ABVP launches Jagruti Yatra

Sundargarh (visakeo)-Keeping in tune with the nationwide celebration of 150 years of India's First War of Independence or the Sepoy Mutiny, 1857 and to keep the youths of this tribal-dominated district abreast with the heroic deeds of the unsung tribal hero, Madri Kalo of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), led by its State Joint Coordinator Tankadhar Tripathy, recently launched a weeklong Yuva Jagruti Yatra. The Yatra was flagged off at Madri Kalo's native Kureibaga by local ABVP veterans Madhabram Patel and Rabiratna Patel. "The State is yet to accord the status of a freedom fighter to our son of the soil," lamented a local primary teacher Santosh Pruseth while talking to The visakeo.

Pruseth further added, "Mahabir Parbat with its gurgling stream, Kia Jharan, was famous as the hub of Madri Kalo's tribal uprising. It must be declared and developed as a tourist spot." Kureibaga under Bargaon police station in Rajgangpur Assembly segment is cut off from its Bargaon Block headquarters as the dividing river Safei lacks a bridge. The road connectivity is deplorable.
adri was born to father Lakshman Kalo, who was an influential Praganadar or landlord, and mother Hirabati during the Chaitra month in 1848. The majestic and pitch-dark cliff of Mahabir Parbat was the nursery, playfield and hermitage of the young Madri. Mahabir Parbat serves till date as a line of control between the erstwhile Gangpore State, which is now Sundargarh and the undivided Sambalpur district. Having received elementary education from a local chatsali, which was patronised by his father, Madri was well versed in the Puranas, Mahabharata, Ramayana and the Bhagavat Gita.
As the then royal army of Gangpore recruited tribal youths hailing from Bhuyan, Gond, Kohu, Khadia and Kisan communities, Madri, who belonged to the then most domineering Bhuyans as well as being an able heir apparent to an affluent landlord, excelled in martial arts. Madri is also believed to have consumed pathar lasa, which is a mysterious jelly that oozes from a particular stone and confers invincibility to the person who consumes it. Madri, who had a towering personality and was a popular Kalo or Bhuyan village priest, enjoyed the allegiance of the Gountias (landlords), Tataranga, Bhoipali, Gadposh, Gudiali, Jampali communities. In the wake of the exorbitant khajana levied on the then zamindars, Gountias and Ganjus under the Gangpore State during the regency of British Raj, the affected zamindars had knocked the doors of the Chhota Nagpur British Commissioner at Ranchi and saved themselves from being divested of power. Madri had also raised his voice against the controversial beti bagari (illegal excess revenue) that was levied on the poor subjects. The poor tribal labour-force employed for laying British railway lines were treated like slaves and inflicted untold sufferings. Madri led the protests and got prominently blacklisted by the Chhota Nagpur British Commissionerate. Madri's mutiny launched against the British Raj received wide support from the beleaguered Gonjus and Gountias as well as the oppressed poor tribals. The unstinted support of Bhuyans, Gonds, Kisans and Khadias gathered momentum under the leadership of Madri. Even rebel Khadu Mohapatra of Boinda village in Kuchinda area, who was leading the movement against Bamanda Raja of Sambalpur, joined hands with Madri. By 1895, Madri's activities had reached their zenith, which jilted both the Ganpore Raja and the British Raj. Armed British forces from Singhbhum-based British Deputy Commissionerate were deployed to nab Madri but to no avail. Finally, spies were let loose. Consequently, in February 1897 was tricked into the British dragnet by one of his enemies, Bhagabatia Sahu, who took advantage of his alcohol addiction.
Madri was lodged in the then Sundargarh Jail in 1897 and was shifted to Hazaribagh Jail in 1906, where he had to put up with inhuman treatment and was made physically invalid. He was released in 1910, following which he succumbed to his injuries in one of his relative's home at Liploi in 1914.

Akhil Bharatiya Anusachita Jati Arakhsan Rakshamanch submits memo to Guv over Justice Misra reports

Bhubaneswar:(Visakeo)- Akhil Bharatiya Anusachita Jati Arakhsan Rakshamanch on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to Governor Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare through ADC over the Justice Ranganath Misra Commission's recommendation to Centre over SC status to converted Christians. All India SC and ST Reservation Protection cell national president and former Chairman of the National Commission for SC and ST Bizay Sonkar Shastri cautioned the Government that any effort to implement the recommendations of the commission, which are against the Constitution, is fraught with serious consequences. He further call upon the Government not to succumb to the pressure tactics of the Church lobby in politics and outside and to stand steadfast on the path carved out by the leaders in the last several decades by rejecting the demand for inclusion of such converts into the Scheduled Castes category," he said. Earlier, thousands of Rakshamanch workers, dalits, SC and ST people gathered here at PMG Square and took out procession in the city. Dalits leaders including Mayadhar Nayak, Abhimanyu Sethi, Bijay Patra, Ranjan Bag, Santosh Patra, Keshba Behera and Bhuban Mohan Jena were among those present.

RSS plans massive stir against SC status to Dalit Christains

Bhubaneswar: (visakeo) RSS backed All India SC and ST Reservation
Protection cell national president and former Chairman of the National
Commission for SC and ST Bizay Sonkar Shastri said that the recent
move of the UPA Government for setting up Justice Ranganath Misra
commission was purely unconstitutional and amendment in the Article
15(Clause-iv) was defamatory in nature. The National Commission for
Religious and Linguistic Minorities (NCRLM) chaired by Justice
Ranganath Mishra, the former Chief Justice of India, recommended the
Centre to grant equal rights as Scheduled Castes to the Christians of
Scheduled Caste Origin. "We have decided to educate Schedule Caste
people to struggle for their rights and massive rally will be held
here in the State Capital on Wednesday," Shastri said. Cell believes
the Government is planning to implement the Ranganath Mishra
Commission's recommendation that SC status be completely delinked from
religion, he argued. The move has infuriated the Hindutva
organisations and it is all set to take up the battle both on the
ground in the hinterland, where it is pitted head to head against the
Church, and also at political level, he warned. He further cautioned
the Government that any effort to implement the recommendations of the
commission, which are against the Constitution, is fraught with
serious consequences. "We call upon the Government not to succumb to
the pressure tactics of the Church lobby in politics and outside and
to stand steadfast on the path carved out by the leaders in the last
several decades by rejecting the demand for inclusion of such converts
into the Scheduled Castes category," he said. Let the Pope first
declare that there was a caste system in his religion, he said. He was
critical of the "brazenness of the petitioners", who have gone to the
Supreme Court with the demand of inclusion of the Christian converts
in the SC category, with the contention that Dalits remain Dalits even
after converting to Christianity.

RSS lights 1001 Deepa for protection of Ram Sethu

Bhubaneswar: (Visakeo)RSS has lighted as many as 1001 Deepa (a form of
Hindu religious items for prayer here at the historic Khandgiri caves
on the outskirt of the Temple City and took oath to fight against the
evil designs being planted by the Congress led UPA Government at
Centre and DMK backed M Karunanidhi led Government in Tamil Nadu over
the Rs 2.427 crorers Sethu Samundram Shipping Canal Project. RSS
leaders while observing the Dussehra here, said that the Government
and its allies are serving the interests of the Americans and the
Chinese through the Sethusamudram project. "When the common people,
scientists, environmentalists and archaeologists are vouching for the
existence of the Ram Sethu and the grave dangers posed by its proposed
breaking, Union Minister T R Baalu and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister
Karunanidhi are bent upon rubbishing them and trying to thrust their
dictatorship. Do such ministers have a right to continue in their
offices?" Puri Bibhaga Boudhika Pramukha Kushna Chandra Nayak asked.

He also claimed that the Sethusamudram project doesn't make any
economic sense as is being claimed by the UPA Government. He dwelt at
length on how the project will endanger the rich thorium deposits
along the coast that can revolutionise India's nuclear programme.
Other speakers observed that the US is trying to strengthen its
control over the Indian Ocean through the proposed waterway and is
pressuring the Indian Government to push the project. Similarly,
China, which has set up its strategic base at the Coco Island near
Myanmar, too, will be greatly helped by the project since it is
planning to build a modern port on an island near Sri Lanka, they
said. RSS State joint secretary Gopal Prasad Mohapatra, Khandgiri
Division secretary Gopal Rout, Arbinda Das, Debi Prasad Mohapatra,
Bhaskar Behera.

Jagannath shrines in Orissa to get facelift

Bhubaneswar:(Visakeo) A number of shrines of Lord Jagannath in Orissa,
languishing after surviving the onslaught of medieval Muslim invaders,
are poised to get a facelift. The Puri Jagannath temple
administration, as a part of its plan to preserve and enlarge the
sphere of Jagannath cult and its heritage, has embarked upon the
project, deputy administrator of the temple Bhaskar Mishra said. As
many as 35 Jagannath shrines including a 400-year-old temple in
Kendrapara district's Indupur village are being covered under the plan
to propagate the cult, he said. The temples being taken up for
maintenance owed historical linkage to Lord Jagannath at Puri.
Moreover, these places of worship withstood the marauding 16th century
Muslim invaders, he added. "Some of these temples had turned
protectors as the idols of Lords in Puri temple were relocated to
these places for safety," Bhaskar said adding a team of researchers
have identified seven Jagannath temples across Khurda, Cuttack, Puri
and Bolangir districts where Puri deities were safely ensconced during
the invasion. Stone cut inscriptions and palm-leaf scripts retrieved
from these places bear testimony to these facts, he said adding there
are other temples like the one at Indupur where the stone citadel of
Puri deities was relocated. The aim is to interlink the rest of
'Jagannath Peethas' with Puri, while plan is afoot to maintain
uniformity in puja rituals and religious practices adhered to in the
Jagannath temples, he said.

VHP to launch Ram Sethu Shila Yatra from Nov 26

Bhubaneswar: (visakeo)The State unit of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on
Tuesday announced to organise a month-long "Ram Sethu Shila Yatra"
from 30 districts and the yatra will traverse the whole State in order
to mobilize public opinion against the Sethu Samundram Shipping Canal
project of the DMK led Tamil Nadu Government. VHP will organize such
yatras in 2,000 places across the country from November 20 to protect
Ram Sethu.

VHP State secretary Gouri Prasad Rath said that millions of Hindus
would be enrolled for the yatra and poojas would be performed in all
12 "jyotirlingas" during it. He called upon all Hindu politicians to
support the yatra for safeguarding the Ram Sethu in the State. He
alleged that said that the UPA and Tamil Nadu Government and are
serving the interests of the Americans and the Chinese through the
Sethusamudram project. When the common people, scientists,
environmentalists and archaeologists are vouching for the existence of
the Ram Sethu and the grave dangers posed by its proposed breaking,
Union Minister T R Baalu and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi are
bent upon rubbishing them and trying to thrust their dictatorship. Do
such people have a right to continue in their offices?" Rath asked

.

