evening with urdu poet Shahriyar

It was not just an evening. It was an evening with famous Urdu poet of the country Prof. Shahriyar who shared his thought with the intellectuals of Sambalpur town in a get-together organized by the literary organization ‘Anurupa’ on Saturday. Prof Shahriyar is an eminent Urdu poet who received the Gangadhar national award of poetry from Smabalpur University on its 43^rd foundation-day held on the previous day, expressing gratitude to the people of Orissa, appealed the mankind to make the world more beautiful.

‘If you do not make the world beautiful, at least you do not have a right to make it dirty’ professor of Aligarh Muslim university Prof. Shahriyar told while interacting with the people of Sambalpur during the programme ‘shahriyar’s evening held at Panthanivas conference hall. On this occasion the translated Oriya version of his book was released. The book that has been translated by Surya Mishra and Bhagirathi Mishra was circulated to the people.

‘We have translated his poetry book in Oriya language with in a short period and we got released the book through his hand on Saturday during his visit to Sambalpur to receive the Gangadhar award of poetry 2008 conferred to him by Sambalpur University on the eve of its 43^rd foundation day. We feel proud to organize a programme at Smabalpur when he accepted our proposal to release the translated version of his poetry book’, the convener of ‘Anurupa’ Surya Mishra told.

While interacting with the literary community of the town, Prof. Shahriyar informed that he was never aimed to become a poet (sayar) but situation makes it possible and he became a poet of Urdu. “My parents were in uniformed services and they wanted me to follow them. But I left the house going against their will and became a poet fighting with the situation”, Dr. Akhalaq Mohammed Khan commonly known as Shahriyar in literary circle told

‘Listen to your heart and definitely you achieve your goal if you are sincere and honest to your work. Human beings are always beautiful among all creations, but you will become more beautiful by your creation’, Prof.Shariyar told. He appealed the seniors to encourage the juniors as one can never take any one’s place. ‘There is a fear of loosing your own place incase you lift any one. but honestly speak no body can take your place’, he asserted.

The eminent poet and vice-chairman of Orissa Sahitya Academy Uma Sankar Panda presided over the function who felicitated the guest poet with a shawl. It becomes a dream for the new generation poets to have interaction with Prof.Shahriyar, but thanks to ‘Anurupa’ that brings the dream into reality.

sambalpur versity singed MOU with Denmark university

Sambalpur University signed MOU with the Aarhus University of Denmark on Saturday to exchange cooperation and friendship among the students and faculty members for a period of three years from the date of its sign. The Sambalpur University Vice Chancellor Prof AK Pujari and vice chancellor of Aarhus University have agreed to provide and exchange all facilities and expertise among the two universities.

“The MOU is intended for the exchange cooperation and friendship between the two universities in the field of academic and cultural development between the two countries. It will certainly help us to develop out cultural heritage and academic positions. There will be regular exchange of students and faculties among the two universities’ Prof Arun Kumar Pujari, vice Chancellor of the Sambalpur University told

Sources said, with the endeavor to boost educational ties with India, the European Union (EU) decided to form a joint consortium of three educational institutions of the country including Sambalpur University to promote study of various facets of contemporary India. The consortium that has set up at the Aarhus University, Denmark has Sri Venkateshwar College, New Delhi, and Allahabad University and Sambalpur University under the style of Contemporary India Study Centre Aarhus (CISCA)

"The focus will be on to enhance and strengthen the present academic advancement of knowledge of Indian and south Asia. This will also be helpful to design specific topics in the undergraduate and postgraduate courses,'' said Dr. Deepak Behera who is a member of the consortium and head of the Anthropology department of the Sambalpur University. .

“This is welcome step in the field of anthropology but the MOU does not confine to only Anthropology as we have agreed to use the exchange programme in any other branch where we feel the necessity”, Dr. Uwe Skoda, visiting professor of Aarhus University of Denmark told

Murder case reopens to haunt politicians

The visit of petition committee headed by former minister and legislature Bishnu Das to Jharsuguda on Wednesday has created storm in the district political circle as committee members tried to dig upon sensational Knata Das murder case took place in Jharsuguda court premises 7 years ago. Kanta Das was than under police custody after he was accused in the murder of congress leader Samu Kedia. Police were than criticized for ‘plotting’ false encounter to eliminate the evidence of both murder cases. It was also alleged that the present legislature Naba Das, than police superintendent Diptesh Patnaik and few others were behind the scene for which police did not take proper interest to investigate both cases. The family members of deceased have requested the committee members to re-open the investigation as it would help to ‘unveil’ mask of few eminent persons of the district.

“Every one knows that who were behind the scene and who plotted to kill Kanta Das. Why police killed the assailants of Knata Das in a false encounters when they were trying to surrender before the police. Why it took such a long period to complete the investigation. To answer all these questions the case should be properly investigated once again. So we requested the committee members to reopen the case for greater interest”, Sridhar Das, father of the deceased Kanta Das and petitioner told.

Sources said, Kanta Das was arrested and sent to jail in the sensational murder of congress leader and than district president Samu Kedia that occurred on 3^rd May 2003. On 25^th September 2003 two assailants hurled bomb on him killing on the spot when he was under the police custody and taken to Jharsuguda ADJ court for appearance. Armed police chased both the accused persons and caught them while they had climbed over a tree near by Orampara. But police superintendent rushed to the spot allegedly directed the police force to ‘encounter’ both accused.

Sources said, since Samu Kedia was arch rival of congress leader Naba Das, people suspected his role behind his murder. But police did not investigate the matter properly and closed the file after the killing of Kanta Das.

“It is a false allegation I am no way connected to the case. But looking to my political career few opponents want to tarnish my political credibility by throwing mud. People know the fact”, Das told. On the other hand the chairman of the petition committee Bishnu Das has assured the deceased family members to take step to recommend the government for re-investigation of the case.

Ulgulan, the 2nd movie in Sambalpuri ends the wait of 20 years

The 2^nd movie in Sambalpuri language ‘Ulgulan’ got released at Sambalpur’s Asoka talkies on Friday after 20 years of Bhukha, the first movie of the language. When people of western Orissa are demanding the recognition of Sambalpuri as a separate language, the release of a movie in the language has got a significant role

We are happy to see a movie in our own language after 20 years. First it was Bhukha in 1989 and now it is Ulgulan. A long-way of waiting. But we feel proud to see it. we do not know how it will meet the aspiration and demand of the people, but it is sure that the movie will open a new avenue for others in this field”, eminent activist Karunakar Supakar told.

