Friday 30 September 2011

Top 10 engineering colleges in Orissa 2011


1) University College of Engineering  - RANK 1
Burla, Orissa. Ph:             +91- 663-2430211
UCE under Biju Patnaik University of technology is the top rated college in Orissa providing undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in engineering. Teaching mode and handling practicals are of high standards in the college.
Useful links: http://www.uceburla.ac.in
2) Institute of Technical Education & Research – RANK 2
SOA University, Bhubaneswar. Ph:             +91-674- 2350181
ITER is the part if Siksha O’ Anusandhan University approved by UGC. The institute is dedicated to provide high quality education and is also known for their management system.
Useful links: http://iter.ac.in

3) College of Engineering & Technology (CET) RANK 3
Bhubaneswar, Orissa. Ph:             +91-674-2384110
CET possesses well equipped laboratory facilities and campus for students to deliver maximum outcome. Training sessions within the course curriculum is the most notable advantage for the aspirants.
Useful links: http://www.cetindia.org
4) Silicon Institute of Technology RANK 4
Bhubaneswar, Orissa. Ph:             + 91-674-2725448
This private institute is counted as top among private institutes in Orissa and one among the top list. They are destined to flourish this as centre for excellence in the field of engineering and technology.
Useful links: http://www.silicon.ac.in
5) CV Raman College of Engineering RANK 5
Bhubaneswar, Orissa. Ph:             +91-674-2460693
The college offers undergraduate programmes in various branches of engineering and technology. The placement cell is highly effective in creating opportunities for students.
Useful links: http://cvraman.org
6) National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) RANK 6
Berhampur, Orissa. Ph:             +91-680-2492421
This private institute provides best conditions for the growth of engineers and technologists. The industrial training and consultancy services help students to improve their future standards.
Useful links: http://www.nist.edu/
7) Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology RANK 7
Bhubaneswar, Orissa. Ph:             + 91-674-2725113
Top quality infrastructure and lab facilities in KIIT made it one among the top colleges offering engineering and technology courses. Eminent professors and lecturers deliver informative sessions and ideas for healthy discussions among students.
Useful links: http://www.kiit.ac.in
8 ) Aryan Institute of Engineering and Technology RANK 8
BARAKUDA, PANCHAGAON, KHURDA, Orissa.      Phone:            +91- 09776209535
The institute is affiliated to Biju Patnaik university of technology and B.Tech and lateral entry B.Tech courses. They are also conducting supplimentary coaching classes for better carrier options of students.
Useful links: http://www.aryan.ac.in
9) Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology (IGIT) RANK 9
Sarang, Orissa. Ph:             + 91-6760-240371
Eminent instructors and high tech lab facilities in IGIT made it as one of the prime choice among aspirants in engineering and technology field. They offers bachelor and degree courses in the subject.
Useful links: http://www.igitsarang.ac.in
10) Orissa Engineering College (OEC) RANK 10
Bhubaneswar, Orissa. Ph:             +91-674-2541340
The college, affiliated to B.P. University, stands for quality education to nurture talents for the society. They hope to create professionals with responsibility and dedication.
Useful links: http://www.oec.ac.in

2011 RBC Blue Water Project Leadership Grants announced


RBC today announced its 2011 RBC Bl0.ue Water Project Leadership Grant recipients. Thirty organizations, delivering projects in five countries, will share more than$4 million for programs that help protect watersheds and improve access to clean drinking water. A list of organizations receiving grants is provided below.
"Since we launched the RBC Blue Water Project in 2007, we have now provided funding to over 450 organizations around the world that care about protecting and preserving water," said Gordon M. Nixon, president and CEO, RBC. "I congratulate this newest group of grant recipients. Their work is critical to the protection of the world's valuable water resources, and we are proud to support them in their efforts."
RBC's 2011 funding will support a range of projects from wetland and shoreline restoration to water quality monitoring and sharing of sustainable water management practices in agricultural regions. More than 180 organizations applied for 2011 Leadership Grants.
"This is our fourth year of evaluating grant proposals, and our panel has never been more impressed with the quality of applications. We really are seeing the best of the world's best organizations working to protect water," said Rob de Loë, professor and University Research Chair in Water Policy and Governance, University of Waterloo, and chair of the RBC Blue Water Project Advisory Panel. "This year, we were happy to see an increased number of collaborative projects between various organizations, more on-the-ground projects that will restore shorelines of rivers, streams and lakes and more initiatives to engage the agricultural community. I'm confident that our recipients will make a demonstrable difference in the health of their local watersheds."
The RBC Blue Water Project is a 10-year, $50 million philanthropic commitment to supporting organizations that protect watersheds and ensure access to clean drinking water in Canada and abroad. Since 2007, RBC has committed more than $32 million in single and multi-year grants to 454 organizations, including the 30 announced today. Earlier in September, RBC also announced a commitment of $1.1 million to ONE DROP's Project India, a program to educate and improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation in Orissa, one of India's poorest states. This is part of RBC's 10-year, $10 million pledge to ONE DROP.
For more information on the RBC Blue Water Project, as well as grant guidelines and application forms, visit www.rbc.com/bluewater.
Note: Financial references in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.


