One-day workshop on career counselling and equal opportunities in Berhampur University

Bhanja Bihar: Berhampur University conducted a one-day workshop on “Career counselling and equal opportunities for ST, SC and OBC students” in the Old Conference Hall here in the campus on September 21, 2017.

Guests and resource persons at the career counselling
workshop in Old Conference Hall, Berhampur University

Chief Guest Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajendra Prasad Das inaugurated the workshop by lighting the lamp while PG Council Chairman Prof. Devi Prasanna Patnaik presided over the inaugural meeting.

After the introduction of guests by the workshop coordinator Prof. Harapriya Samantray, resource person Dr. Sanjukta Mahapatra, a trainer in Parla Maharaja College of Engineering, delivered his speech. Other resource persons Sj. Srinivas Mishra, IIS, former Deputy Director of News in Doordarshan, Govt. of India and Prof. Premananda Panda, former Director of ST, SC and RTI, Govt of Odisha also talked about equal opportunities from different perspectives.

Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Das discussed on providing equal opportunities and benefits to the marginal sections of the society. He also focused on how to reduce weakness and fear to rise above to achieve success.

Subsequently, the dignitaries were presented mementos by the chief guest.

Later on, during the technical session the resource persons explained about different implications related to the equal opportunities for the SC, ST and OBC students. They also answered queries from the students and others present in the workshop as well.

The workshop came to an end after the vote of thanks was proposed by the workshop assistant coordinator Dr. G. Phamoie.

On the sideline of the workshop, speaking to Bhanja Bihar Musings team, Prof. Premananda Panda said, “Let us learn to dare and then dare to learn.” He went on explaining that identifying the gap between the potency and performance is essential. One should try to generate strength through self-motivation and available motivational tips to fill the gap. “Exercise your mind. Look around the world. Opportunities are many,” he added. 

(A report by Alka Digal and Dhaneswar Jena, J&MC, Semester-III, 2017)

Linguistics Department releases documentary film on language of Gajapati Sora tribes

Bhanja Bihar: “If you talk to a man in a language he understands that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language that goes to his heart.” These lines by famous anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician and former South African President Mr. Nelson Mandela clearly explain the impact of language on human. On the same note, “Vanishing Voices of South Odisha – Part-II – The Gajapati Soras”, a documentary film released by the P.G. Department of Linguistics during a national seminar here at the Old Conference Hall on October 20, 2017, reiterated the importance of language.

Guests releasing the CD of a documentary film during the
inaugural function of UGC sponsored national seminar by
the PG Department of Linguistics 

Chief guest Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajendra Prasad Das inaugurated the UGC sponsored national seminar on “Linguistic Human Rights” by lighting lamp followed by Bhanja Bihar Kulasangeet. Later, Head of the Department (HoD) Dr. Smita Sinha, who is also the organising secretary of the seminar, presented a brief report on the seminar.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Speaker retired Professor Krishna Bhattacharya from Calcutta University highlighted the significance and scope of linguistic human rights, while Special Speaker Prof. Annapurna Devi Pandey from University of California, who is currently a Senior Fullbright US Scholar, presented a comparative analysis of American and Indian linguistic rights.

Subsequently, Honourable Guest Mr. Satya Narayan Sahoo, Joint Secretary to Rajya Sabha, also expressed his views on language rights. On the same line, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Das too spoke about several implications related to language rights.

Meanwhile, the CD of the documentary film, which was scripted and directed by Dr. Sinha, was released by the guests and later it was also screened. It may be noteworthy here that the department has taken up a major project from UGC to conduct research on linguistics of South Odisha.

In the inaugural function, Mr. K Shashidhar introduced the guests, while Dr. A.K. Panda proposed the vote of thanks.

The valedictory function of the seminar was graced by PG Council Chairman Prof. Devi Prasanna Patnaik as the chief guest. Mr. Opino Gamango proposed the vote of thanks.

Earlier in two technical sessions, at least 11 research papers were presented. Mr. Sarabjeet Banarjee (Unicef), Prof. Bhagirathi Panigrahi, Dr. Shruti Das, Mr. Anup Kujur, Mr. T Eshwara Rao, Mr. Ramesh Chandra Mallik and Mr. G.C. Penthoi were among the notable presenters.

Besides, another documentary film “The Road to Zuni”, which was produced by Prof. Annapurna Devi Pandey, was also screened before the beginning of technical sessions.