Sources said, Ulgulan, is a term used in western Orissa which synonyms for rebellion or revolution. The movie is based on a love story happened during 18^th century during that time villages of the Sambalpur region were under threats of Burgees as they were not only taking the paddy and property but also they were outraging the modesty of the females. The villagers finally decided to fight against the Burgees to take revenge. Being the third venture of Sanjay Das’s Maa Mngala movies, Ulgulan is its first attempt in Sambalpuri language.

“We have tried to dispatch an atmosphere of 18^th century in the movie by taking fresh and new artists. We do not know how people would accept us in the movie. But we take the credit of producing a movie in Sambalpuri language after 20 years of releasing first moive in the language”, producer Sanjay Sahu told.

The movie is having art and culture of the region. Sambalpuri folk dances and songs those are included in the movie to make it more attractive. ‘I have tried to give a new taste in the Sambalpuri songs and music through the movie’, Bablu Mitra, music director of the movie told. Local legislature Jay Narayan Mishra attended the premier show and appreciated the artists and production team for their efforts.

and now it is 20twenty football match

Twenty20 cricket match has become quite popular ever since the new method has been introduced in the world of cricket, but in foot ball match have you ever heard about twenty20 ? But here in Sambalpur twenty20 football match has been organized every year over the past 26 years. Under the aegis Meher Association, one of the premier sport organizations of Sambalpur, experiment is going on to make football popular among the people. In order to give a new look to it the members decided to organize one-day twenty20 football competition every year where football teams from several parts of the region participate and play the matches.

‘Since we do not have much financial support, we decided to organize such a tournament. Here cost is very low as we complete it in one day. More over our passion on the foot-ball and in order to keep the foot ball alive among the youngsters, this is perhaps the best way to organize such twenty20 foot ball matches’, Secretary of the Meher Association Biraja Sankar Hota told.

Souce said, Meher Association of Sambalpur is one of the oldest foot-ball organizations of the state that has brought glory to the state in the field of football in the past. The contribution of the organization in the field of foot-ball is similar of the contribution of Mohan bagan or Mohammedan sporting of WB. But with the changing of time and situation, the Organization fails to produce new talent in the recent time because of the poor-interest of the youngsters on football.

‘Our organization is the nursery in the field of football as it has produced numbers footballers in the past that brought glory to the state in football. But now with the rise of cricket, most of the youngsters do not take interest in football. So our efforts are to make popularize football again’ Mr. Hota told. “We organize Twenty20 football matches ever since we started this tournament 26 years ago. Here duration of match is 45 minutes including a gap of 5 minutes. Each team comprising 9 players plays 20 minutes on each side of the ground”, he added.

Souce said the one-day twenty20 football-tournament; organized on Sunday at Gangadhar Meher college ground was on its 27^th years where 7 teams from various part of western Orissa participated. The rural star of Bolangir won the final match by bating Kosmas club of Sambalpur with 2-0 and grabbed the cup. “It was a nice experience to play twenty20 football match. I think after coming up the twenty20 cricket match, twenty20 football match will definitely be popular among the people” defender of Bolangir’s rural star Sanjib Maharan told.

comunal harmony: Hindu family observed Tazia since last 346 years in Sambalpur

What more becomes an example of communal harmony in Sambalpur when a family belongs to Hindu Family performs the rituals of Muslim community by bringing Tazia procession for generations on the day of Moharrum Locally known as ‘Hindu Tazia’ that the Padhiary family of Modipara brings every years over the past more than 3 century with out any break. More over the Hindu Tazia is also prepared by a Hindu family for generation. But the only thinks that distinguishes Modipara Tazia is that when the top (tomb) of the other Tazias are of white and green colour, here it is of red colour and coconuts are offered here by the devotees unlike the Muslims.

“I have been performing the rituals since the days of my child hood and after the death of my father I have taken the responsibility of bringing it out the procession every year as it has become a tradition of our family. This is 346th years of event since the day we our family began this procession in 1664” the elder member of the Padhiary family Lal Mohan Padhiary of Modipara of Sambalpur town told.

Although belongs to a traditional Brahmin family of the town Lal Mohan does not see any difference in the functions of the two religions. “We are give equal importance to the functions of both religions since our child-hood. So this has become our tradition in the family”,. Padhiary told.

According to him Jayadev Padhiary, one of his fore-father left the house during 1655 to avoid his marriage. He did not return home till 1663. The family members suspecting him dead performed his last rituals.

But suddenly he appeared one day in the year 1663 along with two Maulanas. They stayed for some times with him and with their inspiration, Jayadev wished to bring Tazia procession during Moharrum. Initially the Padhiary family objected it but due to his rigidness they remained silent. When the matter was public there was a lot hew and cry in the town. But it was than ruler of Sambalpur who allowed Padhiary to perform the Tazia procession. The ruler had not only allowed him to do the job but also he pleased to allot a piece of land to meet the expenses of the Tazia. “The Tazia ground of Modipara tells the truth. We bring Tazia from the same ground every year. However we perform puja as per our Hindu tradition” Padhiary told.

Jayadev had reportedly started his first Tazia procession in the year 1664.Since than the Padhiary family has been engaged in this Tazia procession. Sukdev Padhiary, the grand father of Lal Mohan was bringing out the Tazia procession and after his death, his son and father of Lal Mohan, Gouranga Padhiary took the responsibly of the Tazia procession. Since my childhood I am involved in it and now I don’t see any difference in it. I do not feel any difference between Tazia processions or Dusherra procession, Lal Mohan Padhiary franked

In the same way preparation of Tazia is also done by a Hindu family in generations. Laxmi Dutta Taria recalled how he was doing it with his father Tikeswar Taria and after his death he took up the job “I prepared Tazia decoration every year but I never feel it a festival of Muslim community rather I believe Tazia as our own, so I called it as Hindu Tazia”, Laxmi said.

More over the Padhiary family is also priest of a temple located in Modipara. The younger brother of Lal Mohan, Rajendra looks after the temple. I perform puja in the temple every day as the temple belongs to our family. “When my elder brother is looking after the Tazia procession every year I take care of the temple work:, Rajendra Padhiary told.

principal of Hirakud ITI trasferred after his involvement in misappropriation of government fund

Instead of taking action to recover the money, government just transferred the principal of the Hirakud based Insutrial training institute (ITI) to Behampur after a probe found his involvement in a misappropriation of government fund. The probe that was conducted by a group of senior officials constituted by state industry department had submitted its report to the government in January 2009 recommending stringent action against the erring officer with recovery of the misappropriated amount. But surprisingly information received through RTI act reveled that action could not initiate against him even after 11 months as the matter was under the consideration of CM who supposed to pass an order with consultation of the OPSE.

