At just 13 years old, Harshita Priyadarshani Mohanty, a Class VII prodigy hailing from Jeypore in Koraput district, has embarked on a mission that goes beyond her age and sets an inspiring example for the world. With a strong determination to safeguard the rich diversity of finger millets and rice indigenous to her region, this…
In Odisha, especially Western Odisha, distress migration is driven by economic necessity. According to Govt’s report in 2022, 150,000 migrants registered under the Interstate Migrant Workmen Act, with 70% from Western Odisha working in brick kilns across several states. Around 20-25 thousand children and 50% of women accompany them annually, but the actual numbers are…
Celebrated for his iconic portrayal of Chanakya in Ashoka Samrat and an array of memorable characters in Bollywood, Manoj Joshi, in a candid conversation with The News Hashtag offers a glimpse into his remarkable journey within the entertainment industry. From early influences that ignited his passion for acting to his perspective on the dynamic industry,…
One of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations is to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. This goal recognizes the pivotal role that women play in reducing poverty, ensuring food security, and enhancing nutrition. The empowerment of women and girls hinges on the availability of equitable, high-quality…
In a world where the intersection of gender and disability often remains overlooked, Ambarika Tejeswani Nayak’s remarkable journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of entrepreneurship. At 31 years old, and with a 60 percent polio-induced disability, Ambarika from Koraput has emerged not just as an entrepreneur,…
In today’s digital era, women across the globe are leveraging the power of technology to explore new horizons and lead empowered lives. Access to digital platforms has revolutionized the way women connect, learn, and participate in economic activities. From online entrepreneurship to accessing vital information, digital accessibility has become a game-changer. However, this transformative wave…
For the past few years, Bhubaneswar, the vibrant capital city of Odisha, has witnessed an inspiring surge in women migrants from districts like Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Ganjam, Khandhamal, and Rayagada. These courageous women have left behind their agricultural roots and ventured to the city, driven by climate change’s harsh impact on farming in their native regions….
Bhubaneswar: In a society where the final rites of the departed are sometimes neglected, a group of extraordinary women has emerged, determined to provide solace and dignity to the unclaimed bodies. Led by Madhusmita, these courageous individuals have embarked on a mission to cremate the forgotten dead with utmost respect and compassion. Inspired by her…
Sitting by the shoreline of Podempeta, a small fishing village nestled along the picturesque coast of Odisha, 65-year-old S Budi Amma gazes out at the vast expanse of the sea. Her weathered hands, tell the tale of a life intimately intertwined with the rhythms of the ocean. For generations, Budi Amma’s family has relied on…
Here goes nothing, loser… As I turned the final page, I searched for any lingering clues about what lay ahead. Anticipation gripped my imagination, and all I could think was, “Truly a captivating read!” After months of procrastination, I finally reached the end of the newly published book ‘Samsara – Enter the Valley of Gods’…