(A report by Alka Digal and Dhaneswar Jena, JMC, Semester-III, 2017)

PG Department of History organises seminar to celebrate 50 years of its establishment

Bhanja Bihar: At a time, when we all are worried about violation of human rights on the heels of burning issues like Rohingya exodus, assassination of Gouri Lankesh, Nagada malnutrition etc, Department of History of Berhampur University organised a two-day national seminar on “Violation of Human Rights in Contemporary India: Challenges and Prospects” at the old conference hall here in campus during September 18 and 19, 2017 to mark the celebration of 50 years of its establishment.

Inaugural function of a UGC sponsored seminar to mark 
the Golden Jubilee of Dept of History at the old conference
hall of Berhampur University 

PG Council Chairman Prof. Devi Prasanna Patnaik inaugurated the UGC sponsored seminar by lighting the lamp. After the guest introductions given by Prof Bhagaban Sahu, PG Council Chairman Prof. Patnaik felicitated three former professors of the department – Prof. K.C. Jena, Prof. L.N. Rout and Prof. S.C. Padhy.

Introducing the seminar topic, the Head of the Department Dr. Sadanand Nayak said human rights violation is ‘seeing a human as not a human’. Law and punishment is not enough in the context, rather we need to break the shackles of ignorance to address the issue, he opined.

Addressing the gathering, key note speaker Prof. Anil Kumar Mohapatra from Fakir Mohan University elaborated regarding the problems and prospects of human rights. He spoke about two approaches of human rights violations i.e. traditional and alternative. He indicated that the alternative approach to human rights violation is prominent now which is a matter of concern throughout the world.

In order to define human rights, Prof. Mohapatra said these are inherited rights before the birth which is ensured beyond the state jurisdiction. He clearly distinguished the scope of fundamental rights from that of human rights. He explained about proscriptive rights (State is prohibited to provide certain rights) and prescriptive rights (State is asked to provide some rights). He also highlighted some of the current issues on human rights violation and concluded his speech with a quote, “We can secure our human rights, only by securing the rights of others.”

Addressing the gathering, department former Professor K.C. Jena, who was instrumental in naming the campus as ‘Bhanja Bihar’, recounted his days in the university. He invoked the students to stay happy always as the destiny is unpredictable.

Former Professor L.N Rout spoke about a number reason behind the increasing cases of human rights violation and opined that through eradication of discrimination and proper education, the human rights violation cases can be addressed. Meanwhile, former Professor S.C. Padhy explained about effects of blessings and benefits of being optimistic.

In the valedictory function, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajendra Prasad Das enlightened the participants about the duties and rights. He said, “Talking about human rights is the beginning of the topic, but when we talk about duties, we move towards solutions. We can’t grow by ignoring our duties and remain in the shelter of rights.” He concluded his speech by saying, “The rights are being protected by the Constitution and nobody can take it away from us if we perform our duties.”

Valedictory function of Golden Jubilee celebrations of 
Dept. of History in Berhampur University

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Mr. Sunil Kumar Mishra, IAS, State Chief Information Commissioner, opined that until and unless human rights are linked with development and distributive justice, the present stand on human rights can’t be a reality. 

“The person, who has greed for power and thrust for dominance, usually victimises the people who are voiceless (politically and economically deprived section of the country)due to perceived fear of these people to lose their importance by getting less benefits (government schemes and policies) than the lower section”, Mr. Mishra said adding that these people are the main obstacles for efficient penetration of policies and awareness made by the government. 

Talking about the present day scenario, Mr. Mishra, who is also an alumni of this university, held ethnic and religious groups responsible for violation of human rights. He suggested that there is a need of reformation and effective collaboration of United Nations Organisation to deal with the issues. He concluded his speech by giving information about the RTI Act-2005 and its status in Odisha.

HoD Dr. Sadananda Nayak coordinated the function while Dr. Shankarshan Mallik proposed the vote of thanks. Other faculty members of the department Dr. Bishnu Prasad Padhee and Dr. Ramakant Bhuyan were also instrumental for the success of the Golden Jubilee celebration. 

Dr. Ramesh Chandra Mallik from Utkal University, Dr. Alaka Mishra, DCWO, Ganjam and Vibhu Acharya, OAS were among the notable delegates present during the technical sessions of the seminar. 

(A report by Alka Digal and Dhaneswar Jena, JMC, Semester-III, 2017)

JMC Dept reverberated for Freshers’ welcome

Bhanja Bihar: The Conference Hall of Department of Journalism and Mass Communication of Berhampur University was reverberated on September 8 (Friday) as second-year students organized a grand party Freshers’ Fiesta-2017 to welcome the newcomers.