2011 RBC Blue Water Project Leadership Grants
Financial references in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.
NATIONAL
  • Free the Children: A grant of $420,000 will fund the delivery of H2O 4U, a water-focused speaking tour that is offered to middle and high schools across Canada. Speakers will inspire and educate youth about the importance of clean water at home and around the world. An RBC Blue Water Project grant of $300,000 in 2009 helped Free the Children take this tour to over 100 schools.
  • Tides Canada Initiatives Society/Waterlution: A grant of $200,000 will help Waterlution build on its "Future of Water" workshops, where 18-35 year olds explore critical and complex water management issues. A new "Hub Project" in five regions across Canada will allow workshop participants to put their learnings into action. An RBC Blue Water Project grant of $120,000 in 2008 helped Waterlution provide 40 workshops in 28 communities.
ATLANTIC CANADA
  • Clean Annapolis River Project: A grant of $36,000 will fund field assessments and restoration plans for watercourse barriers on the Annapolis River and its tributaries. Culverts and dams are preventing the free migration of threatened fish species to critical habitats.
  • Atlantic Coastal Action Program Cape Breton: A grant of $35,000 will help this organization monitor streams that are affected by development and land use as well as restoring the Salmon River and its tributaries.
QUEBEC
  • Comité Zone d'Interventions Prioritaires (ZIP) Alma-Jonquière: A grant of $240,000 will fund a community stewardship project, operating in 40 major watersheds in Quebec and expanding into New Brunswick. Volunteers are trained to monitor hundreds of rivers, collecting data for the identification and assessment of developing problems. Students from elementary school and up will be engaged through the Ministry of Education for New Brunswick.
  • Fondation de la Faune du Quebec: A grant of $200,000 will help this organization develop and share water and habitat conservation best practices and raise awareness about sustainable agricultural practices with more than 500 agricultural producers in southern Quebec.
ONTARIO
  • Upper Thames River Conservation Authority: A grant of $120,000 will kick-start a Clean Water Project for individual rural farming and non-farming landowners, providing technical assistance and financial incentives for projects that will improve and protect ground and surface water quality, such as decommissioning unused wells, soil erosion control, clean water diversions around barnyards, woodland and wetland enhancement, tree planting, fuel storage and septic system upgrades.
  • Lake Ontario Waterkeeper (LOW): A $200,000 grant helped LOW launch Swim Guide in June, 2011. Swim Guide is a free smartphone app that helps people locate the closest, cleanest beach for swimming, get directions, view photos, and share their experience through social networks. LOW used an RBC Blue Water Project grant of $200,000 in 2008 to create the Guide.
  • Georgian Bay Forever: A grant of $100,000 will support the production of the 'Eastern Georgian Bay Health Report' for release in the summer of 2012. The report will outline the current conditions of the region from the Severn River to Killarney including ecological conditions, general threats, "hot spots" of special concern, and emerging issues. In addition, the report will identify knowledge gaps, research opportunities and detail local stewardship activities.
  • Royal Ontario Museum: A $100,000 grant supported the delivery of the museum's Water: The Exhibit display, providing an informative, dramatic, and educational experience about the importance of water to more than 125,000 visitors in six months.
  • Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Foundation: A grant of $100,000 will help the George Richardson Park Project reduce levels of phosphorus entering Lake Simcoe with activities such as community tree planting and irrigation activities.
  • One Change Foundation: A grant of $100,000 will help this organization mobilize Ottawa residents to take action on residential water waste. In collaboration with the City of Ottawa, volunteers and One Change staff will go door to door to distribute simple kits that show people how to detect and repair common toilet leaks.
  • Hamilton Conservation Foundation: A grant of $90,000 will help the Foundation protect, enhance and restore environmentally significant natural areas and watercourses by educating and working one-on-one with landowners.
  • Ottawa Riverkeeper: A grant of $75,000 will fund a 28-day, 90 kilometre exploration of crucial water issues in the Ottawa River watershed, in partnership with Canadian Geographic and the Canadian Canoe Foundation. The expedition will be broadcast online and the information collected will be used as part of the Lake Ontario Waterkeeper "Swim Drink Fish" application, also funded by an RBC Blue Water Project grant.
  • Lower Trent Region Conservation Authority: A grant of $50,000 will support The Healthy Shorelines Clean Water Stewardship Program, which will raise awareness about the ecological health of the watershed through educational outreach to residents and landowners, including shoreline consultations, community workshops, demonstration projects and financial assistance to landowners to implement qualified projects.
MANITOBA
  • Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation: A grant of $225,000 will fund "Green Banks: Clear Waters", a program to improve water quality in riparian areas in four south-central Manitoba conservation districts. A new riparian health assessment tool will help community-based watershed groups classify, analyze, and provide riparian health information to their stakeholders. This collaborative project also involves Agriculture Agri-Food Canada, Agri-Environment Service Branch and Manitoba Water Stewardship.
  • Lake Winnipeg Foundation: A grant of $40,000 will support the Sensitive Habitat Inventory and Mapping (SHIM) project that will provide baseline scientific information for shoreline management.
ALBERTA