Hindu Indonesians faced wrath of priests in Jagannath temple

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO): In a bizarre incident early on Wednesday, three
Hindu Indonesian nationals, who had entered the Jagannath Temple, were
reportedly been driven out of the shrine by the priests and handed
over to police, who later found them to be Hindus. The three,
including two women, were spotted during 'Mangala Aarti', a ritual
performed daily when temple doors open, Police sources said.
Meanwhile, Police verification showed Mahabahu Das, a local ISKCON
devotee, accompanied the Indonesians. Puri Town PS IIC Gyana Ranjan
Mohapatra, who was earlier IIC of Chandrasekharpur PS here, said the
three were later found to be Hindus and were released after they
produced their travel documents. The foreigners were identified as I
Gusti Made Krisiasis, Adraina Ash and I Made Arjana and are part of a
15-member team from that country on a trip organised by ISKCON.
Non-Hindus, even ISKCON devotees are not allowed to enter the 12th
century shrine and a board at the main gate of the temple says only
"Hindus are allowed entry inside". President of Sri Jagannath Seva
Samilanee (a body of priests) Damodar Mahasuara said all ISKCON
devotees mention Hinduism as their religion in their passports and
demanded proper verification of foreigners when they come to the
temple. However, such attitudes of Temple Priests have been directly
affecting the image of the pilgrimage city of Puri. Recently, the
priests of the Temple priests had extorted money from a Chennai-based
Bharatnatyam dancer Joytsna Jagannathan, who visited the 12th century
shrine in the second week of October. "The dancer, who had then
alleged that she was forced to pay money by a section of priests and
harassed.

PFA seeks CM's intervention on animal sacrifice during Dewali

Bhubaneswar: (visakeo)-Maneka Gandhi led People for Animals have expressed apprehensions that there will be mass killing of animals at Dakhinakali Temple on November 9 . Jiban Das, Secretary People's for Animals (PFA) has urged the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to intervene in the matter.  PFA has also expressed worry over the mass killing of goats during the Durga Puja. More than 15,000 goats were sacrificed in the state out of which at least 10,000 were butchered at Manikeswari Temple in Bhawanipatna. Similarly though Khurda district authorities promised to stop animal sacrifice, on Dasahara 273 goats and 2 buffalos were sacrificed at Bhagabati Pitha at Banapur. Das said that in 2006 the temple authority of Dakhinkali committed not to go for sacrifice but they fail to keep their promise. So this year also there will be animal sacrifices in the temple during Kali Puja, allege the animal activist. Das has pointed out that the district administration has enough power to stop animal sacrifice by ensuring Law of the Land. Due to PFA's intervention animal sacrifices have already been stopped in many temples like Podapada Kali temple, Cuttack, Dulana Thakurani,Banki, Sulia, Bolangir with the help of district administration.

Binoy Kumar Behera new Police Commissioner

Bhubaneswar: The present Managing Director of Orissa State Road Transport Corporation and 1982 batch IPS officer Binoy Kumar Behera on Friday chosen as the first Police Commissioner of the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Born on October 10, 1957 in Kalahandi, Behera a postgraduate in English served various important offices before being chosen as the first Police Commissioner of the State. He has been serving with the OSTRC since October 24,2003 till his new assignment. After the announcement, office bearers of OSRTC congratulated Behera.

However, after the formal announcement, the Police Commissionerate system for the twin city of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack has been introduced. The Orissa Urban Police Bill for introduction of police commissionerate in the twin cities had recently received the assent of the President. The Orissa Assembly had passed the bill in 2003. Police Commissioner, Assistant Police Commissioner and the Deputy Police Commissioner have been entrusted with magisterial powers under the new act.

Meanwhile, reacting to the Home Department's decision, Police Commissioner Behera said that his first priority would be to maintain law and order of the twin cities. "I would try my best for a better law and order in the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar," Behera told reporters at OSRTC office here. Police would be more people friendly in the twin cities and special attention would be paid to tackle the organised crimes, he said. "All problems relating to law and order in the twin cities would be discussed soon and strategies would also be formed to arrest all criminal activities in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar," he said.

RSS demands action against UPSC over Bhagat Singh row

Bhubaneswar: (visakeo)- RSS on Friday came down heavily on the move of the Union Public Service Commission, which turned the freedom fighter Bhagat Singh as terrorist in the Civil Service Main Examinations. RSS reaction came after a question in the Civil Services Main Examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), asking the students to evaluate the "revolutionary terrorism" of one of the best-known martyrs of Indian freedom struggle - Bhagat Singh. The question was part of the general studies part- I paper which was held recently. "The word terrorism has negative connotations in the minds of the masses and the UPSC was trying to equate Osama bin Laden and other terrorists with Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, and we will not allow it to happen," RSS. The Sangh further said, "This is an insult to some of greatest freedom strugglers. How can Bhagat Singh be equated to Osama Bin Laden? It is ironic that even after sixty odd years of our Independence, we have not been able to judge the role of our revolutionaries and give them proper respect. Should those heroes be branded as "terrorists", who kissed the gallows with smiles on their vibrant faces, without showing any traces of fear and died with only one slogan Inquilab Zindabad on their lips? RSS asked.

BJP accuses UPA of neglecting NDA-ruled States

Bhubaneswar:( visakeo)With the mudsling continues between the UPA and Left Parties over the Indo-US Civil nuclear deal and amidst speculation over a possible snap poll, the BJP has mounted a scathing attack on the UPA government at the Centre, accusing it of adopting a step-motherly approach towards Orissa and neglecting other NDA-ruled States. A political resolution adopted on the concluding day of the two-day BJP State Executive meeting said that the Centre was neglecting NDA-ruled states and had cut the quota of kerosene, wheat, sugar, cooking gas and other essential commodities to Orissa. Despite assurance by the Prime Minister, the Rs 200 crore central relief assistance to flood victims of the state was yet to be released, the resolution alleged and claimed that the UPA government deprived Orissa of elite institutions like IIT, AIIMS and central universities. Asking the Centre to look into these demands, the resolution said that the central government should increase the support price of paddy by Rs 1,000 and provide adequate funds for improvement of highways in the state, inclusion of all districts under village electrification programme and hike funds for backward KBK region. Addressing a press conference after the meeting, State BJP president Suresh Pujari said a mass agitation would be launched soon to make people aware of "the sinister motive of the central government" and its negligent approach to Orissa.

HJS demands to stop all facilities to infiltrators,

Bhubaneswar:(visakeo)- Hindu Jagaran Samukhya on Monday demanded before the State Government to stop all facilities being given to the Bangladeshi and Pakisthani infiltrators in the State. Samukhya held a brainstorming session on the issue of infiltration and illegal cattle transportation and apprehended that the presence of infiltrators gradually posing a major threat to State's internal security. Samukhya national coordinator Harihar Nanda said that despite several request, the State Government has not taken enough steps to check illegal cattle transportation while Bangladeshi and Pakistani infiltrators are consolidating their bases in several parts of the State and enjoying various benefits from the State Government. He further demanded to identify all infiltrators and served them with quit India notice as early as possible. "Beef trading and illegal cattle transportation is on rise while the law enforcing agencies are being seen as mute spectators," Nanda alleged.

Doorsanchar workers' union threaten stir

Bhubaneswar: (visakeo)- Orissa Doorsanchar Asthai Mazdoor Sangh on Monday threatened for a massive agitation against the authorities of the Telecom. Sangh president Kushan Chandra Rout said that out of 276 temporary workers in Cuttack, 76 have been selected for regularisation but the authorities are not implementing the law and planning to continue with the same status for the workers. He said that the Bhubaneswar circle made similar attempt in 2000 but the Orissa High Court had stayed the order, Rout said.

Baburao Vichar Manch holds meet

Bhubaneswar: (visakeo)-Baburao Paldhikar Vichar Manch has held a karyakarta prabodhan meet here at Niladri Vihar Saraswati Sishu Mandir, in which several intellectuals were present and discussed about various issues. Anil Mishra, state working committee member of Sanskar Bharati Jagannath Patnaik, RSS Bhubaneswar unit Sanghachalak Raghunath Pati and Manoranjan Bhoi were among those present and discussed various burning issues. Members of VHP, Bajarang Dal, ABVP, Sikhya Vikash Samiti, UBBS, Viswa Sambad Kendra, Sanskar Bharati, BMS, Kissan Sangha, Itihash sankalan were present and deliver their views. It may be noted here that veteran RSS pracharak and founder of the organisation in Orissa, Baburao Paldhikar had passed away at Cuttack in 2003 following prolonged illness, and the Manch was formed in order to keep him alive among the RSS workers. Paldhikar (83) played an active role in the growth of RSS and its affiliated organisations in Orissa for several decades.

Protest of Hindu Jagaran Samuskhya against settling Bangladeshi Muslims in Orissa

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO, Nov 1): In a press conference the State President of Hindu Jagaran Samukshya, Sri Ashok Sahu protested against the proposed relief to settle the migrant Muslims from Bangladesh who were affected in the accidental fire that gutted the Malisahi area on 24 October night at Bhubaneswar. He while welcoming the efforts by various charity organizations with emergency relief materials to help the poor and indigent after the incident, took strong objection to the government proposal to settle them on government land and grant them financial assistance to the tune of 20/25 thousand per family from public exchequer. Shri Sahu recalled that when the old encroachers on the Malisahi were shifted to areas outside the Municipal limit there was no Mosque, which was constructed at a later stage. The illegal migrants who came from Bangladesh have been staying there illegally in pursuance to a well-planned conspiracy to have a vote bank on communal lines. 98% of the affected people are Bangladeshi Muslims who might have voters identity cards issued by authorities in Midnapur and Murshidabad districts of West Bengal. But they have no right to stay in Orissa where more than 35% of the population are below poverty line and victims of government indifference and negligence. On behalf of the Sammukhya, Shri Sahu demanded that the illegal migrants should be expelled from the encroached areas, then they should be identified and expelled from the State under provisions of the Foreigners Act, 1948. In as many as 18 urban areas and many inaccessible rural areas such Bangladeshi Muslims have infiltrated to settle down as permanent residents. Their total number is more than 20 lakh, which is more than the indigenous Muslim population of the State. He urged the government to come out with a statement stating what they are going to do with these migrant Muslims. Shri Sahu further said that in case the State government fails to perform their constitutional duty to protect State against infiltration by foreign Muslims, the Hindu Jagaran Sammukhya would be compelled to resort to agitational programmes as the next option.