Sources said, Nisakar Mallick, that principal of ITI, Hirakud was allegedly misappropriated crores of government funds when he was in charge of workshop superintendent and DDO (drawing and disbursement officer of Rourkela based UGIE. Director of Technical education and training (DTE&T) under Industry department of government of Orissa appointed a committee in 2007 under the chairmanship of LK Mahapatra, present principal of Berhampur engineering school after serious allegation of misappropriation of government fund was made against the Mallick and few others. The committee after verifying the records and cash books of the institution found truth about the allegation against the Mallick and others. The committee placed its inquiry report before the government on 30^th January 2009 where the committee confirmed a misappropriation of government fund of a tune of above Rs. three lakhs against Mallick and two others. It was also recommended by the Committee to take stringent action against Nisakar Mallick and other to recover the amount from their pockets.

“We conducted the probe after the committee was constituted under my chair. We had 6 members in the committee which sits on various occasions to verify the records and vouchers of the UGIE, Rourkela. On verification we found a misappropriation of above 3 lakhs rupees of the government fund. So in our report we recommended to recover the amount from Sri Mallick and others.”, the principal of the Berhampur based Engineering School. Dr. L K Mohapatra told TOI over phone.

On the other hand, the principal of ITI, Hirakud Nisakar Mallick was transferred to Berhampur Engineering School as senior lecturer on 30^th Oct 2009 after the DTE& T, Cuttack recommended to Industry department for his immediate transfer from Hirakud. But department is not sure when action would be initiate against him to recover the misappropriate amount from his pocket as the same is under the consideration at the Chief Minister level. “We do not know it as the same is under the consideration at the CM level’, a senior official of the industry department confirmed.

10 arrested including a school teacher for Ganja cultivation in Sambalpur

At least 10 people including a primary school teacher have been arrested on Thursday by the police in connection with the ganja cultivation in Naketideul area of Sambalpur district. Police arrested them after conducting joint raids with excise officials on various villages under Naktideul police station limits. Police and excise officials took such step after being pressurized with the news items published in the ‘Times of India’ where villagers of Jamjuri under the Naktideul police station had threatened to leave their native fearing a possible attack by of the ganja mafia as they are getting life threat from the mafia after they made complaint of rampant ganja cultivation in their surrounding village

The villagers were receiving life threat from the ganja mafias after they brought the matter into the notice of the district administration as they sustained heavy crop loss because of the rampant illegal ganja cultivation. When they brought the issue into the notice of district administration requesting to initiate action against ganja cultivation, they received threatening from the ganja mafia. Apprehending a noxious relation with the law abiding officials with the ganja mafia, they decided to leave the village on last week. According to them paddy crop was affected because of the scarcity of water and fertilizers as maximum water was pumped out by the mafia for ganja cultivation.

“Due to Ganja cultivation, we do not get sufficient water as Ganja Mafias pumped out water for their illegal cultivation. They also take the kerosene oil meant for us to run pump sets. As they take maximum pesticide in a higher price, we hardly get pesticides in our place.” Prahllad Pradhan, a villager of Jamjuri alleged

“When the situation becomes worst this year due to heavy crop loss we appealed the administration to take immediate action to stop Ganja cultivation. But surprisingly we get constant threat from ganja mafias for demanding action again them. We believe a strong racket is working behind the cultivation with the active help of local political leaders and administration”, he alleged. .

Sources said, Naktideul block area of the district has bestowed with green and natural forest and because of the inaccessible geographical condition initially it becomes the shelter place for the Maoist activists. But due to dispute among the top leaders in connection with money, police arrested most of them and the area become free from Maoist now. But taking the benefit of the situation, Ganja mafias are quite active in the area.

The excise and police officials have never arrested any one till now in connection with the ganja cultivation but on few occasions they conduct raids and destroy ganja cultivations to avoid public criticism.

“We arrested 10 people 3 from Jamjuri, 4 from Gadadharpur and 3 from Batgoan under NDPS act when we found their connection with alleged ganja cultivation. We also seized huge amount of ganja from their houses. Among them one Gurucharan Biswal of Batgoan is working as a teacher in Keloberna Primary School. We forwarded them to judicial custody on Friday”, the deputy superintendent of excide, Sambalpur Duryodhan Panigrahi told. According to him, the accused persons have cultivated ganja on their private land and on adjacent government plots “During raid we seized 37000 ganja plants and 10 kgs of ganja from the accused persons”, Panigrahi added

lawyers started economic blockade demainding high court bench

While the separate kosal statehood demand is going on in western Orissa, the lawyers’ agitation seems fueling the movement. On Saturday lawyers of the region went on to block the good trucks plying on the national highways. ‘Economic blockade’, what exactly they termed it was started from Saturday morning and concluded in the evening. As a result to this thousands of good trucks remained unmoved on the road sides of the NH 6.

“We have decided not to disturb the common people and passengers going through passenger buses and private cars. Our target was good trucks. Today it was symbolic but if the government does not take appropriate step for the establishment of the high court bench in Sambalpur immediately than we would paralyze transportation of goods for days together’, president of the Sambalpur district bar association Pradeep Kumar Bohidar told.

“Besides two/three minor incidents, the agitation was totally peaceful. Armed police were deployed on various part of the national high way in view of the agitation of lawyers.”, DSP (Sambalpur) Dinabandhu Patel told.

According to him, a case has been registered with Sadar police basing on the complaint of the lawyers against a truck driver who was inebriated condition and attacked the lawyers while they were blocking the truck on the national high way 6 near Sindurpank outskirt of Sambalpur. “We receive complaint of 2/3 minor incidents where lawyers and truck drivers exchanged hot words during the road blockade agitation. But overall it was totally peaceful”, DSP Patel added.

It may be informed that the lawyers of western part of the state have decided to boycott the court works on last 3 working days of each months in support of their long pending demand of establishment of a permanent bench of high court in western Orissa. But this time they began ‘economic blockade’ on Saturday being it was the last working day of December.

“We thank the people of Sambalpur for extending their cooperation in our agitation. We urged the government to take immediate step for the establishment of the high court bench in western orissa before the situation goes out of the hand”, General secretary of the Bar association Chittaranjan Panda told.

“We have been agitating for a long time but due to the apathetic attitude we will force to support the separate statehood demand going on in western Orissa to achieve our demand”, Panda suggested

orissa assembly speaker punished for violenting rules of King Kansa in Bargarh

Speaker of Orissa legislative assembly Pradeep Amat was to accept the punishment imposed on him by the king Kansa for disobeying the rules of the Mathura kingdom. Amat assured the king to obey every direction of the King for his ‘fault’ to visit Gopapur with out the prior consent of the king.