  • Trout Unlimited Canada: A grant of $150,000 will enable this organization to increase riparian health, and improve water quality in the Drywood Creek Watershed system in southwest Alberta. Working in collaboration with Drywood-Yarrow Conservation Partnership and Southwest Alberta Conservation Partnership, agricultural producers will be engaged to protect sensitive riparian areas from cattle grazing by installing protective fencing and off-stream livestock watering systems.
  • Bow River Basin Council: A grant of $40,000 will help the Council modify an existing computer program so it can simulate the effects of natural ecological processes and land uses on water quality, natural capital values, agricultural lands, municipal revenues, municipal operating costs, and natural areas. Municipalities and watershed management groups will use the information to identify optimum zoning strategies, planning and best practices.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
  • A.S.T.C. Science World Society: A grant of $300,000 will help Science World add a "Water Story" to its new 35,000 square foot interactive outdoor science park. The Water Story's exhibits will include a wetland habitat, a cistern to illustrate rainwater capture for gardening and agriculture, an interactive outdoor stream table to demonstrate the benefits and risks of man-made reservoirs and dams, and a water infrastructure display to demonstrate where our water comes from and where it goes.
  • Trout Unlimited Canada: A grant of $125,000 will help this organization complete a project that will restore and improve access to degraded fish habitats in six streams flowing into Qualicum Bay. RBC provided a grant of $75,000 in 2009 to cover the first phase of the program. This project is a collaboration between Trout Unlimited, Nile Creek Enhancement Society and VancouverIsland University.
  • Fraser Valley Conservancy: A grant of $120,000 will fund a collaborative project between the Conservancy, the Chilliwack River Action Committee and the City of Abbotsford to enhance and protect over fifty acres of land, restore over ten acres, and increase the biological function and improve wildlife habitats at four sites within the Fraser River Watershed.
  • Pacific Salmon Foundation: A grant of $70,000 will help the Foundation launch 'Salmon-Safe B.C.', a farm certification program to protect Salmon by transforming land management practices To earn Salmon-Safe certification, farms are required to improve irrigation efficiency, reduce run-off and wind erosion, protect wildlife habitat, cultivate ecological compensation areas to enhance native biodiversity, as well as reduce or eliminate the use of harmful pesticides.
UNITED STATES
  • New York Harbor Foundation: A grant of US$375,000 will help the Foundation improve water quality in the Harbor through the Billion Oysters NYC project, which will plant one billion oysters by 2050. In a healthy marine ecosystem, oysters are a keystone species. Each oyster is a natural water-filtration system, pumping between 20 and 50 gallons of water through its gills each day and extracting algae and phytoplankton for its food.
  • Chesapeake Bay Foundation: A grant of US$250,000 will fund an ongoing project to restore the Bay's natural filters, through restoration of wetlands, forested buffers and oysters that filter and absorb pollution. Seventeen million people live in this 64,000 sq. mile watershed. The leading cause of the Bay's impairment is nitrogen pollution from agriculture and the Foundation will work with individual farmers to implement agricultural best practices to prevent nitrogen pollution.
  • National Geographic Society: A grant of US$250,000 will provide ongoing support to Freshwater Initiatives including a Freshwater Fellow who delivers briefings, lectures and keynote speeches around the globe, building support for global water issues and inspiring action. RBC's grant also provides funding for a Fresh Water Editor to further develop the content of the freshwater website.
  • LightHawk: A grant of US$240,000 will help LightHawk, an organization that helps conservation groups collect scientific data and imagery of land and water resources from the air, develop guidelines for geo-referencing photos and aerial data collection, provide tips for aerial photography and radio telemetry for wildlife studies and encourage key partners and pilots to serve as mentors to others. LightHawk's network of 180 experienced volunteer pilots donate flights to conservation groups, government agencies and universities in North and Central America.
  • Great River Greening: A grant of US$100,000 will support an ongoing water quality improvement project in five Minnesota watersheds. This organization works with landowners, community, agriculture, nonprofit and government partners to encourage participation in government agricultural conservation programs that reduce water pollution. It also encourages farmers and farmland owners implement conservation plans to reduce pollution.
  • Cahaba River Society: A grant of US$35,000 will be directed to programs that improve the conservation of drinking water, and protect the recreational and freshwater biodiversity value of the Cahaba River.
BAHAMAS
  • Bahamas National Trust: A grant of $300,000 will fund a collaborative project with the Nature Conservancy to reduce threats to sensitive natural areas and increase community stewardship of watersheds and water resources, including training for park managers and guides about the significance of blue holes, a water conservation program for schools throughout the country, and a Geographic Information System database of freshwater resources and threats.
UNITED KINGDOM
  • Woodland Trust: A grant of $95,000 will support a project to increase awareness of the role of trees in managing water quality and flood management.
BRAZIL
  • Wildlife Conservation Society: A grant of $100,000 will support a watershed and wildlife restoration project in the Pantanal region of Brazil. This organization works directly with ranchers to convert to more sustainable practices that will result in improved watershed management and healthier and more profitable ranches.