Suicide deaths on rise in Maniabandha as Govt apathetic attitude towards weavers' continues

Bhubaneswar: Weavers of Maniabandha, some 85 kilometer away from Cuttack city, famous for its elegant silk, cotton sarees and Buddhism as a practising religion, committing suicide due to the apathetic attitude of the State Government, particularly the Textile and Handloom Department. Eleven days back, one weaver Bata Patra(65) committed suicide while taking NaNo3, which is being used for tie and dye (Ikat). Family sources said, Patra after falling to maintain his family, committed suicide. As per the reports available from 1990 to 2007, as many as 140 weavers have been committed suicide after falling to maintain their families with a paltry daily income in the Heritage village of Maniabandha. According to the locals, as many as 10 to 15 weavers have been committing suicide every year as they are not getting their real wages out of their profession. Out of some 12,000 population of Maniabandha, more than 8,000 people basically depend on the weaving related work but the steps taken by the State Government as well as the Central Government is not reaching to the real beneficiaries and all funds have been defalcated midway. More than 1,100 primary weavers' co-operative societies are being registered under Boyanika as shareholders but according to payment list of last seven months beginning from January, 2007 to June, 2007, only 20 to 30 societies are being regularly transacting business with Boyanika while no records on the other societies found. It may be noted here that, at the last entrepreneur week celebration day, Textile and Handloom Commissioner Anita Agnihotri had said that as many as 500 PWCSs and 1,000 SHGs groups are being active and working under Boyanika. Meanwhile, several leading weavers of Maniabandha on Sunday said that if such attitude of the State Government continues for some time now, the heritage village will soon tuned out to be suicide ground for the weavers' communities, who have been struggling to save their age old profession. "If we complain, then we face the wrath of the Government officers and the condition of more than 8,000 weavers might not be expressed in words," Sadashiva Chanda, a master weaver said. He further said that only society in Maniabandha also not functioning properly. According to sources, lakhs of rupees have been given jointly by the State and Centre for Handloom development of Maniabandh but not a single penny has been spent for the said purpose. The excellent designs and texture of the Maniabandha silk sarees that has got a global market today speaks volumes of the centuries old textiles legacy of the place.

No appointment against a non-existing post, even though selection was proper, says SC

Bhubaneswar: On a petition of a candidate seeking appointment for a lecturer in Utkal University of Culture even though the post has been abolished, the Supreme Court has ruled that the candidate cannot ask for being instated even though he may have been selected through proper channel, sources said here on Monday. A Bench comprising Justices A K Mathur and Markandey Katju stated that a selection does not confer the right of getting an appointment, which can be enforced by filing a writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution. The respondent, even after selection, has no indefeasible right to be appointed to the post merely because he has been selected, the Court said. The Court also dropped the contempt of court proceedings initiated by Orissa High Court against the Vice-Chancellor and registrar of the Utkal University of Culture. Besides, the Bench set aside the orders of the Orissa High Court directing the two to be personally present in the court. The petition for appointment as a lecturer and contempt proceedings were initiated on a petition filed by Satya Prakash Dash, who was selected for the post of lecturer in South and South-East Asian studies of Utkal University. The apex court in its judgement noted "the first and foremost question is whether the court can direct the State government by a writ of mandamus to appoint a person against a post which has been abolished by the State Government. Our answer to this question is in the negative." The apex court also took note of the fact that the University was not competent to make an appointment without prior approval of the State Government. The State Government had, in the process of reorganising the set-up of the University, abolished the post referred to in the case.

Sri Navaratri Mandal Dandia in city

Bhubanewar:(visakeo)- Sri Navaratri Mandal sponsored Dandia, for a religious cause, which is being based on Maa Durga Stutee here at the sprawling Janata Maidan of the Temple City getting good response . The Navaratri festival, which was began on October 11 on Monday entered into fifth day and it will continue till October 21. The Dandiya Rass, which is danced using a pair of sticks, is a tradition taken from Lord Krishna's play with the Gopikas has been getting good response here in the city, claimed the organiser. The whole atmosphere speaks loudly the festive spirit of city residents and the Navaratri Utsav. With arrival of chilly evening, Dandia lovers, particularly Bengali and Oriya folks are being throng to the Janata Maidan and enjoying the religious spirit, which is packed with Dev Pujan, Sri Mass chanting of Sri Saptasati Chandi, Mahajagyan and religious discourses by noted spiritual proponents. These dance nights ahead of Dussehra Puja are spellbinding and all age groups participating in it. For youngsters, it is also a time when they can meet individuals of similar age group and enjoy traditional dancing steps. Thousands of people from all walks of life participate in the lively dances to mark the festival organised here. Costumes have their own significance, as one's appearance tends to increase the dance's influence. So we start preparing for costumes a month or two before the actual event. Parents bring those costumes. We design them so that our costumes remain different from others," said a Bengali dancer. "This time, rather than ticketing, the entry is by invitation only. Smoking and consumption of alcohol are strictly prohibited at the venue. We are also asking people to come dressed in traditional clothes as far as possible since we want to keep it as traditional as possible. Of course, there will be a lot of fun. Its not restricted to any particular community. We are inviting people who will enjoy dancing and the Navaratri Puja," Puja organiser Paresh Nayak said.

Budhia joins the DAV after split from his former coach Das

Bhubaneswar: (visakeo)-Wonder kid Budhia Singh joined the DAV, Chandrasekhar on Monday. He said that he would impart training to his friends on marathon running. I will imparts marathon training to my friends, Budhia said. Earlier, Budhia, his new coach veteran Arun Das, mother Sukanti Singh and other officials of the Sports Hostel reached the School at 7am and were given a rousing welcome by the DAV staffs. Budhia also took part in the Morning Prayer and was looked confident even despite splitting from his former coach Biranchi Das and his friends in the BJB English Medium School. After staying nearly 25 days at the State Government run Sports Hostel, situated in the premises of the Kalinga Stadium will now onwards continue his study at DAV. Budhia Singh had stopped going to the BJB English Medium School in the city about three months ago after he left the Orissa Judo Association complex where he was provided accommodation by his former coach Biranchi Das. Though, in which class, Budhia will study, not decided. According to School sources, special teachers have been asked to keep a close watch on Budhia to ascertain, for which class, the kid is fit. "After a week, we would decide his class and the kid is looking confident," a teacher of DAV said. Coach Arun Das said Budhia is in well condition and his each and every need have been carefully carried out in the Hostel.

Swadeshi Mela getting good response, claims SJM

Bhubaneswar: (visakeo)-The ongoing weeklong Swadeshi Mela being underway at the Exhibition Ground has been getting good response from the visitors, claimed Swadeshi Jagaran Manch on Sunday. SJM national joint coordinator Saroj Mitra said that since the Mela began on October, large number of visitors are coming to various stalls and purchasing Swadeshi products with great enthusiasm. However, the Mela entered into fourth day on Sunday. As many as 500 stalls have been set up, in which farmers and traders from across the country have joined and displayed their natural products. However, hundreds of School children are also joining the mela and taking part various cultural activities organized during the mela. Meanwhile, Governor Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare will grace the concluding day on October 17. Besides, Ministers including Manmohan Samal, Surama Padhi and Debasis Nayak will also join the concluding day.

BJP MLA urges CM, Tribal Minister seeking action against police

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO): BJP MLA from Baisinga Assembly Constituency in Mayurbhanj district Pramila Giri on Sunday demanded stern action against some erring teachers, who have violated certain rule and regulation in a Tribal School, which is being run under the ITDA projects in the district and the school has a capacity of 100 tribal girl students. Meanwhile, MLA Giri also took up the matter with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Tribal Development Minister Chaitnya Prasad Majhi while seeking action against the district police, who have reportedly helping the erring teachers. Giri said that teachers including Debendra Panda, Bhabesh Sahoo, Chandra Mohapatra and Jagabandu Mohant have violated the rules of School by entering into its campus in night. As per the School guidelines, no one should be allowed to the School campus after 7pm. But these teachers were in the School campus at 9pm.   "One of the teachers Debendra Panda has already been transferred from the school but why he was at the School campus at night. Both the Chief Minister Patnaik and Tribal Minister Majhi should initiate high level investigation to ascertain their intension," Giri demanded. She further alleged that local police as well as Mayurbhanj district SP Sanjay Kumar Singh have jointly downplayed the issue. However, sources said that tussle began when the said four teachers had entered into the School campus at night and the local people led by MLA Giri protested against it and opposed their entry, which created tension for some time at the spot. "As a people's representative, I was forced to intervene into the issue as it was a Tribal School and 100 girls are staying but the police instead taking action against them, is now blaming me while lodging FIR against me," Giri argued. However, Mayurbhanj, SP Sanjay Kumar Singh said that police is investigating into the issue. "The issue has come to our notice and we are investigating it as to ascertain, who is real culprit was," Singh informed. "In fact after getting complain from the teachers, we have took up the issue to investigate," he added. 

CM inaugurates weeklong Swadeshi Mela

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO): Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday (September 11) inaugurated the weeklong Swadeshi Mela being organised by Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM) backed by Centre for Bharatiya Management Development (CBMD) at the Exhibition Ground here. Chief Minister Patnaik lauded the utility of swadeshi products and hoped that the mela would serve as a better platform to showcase indigenous products in the State. As many as 500 stalls have been set up, in which farmers and traders from across the country have joined and displayed their natural products. Law and Industry Minister, Bishwa Bhusan Harichandan, while attending the Mela said that even despite the flow of multi-national companies, swadeshi products still maintain its quality in the market. In the face of domination of MNC products to the detriment of rural economy and artisans, the mela would create awareness about innovative and quality products from small and cottage enterprises and instill the 'Swadeshi thought', Harichandan said. "CBMD is of the view that indiscriminate globalisation of the Indian economy initiated in 1991 lacked adequate foresight", SJM national convener P Murlidhar Rao said. He further maintained that rural producers in the country have great potential and they always need right direction to improve their productivity. Speaking on this occasion RSS All India Boudhika Pramukha Dattatreya Hoswale hoped the mela will helpful to all rural producers. Meanwhile, the artists of Satabadira Kalakara staged Biplabi Krutibash, a play written by late Parsuram Harichandan and directed by Minister Harichandan on the opening day. Urban Development Minister KV Singh Deo, SJM national co-convener Saroj Mitra, BMC deputy Mayor Urmila Mohapatra, Khadi and Village Industry Board chairman Sameer Mohanty, Mela coordinator Golak Prasad Mohapatra were among those present. The Mela will continue October 17.