Sources said, Speaker Amat visited Bargarh as a guest of the king Kansa on the 5^th day of the Dhanuyatra on Friday but prior to his visit he went to Gopapur to meet Krishna and Balaram. When Knasa came to know about it he was furious. Since Krishna and Balaram was his enemy, he could not tolerate and asked the speaker to ready for the punishment for violating the rule of his kingdom.

Replying Kansa politely Speaker Pradeep Amat informed that he went to Gopapura to access their power. He assured Kansa to obey what ever direction he gives. “It was a good gesture. I enjoyed a lot with the delivery of dialogues of king Kansa”, Pradeep Amat told TOI while talking over phone about his experience.

It may be mentioned here that who ever is going to Mathurapuri during Dhanuyatra he or she must obey the rules of the Kansa’s kingdom, especially the invitees and guests. No one is allowed to meet Krishna and Balaram with out the prior consent of the king Kansa as in contrary Kansa considers it a part of conspiracy.

After the satisfactory answer of the speaker, Knasa directed him to give adequate information regarding the roads and direction of the places where Krishna and Balaram reside. Speaker was agreed to the proposal of Knasa.

Prasanna Panda's death anniversary observed in sambalpur

In the changing social behavior, farmers are taking the ultimate step to kill them as there is no social security in the farmers’ community of the state. Government agencies do not able to rescue the farmers because there is lack of commitment among the officials. It is a matter of concern when a farmer commits suicide who is supposed to feed the society with his hard labour. The toll would increase in future if Government does not take the matter seriously.

This was opined by the speakers while deliberating their opinions on the occasion of the symposium on ‘social security verses farmer’s suicide’ organized by the Prasanna Panda memorial committee on his 12^th death anniversary at Sambalpur on Friday. Speaking on this occasion, eminent educationist and columnist Dr. Narayan Pruseth expressing his concern said that earlier farmers were able to meet their both ends with what ever they produced from their agricultural produce. “The real problem started only after the globalization when farmers are told to enhance their produce by using pesticides and fertilizers. Now the cost of production is high in comparison to what they earn finally”, Prof. Pruseth exclaimed.

Government should not shift its responsibility by giving faulty data on agriculture loans. “The loan amounts that a farmer takes from nationalized or cooperatives bank is less than what he takes from private persons and money lenders. But it never comes to calculation many a times’, Dr. Pruseth told.

On the other hand, the president of the president of Posco Pratirodha Sangram Samiti (PPSS) Abhaya Sahoo told that he was never against industrialization. “But my only concern is that I do not want industry at the cost of farmers”. Abhaya Sahoo told. He said that when the value of land is precision, by exchange of few lakhs if some one tries to uproot the peaceful living of the people how a conscious person will tolerate it. Mr. Sahoo apprehended that lakhs of people of Jagatsinghpur district would commit suicide like the farmers of western Orissa in coming days because of the government’s rigidness on the Posco. “People will not support any capitalist investment on bay of Bangle’s coast as nature provides them free lively-hood to the people with out any investment”, Sahoo told. He appealed the agitators of all displacement movements that are going on in Orissa to come under one banner to make their voices stronger. “Government has no right to sell mineral resources of the state to the hand of MNCs with out considering the opinion of the common people who are the real custodian through generation”, Sahoo argued. The president of the memorial committee Dr. Ramaballav Mishra was presided over the programme. Social activists Ashok Bisi and Unionist Dr. DP Nayak were also spoke on this occasion.

congress councilors locked muncipal office in protest against the illegal act of Chairperson

In protest against the illegal activities of the chairperson of Sambalpur municipality, congress councilors have locked the office and chamber of the chairpersons on Tuesday. They unlocked it after 4 hours when ADM rushed to municipality office. The chairperson who remained outside the office, assured to convene a council meeting on Wednesday to take suitable decision on the allegation made by agitating councilors.

Sources said, Sambalpur Municipality has a total 29 wards out of which BJP and congress have shared 15 and 13 respectively leaving one to an independence candidate. Since the chairman post is reserved for a lady, BJP’s Reena Trivedi becomes chairperson. The congress councilors of the municipality however oppose the activities of the chairperson on various occasions alleging ‘unethical’. They have also requested the chairperson to behave properly while discharging the official obligation of the municipality. But as the situation remains unchanged, they decided to ‘locked’ the office.

‘We have requested the chairperson to ‘behave’ properly while discharging the official obligation. But the chairperson takes decision with out taking the council in to confidence. She has taken many decisions regarding financial expenditure with out placing it in the council meeting. We apprehend an ‘ulterior motive’ in it. So decided to locked the office on Tuesday’, congress councilor Susanta Purohit alleged.

“We unlocked the office on the request of the ADM after 4 hours.”, another councilor Ashok Soni told. “Chairperson Trivedi has assured us to convene a council meeting on Wednesday where decision on our allegations will be discussed.”, Soni added. The chairperson was not available for her comment.

KVIC official caught red handed in Sambalpur while taking bribe

The CBI sleuth caught one official of KVIC, Sambalpur red handed on Thursday while he was accepting a bribe of Rs.5.000/- from a beneficiary to sanction his loan application. CBI arrested the accused and registered a case against himSources said, Khadi and village industry corporation office located in Sambalpur has been looking after the promotional of village-industry of about 10 districts of western Orissa. Under the PMEGP scheme, government of India is giving subsidy of Rs.3 lakhs to each beneficiary. Under the scheme KVIC will select the beneficiary to provide a loan of Rs.10 lakhs to start a small scale industry in rural area.Pramod Nayak of Katapali under Jharsuguda district was an applicant who got selected by the KVIC for a project. But the development officer of the KVIC demanded his 2% of the subsidy amount which comes to Rs.15.000/- before release of the loan amount in his favour. Finding no alternative Pramod agreed to pay him in 3 installments. As per the programme he was supposed to give Rs.5 thousand to the officer on Thursday. But before coming to Sambalpur Pramod he contacted CBI office at Rourkela and according to the plan, the CBI sleuths caught the officer red handed while he was accepting the bribe amount of Rs. 5,000/- from Pramod. The accused was identified as Laxmi Narayan Reddy. “We registered a case and arrested him under Prevention of corruption act”, an official of the CBI told.