Vice-Chancellor RP Das, PGC Chairman DP Patnaik, 
Coordinator BB Mahapatra, J&MC faculties, staff and 
students posing for a photo-op during celebration
of Freshers' Fiesta-2017.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajendra Prasad Das, who graced the occasion as the chief guest, kickstarted the event by lighting lamp in front of an idol of Lord Ganesh. Subsequently, Bhanja Bihar Kula Sangeet, an anthem for the university, was played in the hall to mark the beginning of the celebrations.

In the meantime, the Vice-Chancellor also formally launched Bhanja Bihar Musings, a blog maintained by the students of the department to exercise their writing and reporting skills.

Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Das threw lights on the past glory of the department which was established in 1974 as the first of its kind in Odisha. He invoked the students to be serious about study so that they can create a proud moment not only for themselves but also for the institutions.

On the same line, P.G. Council Chairman Prof. Devi Prasanna Patnaik and J&MC Department Coordinator Prof Bibhuti Bhushan Mahapatra also highlighted about the legacy of the department. All the faculty members – Mr. Sudarsan Sahoo, Mr. Harish Chandra Behera and Dr. Hari Krishna Behera – also delivered motivational speeches for the students.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor in the presence of other guests distributed mementos to the newcomers to commemorate the event.

Besides, the senior students delivered best wishes to the juniors followed by self-introduction of the later.

Lohita Raulo (Sem-III) coordinated the meeting while Soubhagya Ranjan Tripathy (Sem-III) proposed the vote of thanks. 

After lunch, students of both the semester participated in different recreation activities. Mostly, the newcomers were the performers while the seniors were the audience. The conference hall was reverberated with songs, dances and merrymakings. Based the performances, Kajal Maharana (Sem-I) and D Biswaranjan Sethy (Sem-I) were conferred the titles of ‘Miss Fresher’ and ‘Mr. Fresher’ respectively

(A report by Soubhagya Ranjan Tripathy, J&MC, Semester-III, 2017)

Novelist AK Bir speaks on quality journalism

Bhanja Bihar: Mr Ajit Kumar Bir, the writer of novel “Philosopher King’ delivered a talk on quality journalism at the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication of Berhampur University on September 6, 2017.

Novelist Mr. Ajit Kumar Bir addressing the students in Dept

of J&MC, Berhampur University.

A poet, a playwright and an artist as well Mr. Bir discussed the importance of language in maintaining the sanctity of journalism. He attacked severely on the present degradation in use of proper language by the media professionals.

A man in his seventies, Mr. Bir, who was on a visit to the university to promote his recent novel “Philosopher King” said that Philosophy is the mother of language and language consists of Physics (physical world), Mathematics (concept) and Logic (reason). Whoever makes a balance, his language becomes perfect, he reiterated.

Speaking about media, he mentioned that media is the fourth pillar of governance and journalists are the guardians of the people or society. He invoked the students to be interested in investigative journalism by which they can identify the root cause of an issue and protect the honour of journalism profession.

Encouraging the students, Mr. Bir, who used to teach history in MPC College, Baripada in Odisha, said they should learn to ask questions rather than just accepting information as it is provided. This quality of an individual can turn him a true journalist, he added.

Giving a gist of his recent novel which is published in six parts, he said the term ‘Philosopher’ in his novel symbolises Guru Brihaspati and ‘King’ is Indra, the king of heaven. Two boys, Eiti and Neiti, represent the earthly concerns. He ended his talk with message that “Good things attract while bad things detract.”

Faculty members of the department Mr. Sudarsan Sahoo and Dr. Hari Krishna Behera were also present during the talk.

(A report by Alka Digal, J&MC, Semester-III, 2017)

J&MC Dept. celebrates Teachers’ Day

Bhanja Bihar, Sept 5: Post Graduate Department of Journalism and Mass Communication organized a Teachers’ Day celebration at its Lecture Hall-I today at 12 p.m.

Faculties and Students of Dept. of J&MC posing for a photo-op

in front of the P.G. Central office of Berhampur University

following the Teachers' Day celebration Tuesday.

P.G. Council Chairman Prof. Devi Prasanna Patnaik, who graced the occasion as the chief guest, said the noble relations between Guru and Shishya is an age-old tradition in India. Guru is the backbone of Indian society. A true teacher always wants to be superseded by a student, he mentioned.