BMS, SJM up in arms against Reliance Fresh

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO) - With the agitation and vandalism continuing against Reliance Fresh in the State, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh and Swadeshi Jagaran Manch on Wednesday threatened for a statewide agitation against the Reliance Fresh and urged the State Government to immediately scrape all understanding with the company over the issue of Foreign Direct Investment on Retail Trade. "We have planned a 15-day long statewide protest against the Reliance Fresh," SJM State organising secretary Annada Shankar Panigrahi said adding that the life of some seven lakh smalltime traders and vendors would lose their livelihood if the Government allowed the company to spread its network in the State. It may be noted here that the company plans to open 235 Reliance Fresh outlets in the State, including 11 in Bhubaneshwar and nine in Cuttack, as part of its Rs 3,000-crore roll out plan in the State. While due to continuing protest from the vendors of the city, Reliance had to close its outlets on several occasion. Similarly, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh State organising secretary Muktikant Satpathy demanded that the Reliance Company should immediately leave the State and urged the State Government not allow the company to open its outlets. Sangh will mobilise public opinion over the issue and is backing the present protests of the vendors and traders of the city against Reliance Fresh. 

Dr Ratnakar Chaini elected new president of Sanskar Bharati

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO) - Dr Ratnakar Chaini has been elected as the new president of State unit Sanskar Bharati, a socio-cultural organisation. According to the State organising secretary Niranjan Panda on Wednesday, Ashok Kumar Das has been elected as advisor while Padmashree Chaturbhuja Meher, noted artist Asim Basu, Asit Baran Mohapatra, Srinibash Udgata, Basant Kumar Panda and Srinibash Panda have been chosen as patrons. Noted playback singer Subash Das, classical singer Debendra Narayan Satpathy and Adarmani Baral have been elected as vice presidents. Besides, Harekrushan Bhoi would be the new general secretary of the Sanskar Bharati. Gyana Hota, Nageswar Samal elected as State secretaries while Bhimasen Mallick as treasurer. Biswanath Mishra(Sangeet), Gyana Hota(Sahitya), Gadadhar Barik(Nataka), Bipin Choudhury(Saha-Nataka), Santanu Kumar Mund(Lok Kala), Krushna Satpathy(Bhualnkaran), Satyabhama Mishra(Matrushakti), Niranjan Mohanty(Drusya-srabya), Jagannath Patnaik(Prachina Kala 'O' Prakasan), BN Kar(Prachar Prasar).

Police Headquarter still non-committal on DGP Mohanty

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO) - Convicted rapist Bitti Mohanty has been missing for over 250 days now and his father DGP (Home Guards and Fire Service) BB Mohanty has been evading arrest in connection with the escape of his son who was convicted for the rape of a German national and even now the Home Department continues to remain non-committal on the issue. This even after the Supreme Court on Tuesday granted the State Government a two-week deadline to file its response to a petition accusing the state of shielding DGP Mohanty. The Rajasthan Government had moved the SC challenging the bail granted by the Orissa HC to BB Mohanty, who is accused of helping his son Biti Mohanty escape from judicial custody after being convicted of rape. The Rajasthan Government has accused the Orissa Chief Mnister Naveen Patnaik, Home Secretary TK Mishra and DGP Amarananda Patnaik of not extending any cooperation in arresting Mohanty. Patnaik has so far been denying allegations accusing his Government of shielding BB Mohanty and has also refused to break his silence about Mohanty going into hiding to evade arrest.
Highly placed sources said on Wednesday that after the apex court's intervention, the matter was heading towards a major legal battle. "We have tried our best to track the absconding BB Mohanty but he is still missing," a senior police officer said. He further said that next course of action will be taken soon as to reply to the order of the Supreme Court. "The court has asked to file our response within two weeks, let's wait, what will happen," the officer said. He however ruled out any question of non-cooperation with the Rajasthan police over the issue of investigation. 

RSS slams Left Parties for anti-Hindu statement

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO): A day after State units of CPI (M), CPI and NCP statement criticising Trisul jatra carried out by the VHP and Bajarang Dal activists in Kendrapara, RSS on Tuesday came down heavily by saying that the district administration had granted permission for the jatra while three political parties have no reason to criticise the jatra.

Earlier, leaders of CPI (M), CPI and NCP had alleged that the VHP and Bajarang Dal is spreading communalism in Kendrapara by taking out Trisul jatra. "It was a peaceful jatra to high light the plight of Hindus and creates public opinion of against cow slaughter," RSS said in a statement here. The Left Parties, who had opposed the country's freedom movement, are now posing themselves as patriot, every body knows, who actually creating communal tension, the Statement said. It further said " If they worry for communal tension, then they should make steps to ensure no illegal beef trading in the district,"

UBSS organizes blood donation camp on Gopabandhu Jayanti

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO): RSS backed Utkal Bipanna Sahayata Samiti organised a blood donation camp on the occasion of Gopabandhu Jayanti here at Mancheswar. As many as 50 persons donated blood. Earlier a Yoga camp was held in which several students and women the joined the camp. RSS national leaders Dattatreya Hoswale, Saha Pranta Karyavaha Gopal Prasad Mohapatra, Pranta Pracharak Ajit Prasad Mohapatra, Jagadish Prasad Khadanga, Sunipad Goswami, Saroj Kumar Kar, Khadi and Village Industry Board chairman Sameer Mohanty, former bureaucrat Sashi Bhusan Mishra, Prasant Ballav Ray, Abhaya Kumar Pati and Saroj Mitra were among those present and recollected Gopabandhu Das's contribution and social service for the people of Orissa.

Swadeshi mela to kick off from October 11 - Naveen Patnaik, Raman Singh will inaugurate the mela

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO): A weeklong Swadeshi Mela will be held from October 11 to 17 at the Exhibition Ground here for the second time, which is organised by the Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM)-backed Centre for Bharatiya Marketing Development. As many 500 stalls will be on display during the weeklong Mela, in which farmers and traders from across the country will participate with their Swadeshi products. A preparatory meeting was held here and discussed the about the mela. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh will jointly inaugurate the mela, said organising committee co-coordinator chairman Golak Nayak  on Monday. Besides, Law and Industry Minister Bishwa Bhusan Harichandan, Energy and Culture Minister Surya Narayan Patro, Urban Development Minister KV Singh Deo were among those have included in the committee, will look after the whole mela, he said. He further added that the Swadeshi Mela focuses on the capabilities and achievements of 'Bharatiya' trade, industries and services.

Annual Sports of Saraswati Sishu Mandir ends

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO): Three-day long Annual Sports meet was ended here at Saraswati Sishu Mandir in Dharma Vihar area of the city. Students participated in Kabadi, Long Jump, High Jump; Shot foot throw, Yoga and several other disciplines of Sports. 500 participants joined the meet while winners were given prizes. Rajiv Podhar was chosen as the best player of the meet. Sarat Chandra Panigrahi, Rabindra Kumar Panda, Ananda Chandra Sahoo and Santosh Kumar Nayak were among those present at the meet.

Sadhus ask Karunanidhi to scrape Setu Samundram project

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO): Leading Sadhus from across the State, who have joined the Ram Sethu Rakhaya Jatra, on Monday asked the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunannidhi to immediately scrape the Setu Samundram Shipping Canal Project and publicly apologies for his defamatory remarks on Lord Ram and Tulis Das's Ram Charit Manas. Sachidanandaji Maharaj of Dhinkipita mutt of Puri charged both Central and Tamil Nadu Government over the issue and warned dire consequence, if they go ahead with the project. What they know about Lord Ram, he asked and added that such anti-Hindu polices of either Government would not be tolerated.
"We shocked over the Centre and Tamil Nadu Government for their stand on Lord Ram's existence," he added.
Meanwhile, Ram Sethu Rakhaya jatra, which was kicked off on Saturday got good response from the people of Orissa. Five Jatras from different parts of the State will culminate at five different places on October 10, said Rameswaram Sri Ram Sethu Rakhaya Mancha State spokesman Simanchal Khatua on Monday. A jatra, which was kicked off at Puri on Sunday reached Bhubaneswar on Monday. A special meeting held here at Lingaraj temple, Ram Mandir and Sikharchandi Temple in Patia on the outskirt of Bhubaneswar. Several Hindu religious preachers, who are accoipnaying the Jatra, alleged that the UPA Government has crossed all limits in hurting the sentiments of Hindus living across the globe. Sadhus however send strong message to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunannidhi while asking him to immediately scrape the project .

Campaign against cow slaughter to kick off from CM’s constituency, Bajarang Dal

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO): Irked over the seizer of 24 tonnes of beef near Jagatpur in Cuttack within two days since Sunday, Bajrang Dal on Monday took a critical note of the situation and announced to launch a campaign against cow slaughtering from Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's constituency in Hinjilikatu of Ganjam. Speaking at a news conference here, Bajarang Dal national co-convener Subash Chouhan said that due to the apathetic attitude of the State Government, illegal beef trading is reaching at all time high in the State and the outfit has decided to launch a massive campaign from Chief Minister's constituency against cow slaughtering. He has also threatened 'militant action' to enforce a ban on the slaughter and transportation of beef in the State, if the Government does not take steps to control such heinous activities. The State Government has ignored several representations asking for a ban on the killing of cows and calves and transportation but nothing has happened so far while illegal beef trading are on all time high, he alleged.
"How can we allow cow slaughter " asked Chouhan added that police have been seen as a mute spectator over the issue. People For Animal chief and BJP MP Maneka Gandhi had also apprised the Chief Minister Patnaik over the issue but the Governmnet has not taken enough steps to ban it.

Ram Sethu Rakhaya Jatra from Oct 6

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO): Ram Sethu Rakhaya Jatra will be taken out through out the State from October from 6 in order to mobilise public opinion against the Sethusamundram Shipping Canal Project of Tamil Nadu Government. During the jatra, Hindu religious preachers, academicians, social activists, environmentalists and people of other walks of life will take part in the jatra. Rameswaram Sri Ram Sethu Rakhaya Mancha State spokesman Simanchal Khatua said on Thursday that Jatra would be kick off from five different places of the State to gather support for the protection of Ram Sethu. Bhagaban Das Maharaj and Ashimanandaji Maharaj will led the first jatra, which will kick off at Cuttack on Ocober 6 and it will traverse Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur before culminating at Jajpur on October 9. Similarly, Sachidanandaji Maharaj will led the second jatra, which will start from the Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri on October 7 and traverse Nayagarh, Khurda and Bhubaneswar. The third jatra will begin in front of the Taratarini Temple in Berhampur and will traverse Gajapati, Phulabani, Ganjam, Bhanjanagar before culminating at Paralkhemundi on October 10. Chaitnayaji Maharaj and Chinmayanandaji will led the third jatra. The fourth jatra will kick off at Ambika Temple in Baripada on October 6 led by Adityanandaji and it will move through Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Bhadrak and will end at Balasore on October 8. The last and fifth jatra will begin at Radhakrishan Temple in Angul on October 8 and Krupalnandaji will led the jatra and it will traverse Dhenkanal, Angul and Athagarh.