heroic send off for Bargarh cop died in Narayanpatna

It was a Hero's send-off for the cop on Friday in his native village of Barahamunda in Bargarh district who died in Narayanpatna blast on the previous day. Senior officials of police and administration, along with citizens and local people’s representative paid tribute to the deceased cop before his dead body was cremated in his native village on Friday.
The slain SOG commando Gangadhar Dalai’s body that killed in a blast on his way to Narayanpatna on Thursday was reached to his native district head quarter Bargarh on Friday morning. Before proceed to his native village of Barahamunda, senior officials including SP and collector gave rich tribute to the deceased’s body. Later the body was brought to his village where it was cremated in a grieve atmosphere. Gun salute was given in presence of the Collector (Bargarh) SP Padhi and SP (Bargarh) S Soorya Thankappan before the body was cremated.
‘He promised me to come on Friday. I was waiting for his coming. But he cheated me. He did not come but his dead body came” cousin Tapas who performed the last rites of the cremation told. According to he had a talk with Gangadhar on Wednesday night over phone when he promised to come back on Friday as he would go to Narayanpatna on Thursday.
Gangadhar, the only son of Minaketan Dalai and surekha of Barahamunda under Attabira police station of Bargarh district had joined in OSAP about 2 years ago. He became SOG commando and posted in Koraput after completion of his training. He was 3 unmarried sisters. The family was preparing the marriage of his elder sister Bimla. I could not believe it. “In his absent how I would able to complete the marriage of my daughters’, father of deceased cop Minaketan sobbed. "It was a sad moment for his family. He will forever remain a hero in the police record," SP (Bargarh) S Soorya Thankappan told while paying tribute to the deceased body.

SP handed over a cheque of Rs. 8 lakhs to the deceased parents. The district administration of Bargarh has also released Rs.10 thousand for the last rituals of the deceased. The legislature (Attabira) Nihar Ranjan Mahananda promised to install a statue of the deceased cop in his native village while he was paying tribute the deceased cop’s body.

It may be informed that one Sukanta Sahu (23), a resident of Bandhapali village of Sambalpur district was killed on 18th June this year in same condition. He was working as driver in police department in koraput district and was going to Narayanpatna when a landmine blast near occurred at Palur in Koraput district killing nine cops including Sukanta.

13th Sambalpuri stagedrama competition begins in Sambalpur

The 13th state level sambalpuri play competition begins from Sambalpur from Thursday evening being inaugurated by the health minister Prasanna Acharya. The competition will continue till 31st December. Inaugurating the competition health minister termed the competition as a part of the on going language revolution that is brewing in the western part of the Orissa. ‘Such competition is needed in the region to boost the cultural and language revolution that is going on in the western Orissa’, Acharya said. Eminent BJD youth leader Rohit Pujari who was also present on this occasion congratulated the organizers creating a stage for the artists of the region to perform their art.The competition is organized by the youths of Jharuapara under the baaner of ‘Yuba Undayan’ where 28 plays are being staged by the artists every year over the past 13 years. We have completed 12 years and this is our 13th years. “Every year we select at least 28 troupes to perform their original sambalpuri plays. During the years we have created more than 50 new play groups and more than 300 original stage-dramas have been produced across the state. We do not know how long we will continue this only with the support of the local people’ convener of the competition Sanjay Mishra told.It may be mentioned here that Yuba Udayan started the competition during 1997 with the active support of the artists of the region. The competition is going on every year uninterruptedly every year with out any financial support of the government. “We have not received a single pie from the government but with the help of the local organizations and people we dare to organize it every year”, another organizer Jagadish Mishra told.

on this occasion the eminent lyricist and singer Ratan Pujari got felicitated for his commendable job in the field of promoting sambalpuri songs and culture.

25 persons injured in Bargarh as the light burst off in Dhanuyatra

At least 25 artists and media persons including senior government officials including the collector and CDMO of Bargarh district have been reportedly injured during the progress of world famous Dhanuyatra on its third day on Wednesday with the sudden burst out of halogen and bar light near the Yatra pendal. Though no one was seriously wounded, still the incident created a panic among the people watching the event. The injured were taken to the hospital for treatment. It was for the first time such an incident occurred during Dhanuyatra.
“Initially we could not understand. But looking to the broken glass pieces that struck on my face and other part of body, I guessed the actual situation. We were taken to the hospital immediately where we treated. Though injuries were not serious still it was sufficient to panic people’, cameraperson of a news TV channel Ranjan Singhdeo told.
Mythological story that goes as, lord Krishna was taken birth as the 8th issue of Devaki who was prisoned by demon king Kansa after he heard that he was killed in the hand of 8th issue of his sister Devaki. But when lord Krishna took birth no one in the prison was awaked. Basudev, husband of Devaki took lord Krishna to Gopapur crossing the river Jamuna and brought a girl replacing lord Krishna in her place. Kansa rushed to prison soon he heard about the 8th issue of sister Devaki. But he disappointed when he saw a girl child. But he did not want to take a chance and tried to kill the girl child. But the child disappeared from his hand moment before he smashed girl.
So every thing was performed by the artists as per the story. The moment Kansa heard about the 8th issue of Devaki, he rushed to the place. The Samaleswari temple of Bargarh town was the place where organizing committee converted it as the prison of demon king Kansa. Kansa reached the place at about 8.30 pm Wednesday. He was supposed to smash the girl child. He threw the replica of a girl child.
Sources said, the replica hit with a light fitted above the roof of the temple and suddenly the halogen and bar lights fitted nearby were burst out with a cracking sound. The broken pieces sparked out and hit the people standing nearly.
“Several persons got minor injuries with this. We took them to the hospital. Situation is under control. However it would not affect the functioning of the Dhanuyatra”, SP (Bargarh) Surya Thankappan told.
On the other hand, people believe that such an incident took place because of the negligent attitude of the organizing committee. “I think it was accidental but for the satisfaction I have directed to investigate the matter to know the exact circumstance of the occurrence”, collector (Bargarh) and chairman of the organizing committee SP Padhi told.