Expressing discontent over Teachers’ Day celebration, Coordinator Prof. Bibhuti Bhusan Mahapatra said teacher-student relations are not meant for one day celebration. It is for ever. But this one day celebration indirectly indicates that we respect teachers on this special day only, then what about other days? However, he also emphasized on the pivotal role of teacher in building one personality and career.

On the same line, department faculty Sudarsan Sahoo also said that teacher-student relationship is eternal. But, it is the student who chooses a teacher to whom he will follow. The student can decide that through intra-personal communication i.e. talking to himself, he added.

Harish Chandra Behera, a faculty of the department, also spoke about the legends of teacher-students relationship. He wished the students would follow same path to achieve success.

Meanwhile, Dr. Hari Krishna Behera, another faculty of the department, spoke about his teachers who have a great role in transforming his career.

Subsequently, the students of both Part-I & II also verbalized their feelings, respect and gratitude for their teachers. 

(A report by Diptimayee Biswaranjan Sethy, J&MC, Semester-I, 2017)

P.G. Department of Odia organises National Seminar to mark Golden Jubilee celebrations

Vice-Chancellor announces Rs 1 lakh each to the departments celebrating Golden Jubilee in coming days

Bhanja Bihar: The Post Graduate Department of Odia of Berhampur University organised a two-day long national seminar to mark the celebration of its Golden Jubilee on August, 31, 2017.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajendra Prasad Das addressing 

the gathering during Golden Jubilee celebration of P.G. Dept 

of Odia at New Conference Hall of Berhampur University.        

Vice-chancellor Prof. Rajendra Prasad Das, who inaugurated the national seminar on “The Role of Newspapers and Magazines of South Odisha in Development of Odia Literature”, opined that starting from Prajabandhu, Asha, Nabina, Shishira and Prabhaba, many magazines and newspapers of recent times which are being published from South Odisha have their immense contribution towards the development of Odia culture and literature. That also resulted in getting ‘Classical’ status to Odia language, he added.

In the mean time, Prof. Das also announced that the university will allocate Rs. 1 lakh each to the departments who will be celebrating their 50 years of establishment in near future. (It may be mentioned that Berhampur University has already celebrated its Golden Jubilee last year)

Addressing the gathering as keynote speaker, Prof. Sabita Pradhan from Viswa Varati University, mentioned about the importance of such seminars which have relevance in current scenario.

On the same line, chief speaker retired Professor Prasanna Kumar Patnaik and honourable speaker Sahitya Akademi awardee Prof Satya Narayan Sahu discussed about the contributions of newspapers and magazines of South Odisha in strengthening the Indian nationalism in the initial stage of twentieth century.

P.G. Council Chairman Prof. Debi Prasanna Patnaik presided over the meeting. Head of the P.G Department of Odia, Prof. Prasanna Kumar Swain was also present on the dais among others.

Meanwhile, former head of the department Prof Srinivas Mishra was felicitated by the guests.

A good number of delegates from several institutions of Odisha as well as outside the state presented their research papers in different sessions of the seminar which were attended by a large number of students, scholars and teachers of the university.

Besides, a cultural programme was also organised to entertain the delegates.

(A report by Sohini Biswas and Bismaya Pradhan, J&MC, Semester-I, 2017)

Ganesh Puja celebrated with pomp and gaiety in Berhampur University

Bhanja Bihar: Berhampur University, one of the premier institutes of Odisha, celebrated Ganesh Puja on August 25 with pomp and gaiety.

Ganesh Puja in Berhampur University. 

The pandal, which was erected in front of the Students’ Union office, was decorated in vibrant colours and the campus was reverberated with religious festivities.

The celebration began with the blowing of a conch, followed by puja of the lord of the wisdom amid chanting of mantras. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajendra Prasad Dash and many students, teaching and non-teaching employees attended the auspicious occasion which was organised by the Students’ Union of the varsity.

Later, in the evening, a cultural programme was organised at Biju Patnaik Auditorium where a Dashkathia troupe (one of the celebrated folk forms of Odisha) stole the show. The enthralled audience also enjoyed modern dance performances by several other troupes. Meanwhile, a few students of the varsity also exhibited their talent by participating in the cultural event. Besides, the authorities also organised a Prasad Sevan at 9 p.m. where students and employees enjoyed the grand banquet.

In the mean time, adequate police and campus security personnel were deployed in the different key locations in the varsity to maintain law and order.

Tow days later, on Monday, the idol of Lord Ganesh was immersed amid a grand procession by the students.

(A report by Saubhagya Ranjan Tripathy, J&MC, Semester-III, 2017)