Output to fall by 4-5mt due to K'tka mining ban: Sesa Goa


All the news surrounding the mining ban in Karnataka has increased fears of a similar ban in Goa as well, affecting companies like Sesa Goa which operate in the area. “Because of the ban in Karnataka, we are seeing FY12 production target fall short by almost 4-5 million tonne,” said PK Mukherjee, managing director of Sesa Goa. The FY12 target now stands at 17-18 million tonne.
Another negative factor that may impact Sesa Goa’s margins is the possibility of an increase in the export duty of iron ore. “We have not factored in this possibility, but we do not see any issue in iron ore pricing,” said Mykherjee.
In regards to the e-auction process for mines in Karnataka, Mukherjee says that they are participating in the process, but they are getting lower realizations from that. “Currently, we have less that one million tonne as inventory in Karnataka,” he added.
Below is an edited transcript of his interview with Udayan Mukherjee and Mitali Mukherjee. Also watch the accompanying video.
Q: While you have clarified that the ban on the Pirna Mines may not be very material for Sesa Goa, it has aggravated fears that the mining ban could extend to Goa next after Karnataka. Do you think these fears are legitimate?
A: First of all this is not a ban. I do not know why this word ban is getting used. This Pirna issue has been reported two years back also, I do not know whether your channel has carried that subject. But Sesa got the Pirna MOU permission almost three years back. However, we still have not started the production there because it was a small area and we are still thinking about the business economy.
But now we have learnt that there are certain deficiencies in our application itself and so we have withdrawn our application on our own. So I do not know why Pirna Mine is becoming such a big issue at this stage.
Q: Is it not true that the commission has recommended a similar exercise as was conducted in Karnataka to be conducted on the Goa mines to figure out whether or not they have been the same discrepancies?
A: It has got nothing to do with the Pirna; Pirna is a separate issue altogether. But yes, Shah Commission is looking at various irregularities in Goa. They have come to the Goa and inspected various mines; teams are still checking various documents. I am sure we will keep up whatever cleaning of the operations or other things are required in Goa.
Q: How soon are you expecting to hear what the report’s findings are and does it include mines in which Sesa Goa has a presence?
A: Yes. When they are looking at the mines, it includes every mine. I believe Justice Shah or somebody from Shah Commission has stated that by the end of October they will submit the report to the Parliament.
Q: Originally you were targeting 21 million tons of sales in FY12. What do you think is a more realistic target now after all the developments of the last few months?
A: 21 million ton was the target including production from Karnataka. Out of the 6-7 million tonne target from Karnataka, we have done roughly about 2 million until July end. Assuming that Karnataka production will not come out until 31st of March, we will lose 4-5 million tonne totally.
Q: That’s the only impact do you see?
A: Yeah, at the moment I don’t see any other impact.
Q: There has also been the suggestion that the iron ore export duty be increased to about 30%. Is that something that Sesa Goa has factored in already or will that have to be taken into account?
A: No, we have not factored in any such duty increase. Actually what is left for duty increase now? Karnataka has gone, Orissa is struggling to put the material in the port and now only Goa is left. I do not know who is ultimately getting benefited with this export duty increase or export ban because even a company like NMDC is losing thousands of crore per year.
Q: Is this the toughest patch Sesa Goa has gone through in terms of such regulatory issues? And has the industry as a body sought any representation with the government?
A: Yes, we are representing to the government. This cleansing of the system was overdue, but in the process of cleansing everybody is being painted in the same colour and that is a very unfortunate situation.
Q: I believe you have an inventory of 2 million tons of iron ore in Karnataka. Are you participating in the recent e-auctions which might start off?
A: No. Sesa doesn’t have the inventory of 2 million tons. Sesa has an inventory of less than 1 million ton, roughly about 800,000 tonne. And there is no question of my participation in the auction as it is per Supreme Court direction. Our material has also been put up into the auction yesterday.
But, what is happening in the process of auction is that only the high grade material is being chosen. Sesa Goa is getting hurt because of this; even government is getting hurt because the total revenue will be ultimately less. In this process, I am getting lower realizations on the materials. So who is getting benefited is for everybody to see.
Q: You have seen the process of inspections in Karnataka and the subsequent ban. Going by those observations, do you think your mines in Goa and the way operations had been carried out are similar to the Karnataka experience, in which case the case for some kind of ban or clamp down exists in Goa in your facilities?
A: See in Karnataka the good and bad has not been distinguished. Honorable Supreme Court has said that they will not look things at micro level but at a macro level. Until the detailed process of Indian Council of Forest Research and Education (ICFRE) comes up with their report and the CEC completes the survey, the total production has been stopped. So if there is a macro level view taken because of some bad people, nothing is possible.
But I think in Goa the scenario is little different in the sense that Goa is much, much more dependent on mining number one and Goa is also having a long, long tradition of iron ore mining unlike Karnataka. So there are traditional miners in Goa who are doing the business for last 60 years and they are doing the business with keeping all the balances intact.
Q: In a situation where production is clamped down this much, what kind of pricing outlook would Sesa Goa have for the next year and how much elbow room do you have on that front?
A: No as far as pricing is concerned, I don’t think there is an issue. Actually because of India’s situation, the ore price is looking robust and Australian, Brazilian and South African players are getting benefitted. So they are happily going to their bank because of the India clamp down.
Q: If there is an observation similar to the one that was made in Karnataka with respect to mining irregularities, can you at all seek legal counsel? Will that be the final word if the committee says so or will you have to represent yourself in court and then litigation will take it the way it has to?
A: We are continuously representing in the court; Sesa is present with the senior counsel in each day of hearing. But unfortunately individual cases have not been looked into so far. It has been looked into at a macro level admittedly by the honorable Supreme Court because they still are waiting for the detailed recommendation and reports from ICFRE and the CEC.

