different social organisations and civil society forums on Wednesday demanded rail connectivity from Gopalpur to Phulbani and extended connection with the Khordha-Balangir railway line.

The intellectuals including Sriya Nayak, Dr Subash Chandra Sahu, Deepak Pattnaik and Sudhansu Panda said the Kandhamal district of south Odisha is yet to get railway connectivity. As communication is one of the vital components of development, people of the district are deprived of it, they added.

They said the rail connectivity would help to develop the economy standard of these areas. Rail connectivity to the Gopalpur port would not only create jobs, but also enhance business in the State. Kandhamal, which is famous for its spices like ginger and turmeric and forest goods, would get easy connectivity to market its products. It would also help to attract investment in the region, said the intellectuals.

Source: The Pioneer 

Plastic ban in and around Tara Tarini

Use of polythene and plastic carry bags has been banned in and around Tara Tarini, a famous shakti shrine and tourist destination of India, near Berhampur city in Odisha's Ganjam district.

This was decided at the coordination committee meeting for the ensuing Chaitra Mela at Chhatrapur. The meeting was chaired by revenue divisional Commissioner (southern division) S N Deb.

"The ban will be implemented from Chaitra Mela, beginning on March 10," Ganjam district Collector P C Choudhary said.

All shops in the area will be asked to strictly follow the order. Last year, the administration banned polythene and liquor during the festival.

Campaigners and environmentalists have welcomed the decision. "Massive awareness is needed before implementing the decision," secretary of Tara Tarini Development Board Pramod Kumar Panda said.

Lakhs of devotees from the state and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh get their children tonsured at the shrine, 35 km from here, during the festival.

The administration has directed officials concerned to ensure supply of electricity and water, maintain sanitation and set up temporary health camps before the start of the festival.

PTI

Tara Tarini Chaitra Yatra/Mela to be polythene-free

The famous Maa Tara Tarini Chaitra Yatra of Ganjam is going to begin from March 10. As per traditions, it will be performed on the four Tuesdays of the month of Chaitra. Keeping in view the flow of lakhs of devotees to the temple, the district administration held a preparatory meeting at Chatrapur on February 10. Revenue Divisional Commissioner (SD) and chairperson of the Tara Tarini Development Council Sailendra Narayan De presided over the meeting.

Old Image of Tara Tarini Shakti Peetha :Braving heat lakhs of

devotees standing in long queue to enter the famous Tara Tarini hill temple

(Breast Shrine of Shakti) near Berhampur city in Ganjam district, Odisha

Ganjam Collector Premchand Choudhury explained the significance and pride of the heritage temple and the famous yatra and sought the cooperation of all the service wings of the district administration and people of all walks of life for smooth and successful conduct of the yatra.

The meeting, among other things, decided to make the entire region of Maa Tara Tarini Temple free from polythene, construct adequate  rest sheds to protect devotees from possible heat wave, provide drinking water, put in place effective traffic system for transportation of devotees, provide temporary healthcare camps and sanitation in the temple premises, deploy fire fighting vehicles and ODRAF team, prohibit sale and consumption of liquor and other drugs in the region, repair and renovate all approaching roads on war footing and construct temporary toilets for devotees, among others.

It was also decided in the meeting that the Chatrapur Sub-Collector will review the progress of the preparatory work once in each week till the yatra begins. A master plan for all-round development of the temple was presented. The committee advised the chief of the Technical Committee Binod Kumar Patra to complete all the pending works on war footing.

Among others, Maa Tara Tarini Temple Development Council secretary Pramod Kumar Panda, Additional Collector Pradeep Kumar Nanda, CDMO Dr PC Sahu, the Ganjam ADMO, the Chatrapur Sub-Collector, the Purushottampur BDO, representatives of Sevayats Tapan Rana and Jagannath Rana attended.

Maa Tara Tarini Sthana Peeth, Ganjam, Odisha