Intellectual meet on Internal Security on Oct 1

Bhubaneswar: State unit of RSS will organise an intellectual meet on the issue of Internal Security of the country on October 1 here at the OTDC Guest House. Country's leading security experts and several senior police officers of the State are expected to deliver their views on these burning issues. The meet will focus relating to Indo-US civil nuclear deal Sethusamundram Shipping Canal Project's impact on country's defense strategies. The meet will also focus on the issue of frequent terrorist attack of religious installations as well as on major cities of the counties. According State Chief of RSS Ashok Das on Friday, Sangha's national executive committee member Indresh Kumar will inaugurate the meet.

Bangladeshi inflators consolidating positions in the city

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO): If the intelligence sources are to be believed, in the wake of Quit India notices served to Bangladeshi infiltrators in several parts of the State, they are now consolidating their positions in the capital city of Bhubaneswar. According to sources, the Bangladeshi infiltrators are now being managed to get safer places along the Railway lines connecting Sundarpada to Mancheswar. Even they have also managed to include their names in the voter list and enjoying certain benefits, which are being given to the city slum residents. Most astonishing fact was that three Muslim hotels situated inside Mali Sahi are reportedly selling beefs where the local Kharvel Nagar police is seen a mute spectator. It may be noted here that earlier on several occasions, the Indigence wings have already apprehended the activities of Pakistani based ISI in the Eastern India including Orissa. "We found Bangladeshi and Pakistani migrant workers and infiltrators are subsequently consolidating their positions and their main destination is Mali Sahi's Red Light area," intelligence sources said. From Lingaraj Level Crossing to Palasapalli Level Crossing and from Raj Mahal Railway Over-Bridge to Master Canteen Square, they have been sheltering since a recent past and they are original identity was either Pakistani and Bangladeshi, sources added. They have also managed to capture certain places near Mali Sahi, Station Bazar and Nagabhusan Bhawan, which is the State Party office of the CPI (M-L). Sources further said that the recent recovery of intoxicant items including brown sugar and drugs pointing towards a co-coordinated network being active in Mali Sahi area. Gambling activities are on high, sources revealed.

Khakira Third Degree Prayog ...

Article by Sri Rabi Narayan Panda

Adhogami Bharat O Bharatiya Samskruti

Article by Sri Madhab Sethi.

Rama setu, Affidavit and Secularism

Article by Sri Dandapani Panda

Puri Seer urged stringent punishment for conversion

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO): The Puri Seer Jagadguru Swami Nischalananda Saraswati while addressing the three day conference of Dharma Prasar workers of Viswa Hindu Parishad, which ended at Puri on September 23, pleaded for stringent action by the Government to put an end to the conversion from one religion to another by groups of vested interests taking advantage of the simplicity of poor harijans, tribals and economically backward people. Shankaracharya of  Govardhan Pitha has urged the Government to amend the law relating to conversion and make provision for stringent punishment to people involved in conversion. The Sheer said , in order to refrain  attack on Hindu religion and philosophy , laws relating to conversion should be amended and provisions should be made for 10 years of Rigorous Imprisonment and Rs 10 lakh fine to the persons who would be found guilty of  misguiding poor and innocent people for conversion by allurement. " Unless such steps are taken and implemented strictly, the Hindu religion will face danger from non-Hindus who are getting huge foreign funding to carry on such activities," he added.

VHP demands ten-year imprisonment for religious conversation

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO):Taking a strong note of the increasing religious conversion in the country, the Vishva Hindu Parishad has demanded for strict laws to control the activities of the missionaries and sought stern action against those, who are being involved in conversion activities in the country. In a resolution passed at the three-day long All-India Hindu Religious Conference, which ended at Puri on Sunday, VHP sought ten-year rigorous imprisonment for the accused involved in religious conversion and Rs 10 lakh as fine. Hindu religious preachers from 32 places of the country after discussing the issue, passed a resolution seeking ten-year imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10 lakh for those are being involved in religious conversion activities in the country, particularly the Christian Missionary. Meanwhile, several noted Hindu religious preachers, who were present at the three-day long religious conference turned the Sachar Committee report as socially divisive and attempt to hurt the sentiments of the Hindus. The real meaning of the Sachar Committee is to have job reservations based on religion, developmental priorities in the areas occupied by one religious value and communal budgeting. The Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's declaration that minorities, particularly Muslims, have a first right to national resources is exhibit of this Government's intentions, VHP national general secretary Mohan Joshi said. He urged the Centre to reject the Committee's recommendations, and work for development of all regions and poverty alleviation of poor across the country rather than of one religious denomination. Puri Seer Jagadaguru Nischalananda Saraswati, VHP international general secretary Prabin Bhai Togadia, religious affair chief Dharma Narayan Sharma, VHP State secretary Gouri Prasad Rath and national co-convener Subash Chouhan were among those present.

VHP to conduct Ram Sethu Rakshya Padayaatras from Sept 27

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO): After conducting nationwide chalka jam over Ram Sethu, VHP on Saturday announced to conduct Ram Sethu Rakshya Padayaatras and public awarness rallies over Ram Sethu. Announcing this here at a news conference, VHP International General Secretary Prabin Bhai Togadia said that as part of the revised campaign over Ram Sethu, padayaatras, rallies, public awareness campaign, pujas for Ramayan, Rameshwaram Shivlingam and Ram Sethu will be conducted from across the country from September 27 to October 10. He said that besides, one crorer Hindus will take oath to fight against the evil designs that has been promoted jointly by the Congress, DMK and the Communists to demolish the historic Ram Sethu. "VHP is appealing people of all caste, creed, faith and religion to participate in the padayaatras for the protection of Ram Sethu," Togadia said. "We would not stop our campaign over the issue, till the Centre scarped the project," he made it clear.

Criminal cases to be filed against Karunanidhi from Monday, warns Togadia

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO): Vishwa Hindu Parishad on Saturday announced to file criminal cases under section 295 of the IPC against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK Chief Karunanidhi for misinterpreting the Valmiki's Ramayan while saying Lord Ram as a drunkard according to Valmiki. Speaking at news conference here, VHP International General Secretary Prabin Bhai Togadia said that VHP activists, Sadhus and Hindus across the country will file criminal cases against the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi for misinterpreting Valmiki's Ramayan while saying Lord Ram was a drunkard from Monday onwards. "If Karunanidhi wants a public debate over the existence of Lord Ram and Valmiki's Ramayan, then he should come to Ayodhya or Kashi and faced the Sadhus and Sathas of the country, why he challenging political leaders for debate," Togadia directly referring to Karunanidhi's challenge to Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha LK Advani for a debate on Lord Ram said. "Karunanidhi misinterpreted the Ramayan and his anti-Hindu stand, will be strongly replied, if the Centre did not scrape the project soon," Togadia warned. VHP always ready for a debate over the issue, but those who are in favour of debate should come to a proper platform instead politicising the issue, Togadia asserted. The Centre should immediately scrape the project and realise its mistakes committed during the file of the defamatory affidavit in the Supreme Court, he demanded.

"Karunanidhi is a history cheater and his double standard on Lord Ram's existence was evident from the fact that, in 1972, he admitted Lord's existence in Tamil Nadu District gazetteers," Togadia releasing a copy of the Gazetteers said. Accusing Congress Party Chief Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for their pro-US and anti-Hindu lobby, Togadia said "VHP is preparing itself for a greater movement over the issue and unless and until, the project get scrapped, nationwide agitation will continue," Four lakh fishermen along the Tamil Nadu Coast would be severely affected and they would lose their livelihood while thorium deposits along the Coast will also be affected, Togadia, who is here to attend an All-India Hindu Religious Conference underway at Puri argued. Locals, who live and work amid scores of Hindu temples across Rameswaram, believe it was blasphemous on part of the Government to question mythology, he claimed. "The Central Government has deliberately created circumstances that the Ram Setu be demolished. All Hindus are opposing this," he said.

Charging the CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat, who is backing Karunanidhi over Ram Sethu, Tagodia said the communists are now become a party of the international conspiracy that has been going on against India's economic progress. What they (the Communists) learned about Lord Ram, now backing Karunanidhi? He asked. "If no Ram, then why other political parties in Tamil Nadu including the main Opposition AIDMK is opposing the controversial statement over Lord Ram," he argued. Asked whether VHP will allow BJP to make a political issue, if the country faces a mid-term poll, Togadia said that matter is purely faith, belief and culture and VHP in fact not in favour of politicisation of the issue.

Centre’s affidavit over Rama Sethu unfortunate, says RSS

Bhubaneswar: Coming down heavily on the Congress led UPA Government for its affidavit over the controversial Rama Sethu issue, State unit of RSS on Thursday once again warned the Government for a massive statewide campaign. "Centre affidavit was unfortunate and all Hindus across the globe will reply to it," RSS said in a statement here. It warned the Centre that it would launch a Statewide movement if it did not immediately withdraw its affidavit that there was no historical evidence to prove Lord Ram's existence. RSS however accused the Central Government of insulting the Constitution, which it said contained images of Ram, Sita and Hanuman." The Government has made an assault on Hindu sentiments, which cannot be tolerated at any cost," RSS statement said.  " The Government has set in motion the process of questioning religious beliefs. We will launch a State wide movement if it does not withdraw immediately this blasphemous submission questioning the very existence of Lord Ram," RSS State spokesman Simanchal Khatua said.

Rashatravadi Sikhyaka Parishad threatens stir

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO): State unit of Rashatravadi Sikhayka Parishad on Saturday demanded immediate regularization of service of some 500 lectures appointed between 1993 to December 1998 and working in 254 aided Colleges of the State. Parishad organising secretary Narayan Mohanty said that due to the apathetic attitude of the State Higher Education Department, the lectures are not getting their salary directly from the Governmnet while their service not regularised till now. He alleged that the Cabinet Sub-Committee was eyewash as it failed to solve the issue. "We will soon launch a State wide agitation against the Government," Mohanty said.

All India Hindu Conference in Puri from Sept 21

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO): State unit of Vishwa Hindu Parishad will organise a three-day long Hindu religious conference in Puri, in which more than 400 Hindu religious preachers from the country and abroad are expected to join. VHP State secretary said on Saturday that the conference is being organised to discuss burning issues like cow slaughter, conversion and several other issues will be discussed. VHP International General Secretary Prabin Bhai Togodia, VHP's religious affairs chief Mohan Joshi and Dharmnarayan Sharma will join the conference. Puri Seer Jagadguru Swami Nischalananda Saraswati will inaugurate the conference, Rath said. Meanwhile, VHP sources said that conference is being conveyed in order to discuss the conversion issues and VHP will also plan its future course of action on Ram Sethu issue. "Orissa is one among the State, where conversion is a major problem and the conference will form fresh strategy to control the activities of Christian Missionaries," VHP sources said.  "Besides, as Togadia and several other top leaders are coming, they will discuss the issue again with the Puri Seer before taking final decision on Ram Sethu," sources said.