HelpAge India, Orissa branch organised Walkathon on eve of 'International day of older persons'


Bhubaneswar: October 1, is observed as the International day for older people. Each Year, HelpAge India marks this day by acknowledging the significant roles that the elderly play in our society & bringing the issues that affect them to the forefront. 

On this occasion, HelpAge India, Orissa branch has organised  a Walkathon  along with signature campaign for generating awareness among the public on eve of “International day of older persons” followed by a meeting on 30th Sept’11 at  10 am at Jayadev Bhawan, Bhubaneswar.
The walkathon was flagged off by Sri Purna Chandra Sethy, MLA, Khalikote on 30th Sept’11 at 8.45 am at master canteen square.  About 150 students were participated in the walkathon with the badges “I LOVE MY GRANDPARENTS”. HelpAge India started student Action for Value Education campaign on eve of this occasion. Sri Sabyasachi   from the film industry of Odisha was joined with the walkathon at Master Canteen square at 8.45 am for our cause.
The walkathon was received by Senior citizens & other delegates at Jayadev Bhawan, Bhubaneswar at 9.30 Am. The students presented red rose to the senior citizens on this occasion.
The meeting was started at Jayadev Bhawan at 10.00 am. Mr. Jagadananda, State Information Commissioner inaugurated the function by lighting the lamp. The Students from BJEM School sang the SAVE (student Action for Value Education) Anthem.  Sri Suresh Chandra Mantry, IAS (Retd), General Manager, The Samaj was the Guest of Honor on this occasion. Mrs. Susmita Ghose, National Director- HelpAge India welcomed the guests & others present & gave a detailed programmes of HelpAge India & the also the objectives of SAVE on this occasion.
Mr. Jagadananda, State Information Commissioner highlighted the importance of formation of Citizen Assistance Centre in the state, district & block level & implementation of State Policy for Older persons in our state. Sri Suresh Chandra Mantry, IAS (Retd), General Manager, the Samaj spoke about the decline of family values. He gave importance on sensitization on elder care in the family and the community at large. He assured to take up the issues through their popular Newspaper daily “The Samaj”, so that the message could reach to each & every corner of the state.
HelpAge India Odisha branch felicitated  Sri Nrusingha Charan Tripathy, Sri Bhabani Shankar Pattnaik, Sri Ganesh Prasad Mohanty, & Sri jayakrushna Samal  on this occasion due to their immense contribution to the Society.
The students took pledge to love, respect & care for the elderly on this occasion. The senior citizens & teachers shared their views & experience to the auspicious gathering.
Rashmi Mohanty , state head – Odisha  highlighted the  efforts of  HelpAge India in Odisha for the betterment of senior citizens & gave vote of thanks to all  for making the programme a success.

