The push to crown Hindi as India’s “national language” is no longer a background hum—it’s becoming a drumbeat. From Union government advisories prioritizing Hindi in official communication to its growing dominance in entrance exams, parliamentary proceedings, and even language-learning platforms, the pattern is deliberate. What’s framed as “promotion” often amounts to imposition, and it risks…
Despite accounting for nearly half of all Panchayat seats, many rural women leaders in India face deep-rooted challenges, ranging from proxy representation and political illiteracy to societal stigma. Their presence in governance is often symbolic, masking the persistent barriers that hinder true empowerment and meaningful participation in local decision-making. New Delhi: The lack of…
As the world celebrates World Environment Day with calls for cleaner air, plastic-free lives, and greener earth through plantation drives and sustainability pledges, one major environmental threat continues to go unnoticed — tobacco. From television shows to social media, from folk performances to newspaper editorials, messages advocating for environmental protection flood our senses each year…
Bhubaneswar: Eminent filmmaker Snehasis Das is back with his latest web series Naali Cha (Red Tea), a heartwarming yet thought-provoking six-episode Odia series that captures the essence of village life in the digital era. Released on his YouTube channel The Naked Eye, the series presents simple yet powerful narratives of different families in a rural…
Bhubaneswar: Despite various government efforts, child marriage continues to be a pressing issue in Odisha, with over 8,100 cases reported in the past six years. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, speaking in the Assembly on February 15, revealed that the highest number of cases were recorded in tribal-dominated districts, where girls’ school dropout rates are…
India is rapidly advancing in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to strengthen its domestic AI ecosystem while also playing a key role in shaping global AI governance. From developing indigenous large language models (LLMs) to co-chairing international AI summits, India is positioning itself as a major player in the AI revolution. Union Minister…
Bhubaneswar: The ancient Buddhist site of Ratnagiri in Odisha’s Jajpur district is once again under the archaeological spotlight. Known for its stunning ruins, intricate sculptures of Lord Buddha, and expansive monastic complexes, the site has long drawn the admiration of historians and visitors alike. After a gap of 63 years, the Archaeological Survey of India…
Bhubaneswar: In May 2023, Karama Muduli, a girl of primitive Bonda tribe of Bondaghat in Malkangiri district was in news for spending her summer vacation working as a daily wage labourer in the scorching sun to meet her education cost as her parents, who also work as daily wagers, were unable to afford her education….
Bhubaneswar: For over half a century, the Modern Book Depot has been a cornerstone of literary culture in Bhubaneswar. Founded in 1970 by Om Prakash’s father, this iconic bookstore has served as a sanctuary for bibliophiles and a beacon of knowledge in the heart of the city. Now, after 54 years, the bookstore faces potential…
Ganjam: In the coastal village of Digipur in Ganjam district, Menaka’s story stands as a testament to the strength and resilience required for a woman to break free from traditional constraints and achieve financial independence. Determined to provide her children with a good education, Menaka took transformative steps to secure the necessary funds, overcoming numerous…