VHP once again warned Centre over Rama Sethu - Chalk jam hits rail, roads in Orissa

bhubaneswar (VISAKEO): Thousands of activists of the RSS, VHP, BJP, Bajrang Dal and AVBP blocked roads and stopped trains in several places across State to protest the Sethusamudram canal project that they say will destroy a 'bridge' held sacred in Hindu mythology. Activists blocked roads across the State from 8am to 11 am and the strike has been successful. Train service also affected due to chalk jam. BJP State president Suresh Pujari led protests in Bhubaneswar while hundreds of activists led by BJP MP Jual Oram staged protests at the steel city of Rourkela. Similarly, VHP State secretary Gouri Prasad Rath led the chalk jam at Balasore and VHP State organising secretary Tanmaya Mohapatra led the protests in Cuttack followed by Golekha Chandra Behera led the protests in Kendrapara. Roads were blocked in at least a dozen places in Bhubaneswar, leading to traffic jams. Activists also stopped several trains in Jatani, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Khurda, Puri, Ganjam, Berhampur, Sundargarh, Malkangiri, Dhenkanal, Angul, Sambalpur and in the State capital, apart from other towns. The VHP claims that the canal project, that will cut shipping time in the southern tip of India, would damage the Adam's Bridge or Ram Sethu, that many Hindus claim was built by the monkey brigade to enable Ram to reach then Lanka (now Sri Lanka) to rescue his wife Sita from the clutches of demon king Ravana. It also claimed that US space agency NASA had the bridge in the Indian Ocean carbon dated as being 1.7 million years old. However, NASA and Indian scientists say the 'bridge' was nothing but a natural string of underwater coral reefs. Meanwhile, just two days after the down to dusk bandh called by the Congress led Opposition Parties, commuters in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack had a harrowing time reaching their destinations due to road blockade at various places by VHP activists as part of their nationwide protest against Government's decision to go ahead with the Sethu Samudram project.  Vehicular movement across the city was affected with traffic snarls witnessed at Vani Vihar Square, Master Canteen Square, Khandgiri Square, Samanrapur Square and Rasulgarh Square, Kalpana Square. Police personnel in large numbers were deployed on streets to regulate the traffic. A number of activists, including some local leaders of VHP and BJP were also detained.

Students’ protest lacks leadership, ABVP blames

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO - 8/9): Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad on Sunday alleged that due to lack of leadership, public properties worth lakh rupees have been damaged during a protest demonstration staged by the students of BPUT against the year-back policy for the Engineering students. "Damage of public properties during Students, agitation against any policy is purely lack of leadership and nothing," the Parishad said. Parishad State secretary Nirmal Sarangi said that in past many positive protests have been staged by different students' bodies and even they had succeeded in bringing a change. Supporting the striking students for their legitimate rights, Sarangi however urged the BPUT authorities to look into the issue with due care and give justice to thousands of students.
"If the BPUT authorities failed to solve the issue shortly, Parishad would carry out State wide agitation against the University,"Sarangi warned.

Sri Rama setu Surakshaya manch vows to stop Sethusamudram project.

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO - 8/9): State unit of SriRama setu Surakhya manch on Saturday announced to carry out a massive agitation in the State in protest against the Sethusamudram Shipping Project.The  Surakshaya Manch however warned the Union Government against playing with the sentiments of Hindus and demanded immediate scrapping of the Sethusamudram project, which it said would damage Ramsethu in the Palk Straits. The belief that the Ramsethu was the bridge built by Vanar Sena as mentioned in the Ramayana was unquestionable. It is the belief of crores of Hindus, and the Centre should not hurt them. The Government should change the alignment of the project to save Ramsethu, State coordinator of Rama setu Suraksya manch, Gouri Prasad Rath said at a news conference here. Ramsethu was not just an issue of religious faith, it also had security value for the nation as it had a rich reserve of Thorium, used as a nuclear fuel, and also a natural barrier against disasters like tsunami, he said. The future course of agitation would be chalked out later if the Centre failed to respect the Hindu sentiments, he said. He further said that Puri Seer Jagadguru Nischalananda Saraswati has already given his morale support to the three-hour long Chakka Jam called on September 12 from 8am to 11am.

Janmastami celebrated across the State

Bhubaneswar: (visakeo)Birth Day of Lord Krishna on Monday observed across the State with Krishna devotees throng to both ISCKON Temple and Ram Mandir here in the city for prayer. A Krishna competion was held here at ISCKON Temple premises, in which hundreds of School kids' partiocipated and dressed like Lord Krishna on this occasion. Similarly, Upasana, an NGO conducted Krishna competition at Sri Ram Baidika Sikhyasram in Kalinga Nagar on the outskirt of Bhubaneswar, where more than 40 students of 10 School participated. Sri Ram Baidika Sikhyasram's Rashmi Ranjan Behera was declared the best Krishna and Prakash Priyadarsan of Kalinga Nagar Saraswati Sishu Mandir stood second and Akankhya S Patnaik of Old Town Venkatswar English Medium School stood at third. Amrita Prabha Rai, Renubala Patnaik and Dipti Mohapatra were among those present on this occasion. Swadhya Pariwar conducted a workshop on Bhagavat Gita on the occasion of Janmastami here in the premises of the Abhin Chandra Homeopathic Medical College. Religious discourses were also organized on this occasion here at Ram Mandir.
Meanwhile, keeping law and order situation in the city, police have made elaborate security measures at all Temple premises in the city. Additional forces were deployed at Ram Mandir, Unit-8 Jagannath Temple and ISCKON Temple.

Kalinga Sena held demo in front of Raj Bhawan

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO): In protest against the Reliance Retail Fresh, newly formed political outfit Kalinga Sena on Monday held a demonstration in front of the Raj Bhawan and urged the Governor to intervene into the matter and submitted a memorandum to him. Sena is opposing the entry of Reliance Retail Fresh into the city. "If Reliance will open retail shop here, small time traders will lose their daily wage and the State Government should immediately scrap all the deals with the Reliance Company," Kalinga Sena State president Hemanta Rath said. He further said that the Sena will carry out a State wide agitation against the move and would not allow the company to open retail shops in the city. "We have apprised the Governor Chandrakant Bhandare and if the State Government does not look into the matter, Sena workers will stall the Reliance Retail shops in the city," Rath warned.

CPI (M), CPI, Forward Block to jointly oppose Naval exercise on Bay of Bengal

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO): State unit of CPI (M), CPI and Forward Block on Monday jointly announced to strongly opposed the proposed joint Naval exercise of India, USA, Japan, Australia and Singapore on Bay of Bengal begging from September 4. Jointly speaking at press conference here, CPI (M) State secretary Janardan Pati, CPI State secretary Dibakar Nayak and Forward Block State secretary Santosh Mitra charged the Manmohan Singh led UPA Government as pro-America Government and alleged that the Centre has violated the NAM treaty. This Naval exercise will have a bad impact of country's military policy and the USA is using India in order to consolidate its position in the Gulf countries, Dibakar Nayak
of CPI said. The Left Parties would organise a Jatha( a typee of protest rally) from two diffenrnt locations. One rally will be kicked off by CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat at Chennai and another will be flaged off by the CPI General Secretary AB Bardhan at Kolkata on September 4 and two Jatha will reach Visakhapatnam on September 8, the day the Naval exercise will conclude. Meanwhile, the Jatha, which will be flagged off by Bardhan at Kolkata, will reach Orissa border on Tuesday near Jaleswar and through Rajghat, Balasore, Soro, the Jatha will reach Bhadrak on Wednesday (September 5). From Bhadrak, the Jatha will move through Panikoili, Chandikhol, Tangi, Cuttack and will reach Bhubaneswar on the same day. From Khurda, the Jatha will traverse through Tangi, Balugaon, Keshpur, Rambha, Ganjam, Chhatrapur and Berhampur on Septmeber 6 and on Septmeber 7, the Jatha will leave for Ichhapuram from Berhampur, the three Left Parties said in a joint statement.

Intelligence worries as Maoists bee line to Gajapati

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO): The recent detection of an unexploded bomb on the Khariguda-Bachipank road under the Mohona block of Gajapati district under the Southern Police range has alerted the police administration, who was under the impression that radical activities in this Maoists infected district had been under control. Mohona block is a part of the Assembly Constituency of Energy and Culture Minister Surya Narayan Patro while the rebels are reported to have warned the Minister Patro for dire consequence. The detection of this unexploded bomb is bound to create a scare as this road is on the important Berhampur-Mohona-Adava-Rayagada State Highway No-117. This is the shortest link from South Orissa to the State Capital here in Bhubaneswar. Most of the Ministers and top officials, who did not prefer helicopters, are using this road to visit the cholera affected regions of the district and after the incident, both police and intelligence officials are seemed worried. However, the local police reported to have advised Minister Patro not to move in these areas without full security. The Adava police had organised a health camp at the Karuna village during the day and district Collector DV Swamy and several other officials were touring the cholera affected villages, when the mine was detected. According to sources, the police were given a tip about a wire protruding along this State Highway by an anonymous caller and using a deep search metal detector and sniffer dogs the 3 kg metal box. Initially, police suspected a landmine but it turned out to be a remote control device. The persons, who would have activated the same, had fled after sensing the CRPF movement in the same locality. Investigation officials however denied revealing more on this. Meanwhile, the police agreed that the Bansadhara Regional Committee and the Kondavidi Dalam, who are part of Andhra-Orissa Border Gurilla Forces, have moved in to the Gajapati district and have already penetrated the Gumma, Nuagada and Mohona block. The presence of rebels in these blocks has been confirmed by the intelligence sleuths.

250 dead in cholera outbreak in Orissa, claims NGO

New Delhi (VISAKEO): Nearly 250 people have died of cholera in three districts of southern Orissa recently, an NGO claimed on Sunday. The official death toll in the outbreak has been put at 115.

"Official figures are being kept deliberately low in order to minimise the amount of compensation. If the government reveals the true figure, they would have to offer compensation to many more families," a press release issued by ActionAid said.
The disease had mostly spread in tribal-dominated districts of Koraput, Rayagada and Kalahandi. The State Government has announced compensation of Rs 10,000 to the families of the dead. "The affected people are tribals who suffer from widespread discrimination and official neglect," the NGO alleged.

The State Government should invest in repairing the defunct tube wells, disinfecting water sources and scale up medical facilities in the tribal pockets, it said.

Religious leaders can help eradicate foeticide: Sushma

Cuttack (VISAKEO): The bane of female foeticide in the country cannot be eradicated without involvement of religious leaders and spiritual gurus who have mass following, said former Union Health Minister and BJP MP Sushma Swaraj here on Saturday.