prime accused in paikmal gang rape surrendered

The prime accused in Paikmal gang rape Mahesh Agrawal .who remained absconded over the past 7 months was finally surrendered before a SDJM court of Padmapur in Bargarh district on Tuesday. He was sent to judicial custody after magistrate rejected his bail plea in the evening. He would remain inside the sub-divisional jail till the court passes a bail order in his fevour. Accused Mahesh Agrawal was also the chairman of Paikmal block and was a close-aide of the tribal welfare minister Bijay Ranjan Singh Bariha. He took the step following the ultimatum of Orissa high court asking him to surrender before the lower court before 23rd December while disposing his interim bail petition. With this almost all 6 accused persons have come under judicial custody.
‘He was surrendered before the SDJM, Padmapur on Tuesday on the ultimatum of the Orissa high court while disposing his petition on 17th last. He was asked to surrender before the lower court before 23rd or else he would be ready for the consequences. Finding no alternative he finally surrendered before the court. He was sent to judicial custody on the rejection of the bail petition’, a senior counsel of Padmapur court said.
Sources said, Mahesh and 5 others were accused in the gang-rape of 24 years unmarried Dalit girl of Bhukhamunda under Paikmal police station of the Bargarh district on Monday (11th May). The incident took place in a godown on the behest of the block chairman Mahesh Agrawal. Victim had been to block chairman Mahesh Agrawal’s office in connection to an appointment of Anganwadi worker. The chairman allegedly exploited her sexually and sent her with one Gananidhi Nag who took her to a godown of Sajan Agrawal where 3 persons including Gunanidhi, Sajan, and Pintu Pradhan raped her. Later she was taken to another place where two namely Kunal Singh Bariha and Kamalesh Sribastav raped her. Basing on the complaint of the victim girl Paikmal police registered a case against the accused persons including the block chairman Mahesh Agrawal, but failed to arrest any one as they all managed to give a slip to the local police. Since Mahesh was an active member of BJD and close aide of the tribal minister Bijay Ranjan Singh Bariha, government handed over the case to Crime Branch police to suppress the hue and cry of the opposition.
It may be mentioned here that 5 accused persons including Gunanidhi Nag, Sajan Agrawal, Pintu Pradhan and Kamalesh Sribastav have been arrested by the Crime Branch and local police on various occasions. Now surrender of the prime accused Mahesh Agrawal will be enable to the crime branch police to submit the charge-sheet of the case against the accused persons as soon as possible. “We will soon submit the charge-sheet against the accused persons to begin the trail against them immediately’, a senior police officer of Crime Branch police said.
It may be mentioned here that accused Kunal Singh Bariha, nephew of the tribal minister Bijay Ranjan Singh Bariha is still at large.

Dhanuyatra bigins in Bargarh

The world famous Dhanu Yatra begins from Monday and with this Bargarh, cultural hub nub of Western Orissa comes under the rule of the Demon king Kansa who continues to rule the city till 31st Dec. the end of the year. The portrayal of king Kansa is considered as the main attraction of the 11-day long Yatra which will conclude on 31st Dec with the death of the demon king Kansa. In the festival every one is considered as an artist as people are considered as the obedient subjects of the kingdom of the king Kansa.The Yatra commences with the coronation of Kansa, the demon king of Matura and concludes with his death at the hands of lord Krishna. People

from all over the town take part in this theatre festival as they become the subjects of the king Kansa. And the whole area is transformed in to the kingdom of Kansa, just it was centuries back. Hrusikesh Bhoi, a 37 years young artist and by profession driver in a government office has been performing the role of Kansa and is trying hard to give more attraction to the carnival. It is his 2nd year of playing the role. Bargarh town is transformed in to Mathurapuri, the capital of Kansa’s kingdom and its residents become the obedient subjects of Kansa. The neighboring village Ambapali becomes the Gopapur and the River Jira which passes through both places is treated as river Jamuna.Organizers have been giving thrust on the role of the Kansa as he remains the main attraction of the Yatra. There were as many as 10 persons who have already performed the role of Kansa successfully since the inception of the Dhanu Yatra in the year 1948. Late Bundi Rath was the Kansa for few occasions in the initial periods and Judhistir Sathpathy did it for 15 years. Bhimsen Tripathy, Radhesyam Dash, Nilanchal Dash, Bhubaneswar Pradhan and Sanjib Dash had also performed the role of Kansa for short period. But it was the cop Gopal Sahu aka Eli who is considered champion with performing longest time of 22 years. But the organizing committee has replaced him since last year and Hrusikesh Bhoi becomes the new Kansa.

During the festival Kansa is made to mount on an elephant and goes round the town every day for a ‘Nagar Parikram’ and imposes fine on persons violating the law of his kingdom. He also listens to grievances of the people in his ‘Darbar’ and passes order to the officials including the Collector and SP of the District, as they become the officials of his court during the festival.
During the festival performance of all possible scenes starting from the birth of lord Krishna to the death of king Kansa in series every day. The festival comes to an end after the death of demon king Kansa.“This year we have planned to give more thrust on the cultural and folk dance of the region. Apart from the Mythological scenes we want to involve cultural and dance tropes of across the country.” collector and chairman of the managing committee Suresh Prasad Padhi told.

Laywers go for hungerstrike for indefinite for High court bench

Sambalpur lawyers have decided to go for hunger strike for indefinite period from the coming republic day in protest against the government apathetic attitude on the establishment of a permanent bench of the high court in western Orissa. They also decided to completely paralyze the judiciary of the region till government takes a suitable step on their long pending demand from January.

“We have decided to intensify our agitation from the New Year in protest against he government’s silence on the high court bench issue. You are talking about justice at door step, but when question of decentralization of high court comes, you behave as if you know nothing about the issue. We have been fighting on this particular issue over the past 3 decades but government takes no step to redress out genuine demand. So we have given an ultimatum to the both chief minister and governor to take immediate step on this issue before 26^th of January”, president of the district Bar Association Pradeep Kumar Bohidar told.

Sources said, lawyers of the region are presently up in arms following the antagonist act of the state government in regard to the establishment of a Orissa high court bench in the western region of the state. During each election, political parties make it a prime issue in their manifesto but soon after election they forget it. “We do not have faith on political parties after hearing so many assurances on this issue during election. Now we decide to make it a public movement to achieve goal. We will create such a situation when government will bound to take action”, general secretary of the district bar association Chitta Ranjan Panda told.

The lawyers have also decided to begin economic blockade on 26^th December as the last working day of the year. They will block all good vehicles plying on the National highway on that day. “We have decided to block the goods trucks on 26^th December. However we will allow other vehicles to run on the road”, Panda told. .

It may be informed the lawyers of the region are agitating since a long time for the establishment of a high court bench in western Orissa. As per the decision of the central action committee of the western Orissa bar associations, judicial courts and revenue offices are being closed down on last 3 working days of each month. This time due to x-mas holiday agitation will be held on 23^rd, 24^th and 26^th of December.

new train between Surat and Puri en-routes Sambalpur

Good news for railways commuters. Railways has introduced a train between Puri and Surat scheduled to be begun its running from 20^th December. The 2743 Puri-Surat weekly super fast express will leave will leave Puri at 7.50 pm every Sunday and will reach Surat at 03.20 a.m on every Tuesday. In the return direction, 2744 Surat-Puri weekly super fast Express will leave Surat at 08.30a.m on every Tuesday and will reach Puri at 04.15p.m on every Wednesday.