Orissa: Children issues must get appropriate and proper media coverage


Sambalpur:The two day long “Media Workshop on Issues Concerning Children of Odisha”, organised by Development Media Collective and MASS, concluded here today with resource persons and participants emphasising on a strategic action plan to cover children’s issues.  The workshop, which was organised with support of the National Foundation for India and UNICEF, New Delhi, was participated by 50 journalists and development practitioners from across the state.
Joining as the Chief Guest in the workshop, veteran journalist Prof. Durga Prasad Nayak, advised the present day journalists to go beyond event reporting and working only on press releases.  “You have to be investigative and dig out the real issues concerning the children.  We have to harp on issues again and again till we are sure that the people at the helm of affairs have taken appropriate action”, said he. “Our Constitution, when it was formulated, talked about guaranteeing free and compulsory primary education within ten years.  However, it’s shameful that we are still not able to guarantee that.  This is a gross violation of the right of the children and we must focus on this and the factors that are responsible for this to be able to bring positive changes in the society”, emphasised Prof. Nayak.
Senior journalist Prafulla Das from The Hindu, joining as the Chief Speaker, said how development priorities have been changing favouring destructive development which negatively affects the ecology that provides sustenance to livelihood of the rural population; and how this means further marginalization of the children of the poor and deprived communities.  “While reporting about children, we should not get biased by what’s flowing in from dominant sections of the society, but we must dig down the facts and see matters as the children want to see those”.  Highlighting how a group of elite class sitting in Delhi raised the issue of children joining their parents in their struggle against the steel major POSCO, he said that, “while all in the society saw the children participating in the demonstration with their parents, a very few could bring to the notice how this was but natural and how situation of the school and other development activities in a normal condition are more precarious in those areas which has been forcing children to stay underdeveloped.  It’s our role to go beyond and see things in an integrated way”, said he.
“Children have special issues that may be ignored by adults most of the times.  Hence, the media should take proper care to report their issues from their perspectives”, said Ranjan Panda, Convenor of Development Media Collective, while narrating the objectives of the workshop.  He said, DMC has been working for last half a decade as an informal platform between journalists and development thinkers and practitioners to promote reporting, action and advocacy on development issues of the state and this is the third workshop so far, this time dealing with children issues.
Archana and Reena, two child reporters from Koraput, participating in the workshop, narrated their experience of effecting some positive changes in their schools, parents and villages through constant reporting.  Ch. Santakar, a journalist from Koraput, who has been supporting this UNICEF assisted initiative, emphasized on ‘child participation’ in all development activities for bringing in holistic development.
Ms. Madhumita Das, a Clinical Psychologist, discussed on the Juvenile Justice Act and other Acts and Provisions that the journalists should be well versed with while reporting on children issues.
Among others, Bhagabat Prasad Nanda, Priya Ranjan Sahu, Siba Shankar Nanda and Saroj Mohanty discussed about various aspects of reporting and journalistic ethics.
Kandala Singh and Barsha Poricha from National Foundation for India participated and described NFI's activities with regard to media and communication. They urged upon the media houses of Odisha to employ more women journalists so that this field can be inclusive.
The workshop concluded with the participants and resource persons resolving to strengthen the forum “Development Media Collective “ through regular interactions and activities including a strategic plan to report and work on children issues so that the children of the state, especially those belonging to the deprived sections and from vulnerable pockets, get their due opportunity to childhood and development.

Orissa to host to host 99th National Science Congress at Bhubaneswar


Bhubaneswar: After a gap of half a century, State is going to host 99th  National Science Congress here at Bhubaneswar. After thorough scrutiny, and long deliberations, National Institute of Science and Educational Research (NISER) and National Science Congress Association has selected KIIT Deemed University as the right place for smooth organizing of such a mega event. 