No amount of law or regulation can put an end to the practice that is rampant across States and communities of the country and has begun to cause social imbalance of disastrous proportions.

The evil practice was not evident in the poorer sections or States. It was more prevalent in the forward States like Haryana, Punjab, Delhi and the flourishing communities like Sikhs and Jains.

''I have started talking to the religious leaders of these communities and sects and they are ready to extend their mite,'' she said. The mothers are not willing to get rid of their unborn daughters but they are forced by their families, particularly the elders.
The elders have great faith in the religious leaders and gurus and would heed the latter's instructions. She also advocated roping in celebs, who have only daughters to campaign against foeticide on a more larger scale.

Swaraj launched the Jago Maa Jago nationwide campaign for protection of female foetuses spearheaded by the All India Marwari Yuva Mahasangha here.

The campaign would involve youth to create awareness on the despicable practice through publicity, door-to- door approach, community meetings, competitions, cultural programmes, school and college interventions.

Every person would be motivated to take a pledge not to resort to female foeticide. She also observed that the developments in science and technology amidst all its boons had also added to the menace by enabling people know the gender of their child before birth.

The aggressive family planning programme also added to it in some way or the other.

State Higher Education Minister Samir Dey, MPs Surendra Lath and Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo, member of National Commission of Women Manju S Hembram, Cuttack Mayor Nibedita Pradhan, national convenor of the campaign Sampati Moda and national president of the manch Anil Jajodia were present.

RRSPM calls Chalka Jam on Sept 12

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO - 31/8): State chapter of the Rameswaram Ram Sethu Protection Movement on Friday warned of a series of agitations if the Centre did not go in for an alternative alignment in Palk Straits. RRSPM has called a three-hour long chalka jam through out the State as part of its nation wide campaign to save the mythological Rama Sethu. "Some people may be atheists. But there are crores of people who believe in God. A democratic Government should respect the sentiments of majority people," RRSPM State coordinator Gouri Prasad Rath said on Friday. Stressing that the existence of Ram Sethu was not a figment of imagination and there were references about it in ancient literature and epics, he said the bridge also stood as a symbol of unity and integrity of the country. Members of RSS, VHP, BJP, Bajrang Dal and ABVP will join the chalka jam, Rath said. Pointing out that all Hindu religious leaders, including the Shankaracharyas, had unsuccessfully appealed to the Centre to stop the destruction of Ram Sethu, Rath said, "the voice of religious minorities is respected in the country. But, the voice of majority Hindus goes unheeded." He said the Movement would strive to create social awareness on the issue, besides waging a legal battle to protect the Ram Sethu. "If the Centre does not accede to our request, the struggle will be intensified to an unprecedented scale," he warned.

Red alert in Orissa after Hyderabad twin blasts

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO): In the wake of Saturday's twin blasts in Hyderabad in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh that killed more than 40 people and injured 45, a red alert has been sounded in Orissa to avert any untoward incidents. "We have stepped up security measures across the State and activated arrangements near sensitive locations, including the Jagannath Temple at Puri," Director General of Police Amarananda Pattnayak said on Sunday. Security has also been tightened in and around major projects and defence installations, he said.

Official sources said security had been tightened around the Interim Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur near Balasore and several irrigation dams, including Hirakud Dam in Sambalpur district. Besides, security measures have also been tightened along borders with Andhra Pradesh and security personnel working under Southern and South-Western Police Ranges have been asked to remain alert as these two ranges share road links with Andhra Pradesh.

Meanwhile, the movement of suspicious persons in some slum areas in Bhubaneswar was detected by the police. "We suspect them to be members of Maoist outfits. The local people have been asked to inform the police as soon as they come across such persons," Intelligence sources told The Pioneer on Sunday. Bhubaneswar Range DIG YB Khurania said all vehicles entering Bhubaneswar and Puri were being checked. However, when asked about Maoist movement in the city, he declined to comment. The Railway Police have enlisted the help of the State Police to conduct checkings at Bhubaneswar and Puri railway stations, Khurania said. He, along with Khurda SP Amitabh Thakur, undertook searches around the city to take stock of the security situation. Additional security forces have been deployed at the city airport, railway station, Lingaraj Temple and Ram Mandir as well as at major junctions of the city. All hotels and lodges on the Grand Road at Puri are being checked, SP Asit Panigrahi informed from Puri. "Armed security personnel are deployed at four different points leading to the Jagannath Temple and vigil on rooftops has been activated," he said. Vigil is also being maintained at the Sun Temple at Konark, he added.

Security stepped up at Puri temple

Puri (VISAKEO): Two platoons of armed police, a bomb disposal unit and a dog squad were pressed into service since Saturday night in this pilgrim city to prevent any terrorist attack on Jagannatha Temple. Soon after the Hyderabad blast, the State Government asked the police to take adequate security measures for the protection and prevention of any terrorist violence. Puri is one of the four dhamas (shrines) of Hindu faith and an important place of pilgrimage. Police sources said that the temple could be a possible target for the terrorists to massacre people in large numbers. Since the population of the devotees was very large during the ordinary days and it increases on festivals, the terrorists may strike at any time. Based on the inputs of the intelligence agencies the Government has asked the police to take adequate steps to ensure safety of the shrine and other important temples.The devotees were frisked at the entrance and mobile phones were strictly prohibited. Armed police were manning the temple gates round the clock. Metal detectors were installed at the temple entrance and sleuths of the police and intelligence wing have been scanning possible hideouts besides all entry points to the city. Explosive sniffing dogs were being pressed into service to detect hidden explosives from the temple surroundings. Superintendent of Police Asit Kumar Panigrahi said, "Two platoons of armed police were deployed at the Sri Jagannatha Temple and the Gundicha temple besides round the clock police patrolling was being provided to the temple." Police advised all the hoteliers, dharamshalas and the transport operators to inform if they notice any suspicious person baggage, he added. The temple administration too activated all the close circuit security cameras to monitor the crowd in the temple complex. Close vigil of the temple was maintained and the police was kept on alert and this operation would continue, Panigrahi informed.

Hyderabad blast kills doc from Berhampur

Berhampur (VISAKEO): KV Anand, a young doctor from Berhampur, has been confirmed as one among the 31 persons who have been killed in the ghastly bomb blasts in Hyderabad on Saturday night. One of Anand's cousins staying in Hyderabad could not believe his eyes when he saw the live telecast on a TV channel of the bomb blast on the ghastly night. He tried contacting Anand but getting no response from him, he rushed to the spot in order to ascertain his well being. Just 10 minutes before the blast, he had a telephonic talk with Anand who was enjoying the Laser Show at the Lumbini Park in Hyderabad city. Anand had invited the cousin for dinner after the laser show. Anand's parents, on hearing about the plight of their son, became shocked and till Sunday morning remained speechless. They were even unable to utter a single word to the visiting people who reached his home in the city. Anand's father was unable to wake from his bed after the bad news. His mother too is yet to come out of shock. His friends who had gathered here at the residence were also seen mourning. The fact that their friend was only 31 years old and had tied knot last year was too bitter for everyone to digest. One of his friends said, "Anand was doing a super specialist course to prevent and wipe out a dangerous disease like cancer. But none of us had thought that the cancer of terrorism would take his life." Anand, after his MBBS, was at the NIMS for MD super specialist course in oncology (cancer specialisation). He was the son of Dr Lalita Kumari (mother) who is a well known doctor in the city and Dr KRRM Rao (father) who is also a surgery specialist and a retired professor. Anand's wife Supriya is also an MBBS doctor. His father, mother, younger brother and wife survive him. Anand's body was at the Osmania Hospital in Hyderabad and supposed to reach here on Sunday night.

Agitation to protect Rama Sethu

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO): Stepping up its campaign against the Sethusamudram shipping canal project that would demolish the Rama Sethu, considered to be the mythical bridge of Lord Rama, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad has announced to launch a State wide agitation to protest the move of the Centre.

Justice (Retd) M Papanna of the Orissa High Court, academician Dr Ratnakar Chaini and Ramesh Chandra Tripathy, Dr Brahmananda Acharya, advocate Bipin Behari Rath have formed a Rameshwaram Rama Sethu Raksha Manch to spearhead the agitation.

Addressing a meeting in this connection, Justice Papanna said the Sethu that links Rameshwaram to Sri Lanka is not only an integral part of the Purana, it is also a symbol of India's glory and respect. Billions of people of the country and the world have intrinsic faith on the structure and every person has the obligation to stand up for protection of the Sethu from demolition, he added.

Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati has also taken up the issue of demolition of the Sethu urging people to thwart the attempts.

BJP leaders to leave for Delhi today

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO - 23/8): All the State BJP top leaders will proceed to New Delhi on Thursday following the urgent call of BJP president Rajnath Singh.

 

BJP official sources said all the BJP Ministers, MPs, State party president and general secretary will attend the meeting. The meeting would be held on August 24 and mainly deal with the election preparation.

 

It has been apprehended that the UPA Government would soon collapse and a mid-term election for the Lok Sabha will be held. On the other hand, BJP official sources said steps would also be taken to soothe the feelings of BJP senior leader Jual Oram who has been in the news for airing anti-Naveen views.

Uma supporters demonstrate against Setu demolition move

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO - 23/8): Workers of the State Bharatiya Janshakti on Wednesday staged a demonstration in front of the Raj Bhawan and strongly criticised the Centre's move for its proposal for demolition of the Rama Setu under the Setu Samudram project.

 

They demanded an unconditional withdrawal of the arrest warrant against their national president Uma Bharati in the wake of her stout opposition to the proposal.

 

The party's State president Arabinda Dhali said, "The Rama Setu is a classic symbol of the Indian heritage and should be declared as a wonder of world as the master piece of mythic period built by Sri Rama approximately 17,50,000 years ago. The Centre's move to demolish it should be battled out at any cost." A Tamil Nadu court has issued an arrest warrant against the party supremo when she came down heavily on the Central Government warning it to restrain from the move as it would possibly hurt the sentiments of the millions of Hindus in the country, Dhali said.

 

Later, the party workers submitted a memorandum to the President through the Governor.