According to a press-release of the Sambalpur Divisional office, both the train will have stoppages at Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Dhenkanal, Talcher Road, Angul, Sambalpur, Bargarh, Balangir, Titlagarh, Kantabanji, Raipur, Durg, Gondia, Nagpur, Bhusaval and Jalgaon between Puri and Surat having One AC-2 tier, One AC-3 tier, Eight Sleeper Class, Six General Second Class and Two Guard-cum-luggage vans in its composition. Similarly railway has decided to extend the Bhubaneswar-Raipur intercity express to Puri from 20^th December. 8425 Puri-Raipur Inter City Express will leave from Puri at 05.45 p.m and Khurda Road at 06. 50 p.m and in the return direction, 8426 Raipur-Bhubaneswar Express will leave Bhubaneswar at 07.35a.m, Khurda Road at 08.20a.m and will arrive Puri at 09.35a.m. The timings and stoppages for Puri-Raipur-Puri Inter City Express between Bhubaneswar and Raipur will be same as earlier.

bargarh police hauled huge quantity of explosive meterials

Bargarh police hauled huge quantity of explosive materials from Pudiatikira village under sadar police station limits on wee hours of Friday and arrested one accused under explosive act. However police failed to arrest another one who manages to escape soon after the raid. However police are yet to confirm the source where the material was coming to Bargarh in such a huge quantity.

Police sources said, .in a tip off police got the information and with direct supervision of the SP, police raided the house of Harekrisna Behera and one another person in the village Pudiatikira near Bargarh town and seized huge quantity of explosive materials. Police confirmed that 2100 of non-electronic detonators, 1075 of electronic detonators, huge quantity of chemicals powder including sulfur, ammonium nitrogen and phosphors and few other materials used various explosions.

“These are called IED (improvised electronic devises) and it is illegal to keep these materials with out having proper license. However we have not yet ascertained the source where such a huge quantity of explosive materials was coming to Bargarh and for what purpose he was keeping’, SP (Bargarh) S Soorya Thankappan told.

“Investigation is on to ascertain the source and the linkage of the accused persons with any outer organization. We are also trying to arrest another accused who managed to abscond from the spot”, Ms. Thankappan told.

sambalpuri play competition from 24th

The 13^th veer Surendra Sai state level Sambalpuri drama competition is scheduled to be held from 24^th December and it will continue till 31^st December. About 24 teams across the state have been selected for the week long competition to perform their original play. “Since we won’t repeat any play in the competition, people have occasioned to enjoy new play every time in our stage. This time we have invited 24 teams across the state out of which 8 teams are new to us. We try to make the competition more attractive. We hope a large gathering this year” Sanjay Mishra, convener of the event told.

Sources said, Juba Udayan, a socio-cultural association has been organizing such a drama competition every year since last 12 years While the old culture and tradition are fading out from the society the efforts of the youths of the origination gives a flicker hope on the future of the theatre and stage drama. However the youths are yet to get financial support and cooperation from the government. “We have decided to continue this theatre movement by mobilizing local resources. However we would draw a better result in our efforts incase government provide us any financial assistance”, Saroj Dalpat, co-convener of the competition asserted

senior saffron leader died in Sambalpur

The eminent statesman and founder president of District BJP Benibhuj Sahu passes away on Thursday after prolong illness. he was 79 years old and he was survived with his widow, two sons and a daughter. Later his body was cremated in the afternoon at Rajghat. Eminent people and leaders of all political parties visited his house at Jharuapada to last homage to the departed sole.

Behibhuj Sahu was remained the party president of undivided Sambalpur district BJP for two decades since the day of the party inception. He was such a leader that he was well accepted by the leaders of all other parties.

“Though he was in BJP, he was well accepted by the people of all other parties. Benibhuj Sahu had involved in several people’s movements in the past and though he was in BJP he was never in any power politics. He was a true leader of masses”, the state secretariat member of CPI Ashok Bishi told.

‘He was hospitalized since last 18^th November after he suffered from kidney problem. He remained in coma for few days before he finally breathed his last’, his younger son and senior scribe Priya Ranjan Sahu told. Sahu is now working as the state head of the Hindustan times at Bhubaneswar.“With his death BJP lost a great leader. We become hopeless after his death as he remained as inspiration to us”, BJP state president Suresh Pujari told.

it may be mentioned here that leaders like Benibhuj Sahu who shouldered party responsibility during its initial period by suffering a lot. But they are never considered as important in the party when party enters to power.

farmers blocked collector home with paddy

Aggrieved with the mismanagement in the market yard, farmers blocked the entry of the Sambalpur Collector’s residence by piling paddy loaded trucks on Tuesday evening. Demanding immediate sale of their produce from the market yards as assured by the Sub-collector, they continue to stage agitation creating a unpleasant situation. Senior officers rushed to the spot and persuaded the farmers to refrain from such agitation. But till late evening situation remains unchanged as the farmers unwilling to return the paddy with out getting 'written assurance' from the collector.

“We have already lost our patience due to the non-cooperative attitude of the officials engaged in the Market yards. They do not have any sympathy for farmers and work as the agent of Rice Millers. They are creating unnecessary delay while processing sale transaction in the market yards and we are forced to wait 4 to 5 days to get the price of the paddy. we face lot of difficulties in this process’, an agitator Sujit Nath of Themra village told.

Sources said, while severe crop loss

has been registered in the Sambalpur district this year due to shortage of rain and attack of army insects, in few irrigated area under the Maneswar block of the district yielding of paddy has become quite well. But now due to non-cooperative attitude of the supply officials farmers are facing difficulties in selling their produce . Farmers allege that they are asked to wait for 4to 5 days in the yards to receive their money. When district administration has assured farmers to provide paddy price through cheque immediately after the transaction is over, but supply officials make unnecessary delay while supplying cheque. “I have waited in Themra market yards for 4 days to receive my money. On the first day they measured my paddy and provided a slip of 10,200 quintals. But after 4 days they once again measured it and surprisingly the weight of the paddy becomes 10,198 quintals”, another agitator Jagat Mohan Pradhan told. when he asked the supply officials refused to give price of the rest 2 quintals of paddy.

On the other hand the district administration has described it as ‘unfortunate situation’ that has started from the district. District administration claims to have taken every care for the smooth selling of paddy through various market yards. “Since huge quantity of paddy is coming to market yards every day it becomes difficult for the supply official to dispose it on the same day”, collector (Sambalpur ) P K Patnaik told.

However he assured to take immediate step to stop unnecessary delay of paddy transaction in the market yards. “Since the market yards are not fully equipped with essential machineries, it becomes delay. We are trying to make the market yards equipped with modern machinery so we hope there will be no problem in future”, collector Patnaik added.

On the other hand farmers allege delay is occurred because of the non-operative attitude of the rice millers who do not want to purchase paddy from the market yards as district administration does not have control over them. “Rice millers are not interested to purchase from the market yards. They want to take paddy in a lower price which becomes difficult for them to get from market yards”, eminent farmer leader Ashok Pradhan said.

Meanwhile district administration is trying to avert the unpleasent situation by persuading farmers to refrain from the agitation but till 7.30 pm situation remains unchanged as the farmers become rigid on their stand.