As per tradition of the Science Congress, the 99th National Science Congress Congregation will be started from 3rd January and end up on 7th January. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will inaugurate the 99th Conference and will also declare it's closing ceremony. Scientists, Research Scholars, Noble laureates, Women Scientists and Young Scientists will participate this mega event across from the world.
Around 100 Scientific Organizations all over the Country will participate the Exhibition to exhibit their products and technologies. The Department of Science and technology, govt. of Orissa will also participate the Exhibition like previous years in Celilong(Meghalaya), Kerla, and Chennai. An official of the Deptt. informs that the Deptt. has been consecutively achieved the  ³Best State Award´ for it's unique Exhibition in 96 th ,97th and 98th  Science Congress.
Prof. Githa Bali, Vice Chancellor of Karnatak State Women¶s University, Bijapur who has got expertise in Neurophysiology will be the Chairperson as declared in 98th  Science Congress, Chennai. The 99th  Science Congress will focus on hot topics like climate changes, Food Security, clean-green energy from renewable sources, Space technology, food and nutrition, preventive maternal and child care, tracking neurodegenerative diseases, women in science and science for women, science Education in Rural Areas.
Apart from this, India's highest Science Award coined by Late Biju Pattnaik ³Unesco-Kalinga Science Award´ will be offered by the Prime Minister to the winners on the inaugural day. UNESCO has constituted a Jury Board for world wide selection, said Bimal Das, President of Kalinga Foundation Trust. Director General of UNESCO Ms. Areena will attend the ceremony. 50 Scientists and 6 Noble laureates will be invited for this particular category of UNESCOKalinga Award Ceremony.
Besides, financial assistance, the State Government will provide transportation, security and other arrangements for smooth and successful conduct of the event. In this regard, a high level meeting under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary is likely to be held today, as per information gathered from Science & Technology Department.

NEET not to end multiple tests burden


BHUBANESWAR: National eligibility cum entrance test (NEET) replacing state-level entrance examinations for admission into undergraduate medical courses will not ease the burden of multiple tests for medical aspirants in Orissa. They will still have to appear for theOrissa joint entrance examination (OJEE) for admission into pharmacy, Ayurveda and homeopathic courses.
"NEET is for MBBS and BDS courses. OJEE will still be held for pharmacy, Ayurveda and homeopathic courses," said OJEE vice-chairman Dr Sitaram Mahapatra.
This entails an additional burden for some students. "I am preparing for MBBS. But in worst case, if I fail to get through MBBS, I want to join pharmacy or Ayurveda. So now, I have to prepare for OJEE and NEET simultaneously with completely different patterns," said Ajay Lenka, a student. Orissa has around 960 B Pharma seats.
While NEET is tentatively scheduled for May 13, dates for OJEE will be announced soon, Dr Mahapatra said. Some of the states, such as Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are against the national level overarching test, but Orissa toed the Central line after "its concerns were addressed".
"Earlier, we feared our seats would go to candidates of other states if sufficient number of students from Orissa failed to qualify the test. But the MCI assured that a percentile system will be worked out so that sufficient number of students from each state makes it to their respective state merit list," said Dr Mahapatra, adding that the state has no problem with the pan-India test.
Dr Mahapatra, who is also the joint director of medical education and training, said one bonus for Orissa may be the two years commitment of serving in rural areas of the state by all those taking admissions in state medical colleges. So far, only 85% candidates in Orissa JEE merit list make a commitment to serve in rural areas of the state for two years. There is no such norm for 15% candidates drawn from AIPMT for the all-India quota of seats. "Now since all students will be drawn from the same entrance examination of NEET, there can't be separate set of rules. We have conveyed to the Centre to have a clause of admission where all students have to commit for two years rural posting in the state," he said.
Meanwhile, Medical Council of India has uploaded core syllabus of physics, chemistry, botany and zoology for NEET on its website www.mciindia.org. Indicating stricter enforcement of norms, MCI has decided to debar any candidate found indulging in any malpractice during the entrance exams from appearing in NEET for life.