Leaders unite to protect Sriram Setu

Berhampur (VISAKEO): The Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal and the Sriram Setu Surakhya Manch (SSSM) were of a unanimous view to save the Sriram Setu at Rameshwaram at a meeting held at the old Bus Stand on Sunday. Expressing fear that the demolition of the Setu would not only hurt the sentiments of the Hindus but also deprive thousands of fishermen of their livelihood and adversely affect thetion in future if the Government did not drop such a plan. Speaking on this occasion, president of the Manch Dharmaraj Sahu accused the UPA Government for its obstinacy to demolish the old Setu with a view to facilitate trade. He termed it as an out and out conspiracy against the Hindus. Ramakanta Rath of the Bajrang Dal said that it was a conspiracy at the international level to wipe out the Setu. Narasingh Choudhary of the VHP said that the Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre was taking anti-Hindu decisions. He alleged that the UPA Government was embarking on such a plan at the instance of Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Later, in a memorandum to the RDC they urged the Government to refrain from such a plan.
VHP observes fast over Ram Setu
 Bhubaneswar(Visakeo)Stepping up their protest against the demolition of Ram Setu (Adam's Bridge) as part of the Sethusamudaram Shipping Canal Project, VHP members on Sunday observed fast at Raj Mahal Square here. Later, a delegation submitted a memorandum to Khurda ADM, which was addressed to the Prime Minister. Several sadhus, activists of RSS and ABVP also participated in the dawn-to-dusk fast, singing bhajans. "The Centre and State have hidden intentions in implementing the project," they alleged. They claimed that destruction of the bridge would increase the tsunami threat to Tamil Nadu and Kerala, besides threatening India's security. NK Debata, Gouri Prasad Rath, Raghunath Pati and Pramod Das were among those present during the fast.

ABVP activists demonstrate at Balasore Collectorate

Balasore (VISAKEO): The district unit of ABVP organised a demonstration on Friday at the Collectorate. The agitators under the leadership of district coordinator Anirudha Panda besides alleging that the education machineries in the State are in disarray, condemned the police action against the agitating students in Bhubaneswar on July 13, further observing thatit was an act of inhumanity. They submitted a charter of seven demands including filling up all vacancies for teaching staff, a Central and Tribal University in the State. They protested the move of transferring the Central Institutes such as IIT, IIM, IISC from the State. Alleging that education is commercialised, they said on numerous instances recognition of plus two colleges had been given to several institutes without verification. They demanded a Government Medical College at Balasore and protested the decision of the State Government to allot 8000 acres of land to Vedanta for setting up of a university. Waiving of tuition fees for the flood affected students, bus pass for students, a help desk , adequate hostel facilities in each college , direct election for plus three and allotment land adjacent to FM college for expansion were their other demands.    
VHP to go on token fast in protest against Sethu project   
Bhubaneswa(Visakeo)-As part of its nationwide token fast, the State unit of Vishwa Hindu Parishad will organise a token fast at Raj Mahal Square on Sunday in protest against the demolition of Rama Sethu (Adam's Bridge) in the Palk Strait under the Sethu Samudram shipping canal project in Tamil Nadu.
About 20 per cent of Rama Sethu had been demolished, despite the Madras High Court's recent observation that the Centre could preserve it as a national heritage monument. "This showed that they have scant regard for the High Court's observation. It has set a wrong precedence and is highly condemnable. We suspect that there is an ulterior motive in implementing the project hastily," VHP said in a statement. Refuting the SSCP chairman's recent claim that US space agency NASA had concluded that Rama Sethu was not man made, VHP said NASA had clarified that their information was based solely on astronaut photography dataset, which did not provide information on the age, subsurface structure or composition of islands in the Palk Straits. Hundreds of sadhus will join the token fast here.

Puri Seer urges Hindu solidarity for Rama Sethu

Puri (VISAKEO): The Sankaracharya of Gobardhan Peeth, Puri Swami Nischalananda Saraswati has urged the Hindus to show solidarity with the Dharmacharyas and religious gurus to protect the Rama Sethu from destruction. The Sankaracharya appealed to the followers of Hindu faith to enable the religious leaders and acharyas to stage a Parliament Gherao agitation to exert pressure on the Government to desist them from proceeding with the Setu Samudram canal project.
The acharya reiterated his stand on the Rama Sethu at a Press conference on Saturday describing it as sacred for all Hindus. Hanuman, Nala and Neela, the followers of God Rama had constructed the 48km sethu (bridge) in Tretaya Yuga during the accession of Sri Lanka. It remained as a means of transport between the two countries till 1480 AD. The seer quoting a report of NASA said it as a man made structure built 1.75 million years ago after analysing the aerial photographs taken from the space. There was volumes in our religious texts over construction of the Rama Sethu, its consecration and sacredness the acharya said.          
                  
The Shankarachrya in strong words condemned the Union Government who was bent upon to destroy our religious heritage in the name of promotion of trade, tourism and commerce. The Sankaracharya demanded that the Government should declare it as a national heritage monument and scrap the Setusamudram canal project as millions of Hindus are religiously and emotionally attached to the Rama Sethu.        
                  
If the project was allowed to proceed a great religious history and a heritage monument of Hindu faith would be lost for ever. He described it as a treasure house of rare flora and fauna. There was huge deposit of Thorium, a radio active element. Its ridges repel high tides during Tsunami the seer, said.

Four Oriya in National Junior Hockey team

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO): Four players of Orissa have been selected in the Indian Junior Hockey team, which play at the Eight-Nation Hockey Tournament to be held from August 6 at Germany. The selected player includes Innocent Kullu, Sameer Bakshla, Amardeep Ekka and Aannda Tirkey. The four players have been picked up after the review of their performance at the recently concluded National Junior Hockey Championship at Chennai, where Innocent Kullu was decalred best Defender while Amardeep Ekka as best Mid-Fielder. Both Innocent and Sameer are from the Panposh Sports Hostel and Amardeep is from Air India Academy and Ananda from East Coast Railway. Apart from this, SP Das has been chosen as team physio, who is also an Oriya.

Women Football team to leave for Bangladesh on August 20

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO): Orissa Women Football team will leave for Bangladesh on August 20 in order to play five exhibition matches with the host team. The five matched will be played from August 20 to September 5 at different places of Bangladesh. According team manager BK Mohanty, team has already been selected and ready to play in Bangladesh. The team includes Sukumari Languri(Keonjhar), Ashirta Kisan(Rourkela), Sanju Tirkey(Sundargarh), Pinkie(Jharsuguda), Jhili Munda and Thukuni Munda(Sambalpur), Susmita Mallick, Suprabha Samal, Alochana Senapati, Sradhanjali Sahoo, Prasanti Pradhan, Rashmita Patra, Bijaylaxmi Sahoo and Sangita Ray, all from Bhubaneswar, Gitanjali Khatua and Sunita Majhi(Cuttack) and Gyatri Mallick of Kendrapara have been included in the team for Bangladesh tour. Besides, Coach Md Jabar Hussain, manager Mohanty, Sangita Sharma and Pratima Mishra will also accompany the team.

RSS charges Congress over PCC chief’s comments on 1857

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO): Coming down heavily on the comments made by PCC Chief Jayadev Jena that under RSS pressure, the BJD-BJP Government did not include the party in the preparations for the celebration of 150 year of 1857, RSS on Wednesday turned the statement by saying it as baseless and fabricated on part of the Congress. Sangha however urged all to celebrate the first Freedom Struggle of the country, which united the country in 1857. "Some political parties are very critical to RSS ideology but that does not mean that on matters of national importance, we should divide opinion over the 150 years celebration of 1857," RSS said in a statement adding that it was a conspiracy to blame the RSS by some political outfits. "It is an occasion to celebrate country's first freedom struggle and RSS is not pressuring anybody to celebrate," the statement said. The Statement further reads that for State level celebration of 1857, Orissa Government would decide, who should be included in the organising committee but PCC Chief Jena's statement was only baseless one and Sangha condemning it strongly.

RSS dedicates itself in Car Festival

Bhubaneswar  (VISAKEO - 17/7): As the celebration is on air, how can RSS be exempted from the celebration and service on the day of the great Car Festival of the Great Lord of the Universe in Puri. Where lakhs of devotees are eager to have inspection of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balvadra and the Goddess Suvadra on the chariots, the RSS people have also involved themselves in the service of the common people and devotees during the festival with a concept in their mind that "service to mankind is service to God".

On behalf of the Rastriya Swayam Sevak Sangh, Orissa, the service is being executed and it will continue till Bahuda- the return of the Chariots, stated the RSS Sahapranta Sevapramukh Sri Saroj Kar here today. More than 300 RSS people have been deployed on the duty on the eve of the famous Car Festival, Puri. The activists have supplied thousands of pouch water at 6 places having the banner of Utkal Bippana Sahayata Samiti (UBSS). The Sangh has opened two primary treatment centres, and deployed 45 doctors with 5 Ambulances. More than 108 Sangh people are engaged in each chariot for the security of the sacred chariots. The Sangh has also provided two information center for better communication. For the supervision of these operations done by the activists and volunteers, few designated Sangh people such as Sunilpad Goswami, Gopal Prasad Mohapatra, Ajit Prasad Mohapatra, Jagdish Prasad Katanga, and Simanchal Khatua are present on this celebration to gear up the processing properly, Sri. Kar added. 

Tribute to Adhish Kumar

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO - 15/7) : Sri Adhish Kumar had deep knowledge in the political situation of the country and through study on media. Out of his own attempt he could establish a strong organization on all India basis for the publicity of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangha. The organization is growing fast in the field of Journalism & Mass Communication. Though he was a leader in all India basis his personal life was quite simple. He was a man of amicable personality having sympathy in the situation of all. This was the theme of tributes offered by different speakers in the 11th day of his death.
     In memory of Sri Adhish Kumar today a meeting was arrange here at Buddha Vihar by Odissa Viswa Sambad Kendra wherein the provincial Sanghachalak of RSS Sri Ashok Kumar Das was present as Chief Speaker & Sri Jagadhish Pattanaik was presided over the meeting. Speaking on the occasion the chief speaker narrated how Adhish Kumar in the critical movement of Indian politics was writing books and giving clear views on the situation to the general public. Being the chief of Viswa Sambad Kendra and publicity department of RSS at all India basis he was publishing a monthly bulletin from Lucknow narrating day-to-day affairs of the present situation.
     Principal of local Maharshi College Dr. Bijaya Kumar Swain as a speaker in the meeting narrated the achievements of Sri Adhish Kumar in the field of publicity and mass communication. Renound journalist Sri Sanjaya Jena, Organizing Secretary of Orissa Shikhsya Vikash Samiti Sri Govind Chandra Mohanta, Provincial Secretary of  Vana Vashi Kalyan Asharam Dr. Lakshmikanta Dash, Secreatry Lekhaka Mancha Sri Laxman Panda, Secretary Viswa Sambad Kendra Sri Sumanta Kumar Panda, Member Samir Mohanty, Sri Haribandhu Praharaj, Bhubaneswar representative of weekly Rashtradeep Sri Golakh Chandra Das, Provincial Prachar Pramukh of RSS Sri Simanchal Khatua narrated their individual experiences and offered tributes. One-minute silence was observed for peace of the soul of Adhish Kumar.
In the beginning Sri Ashok Kumar Das lighted lamp in front of the photograph of Sri Adhish kumar and inaugurated the meeting. The coloumnist  Soumendra Jena voted thanks. The meeting was over after Shantipath.