Later with the assurance of the collector, farmers took away the paddy trucks in the night. They also decised to come back once again if mismanagement continues in the market yerds in future.

Aditya Birla to extend support for the development of the Gandhi Mandir

The Aditya Birla group desires to extend cooperation for the over all development of the Gandhi Mandir located at Bhatra, ourskirt of the Sambalpur town. This is only temple of its kind where a bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi has been installed in the center place of the temple and people come for worship like God.

The general manager (special project) Bharat Parikh visited the temple on Thursday and revealed company’s interest to become a part of the development of the temple. “Aditya Birla group is interested to be a part of the temple and company has decided to extend all cooperation to its managing committee to make the temple more highlighted in international level”, Bharat Parikh told while taking with the media person on Thursday evening.

According to him, he got information about the temple from a news article published in the ‘Times of India’ in its Mumbai edition and from it he came to know about the financial difficulties of the managing committee to maintain the temple smoothly . “Money will not be a problem for the temple after company's decision to become a part of the Temple. We will develop a long term planning for the over all development of the temple. But initially we develop the temple and its surrounding to attract more number of visitors. I have also suggested the management committee to start maintaining a list of life member of the temple with a contribution of Rs. 1000/-“, Parikh added.

“Our intension is to give a complete idea about Mahatma Gandhi to the younger generation. Many youths do not know much about him. So we want to develop a library in side the temple where youth gets documents regarding the lifestyle of the Gandhi”, Parikh told.

Sources said, the temple was built in 1974 at Bhatra outskirt of Sambalpur town with the active participation of former legislature of Rairakhol constituency Abhimanyu Kumar. A statue of Mahatma Gandhi was installed inside the temple. Every day people assemble inside the temple for morning and evening prayer. Special programmes are organized on 15^th August (Independence Day), January 26^th (republic day) 2^nd Oct (Gandhi Jayanti) and January 30^th (death anniversary of Gandhiji). But presently the managing committee is facing severe financial crunch to run the day to day activities and annual maintenance of the temple because of no regular income source.

“I am happy that company like Aditya Birla group has started taking interest on the development of the temple. we expect a speedy development of the temple with the aegis of the company and hopefully it will make the temple more highlighted both in national and international level ”, the president of the managing committee Pramod Kumar told.

villagers leave native fearing Ganja mafias

They have never thought of leaving their native village even they suffered a lot due to Maoist activities over the past 5 years. But now they do not feel secured in the village after getting constant threat from Ganja Mafias. If complaining against illegal Ganja cultivation becomes a mistake than they have committed it. But now for this mistake they are leaving their own village. At least 15 families have been reportedly victims of the threat as Police do not come to rescue them even after getting such complaint. They allege local police and excise officials are having hand in gloves with the Ganja Mafias.

The victims villagers of Jamjuri village under Naktideul police station of the district, 100 km away from here have alleged that Naktideul region have become an open place for ganja cultivation. Having nexus with local police and excise officials, few local youths have been involved in the Ganja cultivation over the past few years. They allege that excise department and police department are making a hue and cry highlighting their raids to destroy Ganja cultivation. It is only to eye wash to common people actually their raids never include the actual places where Ganja mafias are involved in the illegal cultivation.

“Due to Ganja cultivation, we do not get sufficient water as Ganja Mafias pump out water for their illegal cultivation. They also take the kerosene old meant for us to run their water pump. As they take maximum pesticide in a higher price, we hardly get pesticides in our place.” Prahllad Pradhan, a villager of Jamjuri alleged on Thursday.

“When the situation becomes worst this year due to heavy crop loss we appealed the administration to take immediate action to stop Ganja cultivation. But surprisingly we get constant threat from ganja mafias soon after our appeal to the administration. So we believe local administration has noxious relation with the ganja mafia”, another villager Bidhan Sahu told.

“The villagers have finally decided not to return their village unless they get proper assurance from the district administration. We have appealed the district collector and SP to provide us proper security as apprehend life threat from the Ganja Mafia”, Ranjan Majhi another villager asserted.

On the other hand, the administration claimed to have destroyed crores rupees of Ganja cultivation in the Naktideul block over the past one month. “We have destroyed Ganja cultivation worth of Rs. 15 crores raiding several areas. We will continue our raids till we destroy all ganja cultivation. Allegation of discrimination in our raids is totally false”, excise superintendent PS Patra told.

Mean while collector PK Patnaik has sought a report from the local official regarding the allegation of the villagers. “I will take action incase I find truth on the allegation. I have also directed the police to take immediate step to provide security to the villagers”, collector PK Patniak told.

HIV positives want to work for the AIDS patients

HIV positives should come out openly to fight against the social stigma and they should work to change the attitude of the common people regarding AIDS. This was stated by none other than two HIV positive patients while speaking in an awareness programme organized in Sambalpur on the eve of the world aids day on Tuesday. The positive duo even appealed the people not to hate the patients affected with AIDS. The programme was organized by BISWA where the two attended as guest of honours.

“It was quite painful when I came to know that I was affected with HIV positive in 2007. But than I decided keep my self involve in creating awareness about the deadly disease. I faced several difficulties due to ignorance and lack of awareness of the people about the disease. So we formed an organization with the help of government involving HIV positives patients of the region. ” HIV positive patient Thakur Nanda told while talking to TOI.

Sources said, people are still not aware about the AIDS. Especially in rural areas people are totally ignorant about the AIDS and its preventive method. They do outcast him from the village once they come to know about affected person. Even the family members do not help the patients with a fear of the co-villagers. in such a situation patients do not want to come forward freely. “I know the village people they just out cast me from the village once they come to know about me. Even my family members do not come forward to co-operate me. So I understand the pain of departing from the family members and society”, another HIV positive patient Prakash Patel told.

According to them, they have formed an organization in the name of Sambalpur Network of positive people (SNPP) where as many as 135 persons tested HIV positive have joined as members. The organization is looking after the welfare and treatment of the patients. “We have closed connection with NECO and ART centre located at Burla and we take all necessary help to provide medicines and health care to our members, we have also opened a office at Sambalpur to give information to our members regarding health care and medicines”, the project coordinator of the SNPP Tusarkant Pradhan told.

In an another programme, Utsarga, the premier blood donation organization of Sambalpur organized a programme at Homeopathy College, where doctors claim homeopathy has specific medicines that give good response on the HIV..“I have experimented homeopathy medicines on few positive patients and the result is amazing. We have medicines to partially cure the deadly disease.”, Homeopathy doctor Ram Charan Pradhan claimed. According to him, homeopathy has ability to cure AIDS but it requires lot of costly experiments. "But we need government support for further experiments and examination to over come the deadly disease", he added.