Education takes a back seat in flood affected areas of Orissa


Jajpur: Piles of debris including bricks, bits of wood, concrete and broken household goods are becoming visible throughout flood-ravaged areas of Jajpur district, as the floodwater begins to recede.
In his village Ratnagiri , Saroj Das (13), with his parents and three siblings, rummaged through a pile of destroyed belongings in their house. The structure itself is badly damaged but still partially intact.
"I am looking for my school text books and pencils," said Saroj, gazing at a few drenched, mud-stained pages in his hand. "If I can find even a few things I may be able to go back to school".
Saroj ' s father, Ramesh , who lost two cows, and his paddy crops in the floods, told : "I dont think we will be able to send the children back to their private school. It is impossible now to raise money for fees, books and uniforms - and I need their help to work the land."
"It could be months before affected children can get back to school. This is both because of the impact of floods on families and on the school buildings. Those in better shape are being used as relief camps and may not be vacant for a long time," , said the headmaster of a school in flood affected area asked not to be named.
The upper primary school building in village Bari looking mauled bears testimony to the pronouncement. The flood waters receded, leaving the school building completely unusable. "People are struggling with bare necessities. Children are not coming to school," said Bhaskar Das a teacher of the school.
"Rebuilding primary and upper primary schools and high schools and re-equipping them with teaching-learning material will cost crores of rupees. The authority directed the district education department to submit the list of the damaged and partly damaged schools to the district administration within a week", said Anil Samal the district collector of Jajpur.
"About 220 primary schools and 50 high schools have been damaged in the flood as a result the fate of at least 45,000 students is now at stake. There are many obstacles before schooling can resume. A very large proportion of families have been impoverished and their children have been helping them in supplementing their income", said Paresh Das the vice-president of the district teachers' association.
In many villages, people are still living on embankments and schooling remains a dream for people struggling with the problems of shelter, food and water. Children have been trying to help. The sight of children catching fish sometimes in their school uniform is not uncommon in the flood affected areas.
"However two weeks on from the worst floods in the district there is little sign that the thousands of school-age kids who lost their villages are any nearer to going back to lessons", said Santosh Das of Bari.
"I look at all this dirt , trash and I wonder when can school start", said Ashok Jena a class V student of Kaimati Primary school of village Kaimati under the worst flood hit Bari block as he gazed at his transformed school rooms and verandas now littered with cow dung , debris and trash . Since more than two weeks, some villagers converted the school rooms as their cattle sheds and tethered cattle on the verandas of the school.

GRAS Academy intoduces three new courses across all its centers


Gras Academy, a pioneer in the field of vocational skills industry in India has introduced three new courses - GRAS multi skill programme, GRAS account pro and Gras compu tech across all its centers.
 
GRAS account master pro course is spread over a period of 6 months to 12 months and the fee is Rs. 13,100 and Rs. 24,100 respectively. GRAS multi skill programme is for duration of 6 months and the fee is Rs. 10,600. Gras compu tech is also spread over a period of 6 months to 12 months and the fee is Rs. 16,100 and Rs.35,100 respectively.
 
Some of the other courses that have gained recognition over a period of time are GRAS speak smart English, Mobile Tech, Hardware networking, Tally and Tally Pro, Data Master, etc.
 
Ajay Kumar Swarup, Founder Director of GRAS Academy while explaining the rationale behind introduction of new courses across all the centers said “The knowledge and skills gained from studying the courses prepares trainees for jobs that are based on manual or practical activities, traditionally non-academic, and totally related to a specific trade, occupation, or vocation. It is sometimes referred to as technical education as the trainee directly develops expertise in a particular group of techniques or technology.”
 
“There are very few sectors in India which have registered such voluminous growth. Indian service industry is aligning its standards with the best of global benchmarks and this has a lot of healthy repercussions for aspiring young professionals.” As of now, the need of skill development and training is buttressing its drive to develop the students by infusing entrepreneurial skills amongst them”, he further added. 
 
Gras Academy has lead the way, in the field of Vocational education in India, with a focus on offering courses that have enabled thousands of students across India and avail for employment opportunities in various sectors of the industry.
 
The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), has decided to fund GRAS Academy which aims to skill 1.3 million youth in different trades across 21 states and 176 districts over a 10‐year period. PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) is also associated with Gras Academy for conducting the assessments of passing out students and providing them with an industry relevant certificate, thus certifying their skill set which they acquire during their training at GRAS.
 
GRAS supports its students to find employment through its dedicated placement division. Leading industry and corporate bodies, from diverse sectors spanning from FMCG, telecommunications, IT, BPO and retail etc. have associated with the academy. Some of the organizations where students have found career opportunities include:
 
Pepsi, Matrix Cellular Services Pvt Ltd, Wifi Communications Pvt Ltd, Vodafone, e4e Healthcare Services, Aryan Lifestyle Pvt Ltd, Azzurro, Big Apple, Big Bazaar, Café Coffee Day, Costa Coffee, HG Retail Private Ltd, KFC, Home Stores India Ltd, Liliput Kidswear, Reliance Fresh, Reliance Digital, Raymond Retail, Pizza Hut, Nirulas, Pantaloon, Tata Motors, Tata Westside, Vishal Megamart, Ginger Hotels, Yum Restaurants, HDFC Life Insurance, SADRAG, Trak Services Pvt Ltd and World Vision India.