Issue 2011The voice of a resurgent Odisha

HERITAGECONSERVATIONRestoring Odisha’s rich heritage

The picture of the man as aleader, patriot, friend andhumanitarian

The legendary GuruKelucharan Mohapatra

BRIGHTENINGLIVES – THEVEDANTA WAYHow the Vedanta Group isbringing light into Odisha’s lives– literally

POETRYIN MOTION

BIJUBABU

ODISHAA MANY-SPLENDOURED STORY

O-Disha' has been published by Bibek Chattopadhyay on behalf of the Vedanta Aluminium Limited (VAL).The opinions / views expressed in the magazine are those of the respective authors and do not reflect orimply those of the editor, VAL or their agents. This magazine is meant for private circulation only.

Readers are most welcome to mail feedback on magazine to communications@vedanta.co.in

The Rath Yatra (Car Festival) re-enacts the sacred journey of Lord Jagannath alongwith His brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. Three different mammoth andelaborately decorated chariots are pulled by thousands of devotees. Millions ofdevotees converge on the holy city of Puri to celebrate the nine-day festivities in themonth of Ashadha (June/July).

Website : orissatourism.gov.inOnline booking : www.visitorissa.org I e-mail : oritour@gmail.com

Call us : 1800 2097 123 (Toll free)

Stroll into Odisha and walk with the Lords

When millions throng to celebratethe holy Jagannath Rath Yatra

M E S S A G E F R O M T H E V E D A N T A G R O U P C H A I R M A N

The resurgence of a state is possible only when its people takecognizance of and pride in the richness of its culture, utilise its

natural resources responsibly and invoke self-belief. Odisha hasembarked upon that process and it is only a matter of time beforethe world witnesses its revived glory.

The Vedanta Group is honoured to play a significant role in thishistoric transformation. Industrialisation is a social and economicprocess. No industry can afford to operate for the sake of investmentreturn alone. The long term, spatial positive impact of industry canneither be ignored nor questioned. Industry provides the stimulusfor prosperity which, in turn, extends to different walks of life.

The first issue of O-disha magazine convinced us that this is theright platform to highlight the structural and fundamental shifttranspiring through Odisha. Our conviction was validated by anoverwhelming response from our readers.

I am delighted to present the second edition of the Odishamagazine. This issue has been crafted aligned with the fast-evolvingcharacter of the State, raising hope and optimism; the old yielding to

the new and experience blending with dynamism.

We owe the success of this magazine to the invaluable contributions, direct and indirect, by eminentOdia personalities. I am positive that their continued support will help carry it forward.

I would be pleased to receive your comments on this issue.

Sincerely,

Anil AgarwalChairman, Vedanta Group

The long term, spatial positive

impact of industry can neither be

ignored nor questioned. Industry

provides the stimulus for

prosperity which, in turn, extends

to different walks of life.

ODISHAEXTENDING BOUNDARIES

A profile of the doctorleading the fightback

- Dr. Dipika MohantyA symposium on investment in

Odisha for internationalplayers. A report by

Dr. Dhanada Kanta Mishra

Restoring Odisha’s rich heritage

Jatras of Odisha bring itspeople together. An article by

Subhra Priyadarshini

An interview with therenowned international

physicistProfessor Jogesh C. Pati

The picture of the man as aleader, patriot, friend and

humanitarian

4

HERITAGECONSERVATION

50

KISS OF LIFEReshaping lives at KalingaInstitute of Social Sciences.

58

INVESTBHUBANESWAR

12

BRIGHTENINGLIVES – THE

VEDANTA WAY

32

JOURNEYSTHAT CLEANSE AND UNITE

35

THE IMFASTORY

Subhrakant Panda talks about IMFA’s

success story

How the Vedanta Group isbringing light into Odisha’s

lives – literally

The legendary GuruKelucharan Mohapatra

profiled by Sujata Mohapatra

16

POETRY INMOTION

28

QUESTFOR UNIFICATION

44

ODISHA’S

MININGINDUSTRY

Observations byNilmadhab Mohanty

and others

Odisha’s young womensports achievers

Professor Chitta Baral speaksabout Odisha’s resurgence asa destination for world-class

higher education

22

DONGRIA KONDHS

48

ADORNINGTHEIR SPACE

18

GOING HIGHER ON THE

EDUCATIONLADDER

Providing opportunities,transforming destinies

38

VEDANTAFOUNDATION

42

BATTLINGSICKLE CELL ANAEMIA

54

DHAMRA PORT

8

BIJUBABU

24

RAGHURAJPURHow an ancient art formsurvived the test of time

What makes this a modelinfrastructural showpiece?

An interview withMr. Santosh Mohapatra

ISSUE 2Executive editor: Mudar PatheryaEditorial team: Dr. Itishree Devi,Vedanta Aluminium Limited Editorial contact:communications@vedanta.co.in

A peak into how one ofIndia’s oldest inhabitants are

preparing to entermainstream society. An

article by Professor A. B. Ota

60

READERSSPEAK

“

“

5

subsidiary shrines were covered withnumerous coats of heavy lime plaster,obscuring carvings. The lime coat plasterhad become spongy and porous,developing leaks. In turn, this acceleratedthe rusting of the iron clamps and dowels,which enhanced their volume andresulted in cracks. The combination oflime plaster weight and the structuraldamage weakened the underlying stone.

The Archaeological Survey of Indiaembarked on conservation in 1975 usingmeasures as per archaeological norms.The ASI’s Science Branch leveraged itsdecades-old understanding of materialdeterioration, intervention technologies,material studies and diagnostictechnologies, arriving at the followingstrategy regarding chemical preservation:it would use only effect-reversingmaterials (eliminating any chance ofdamage to monuments); openly considera future intervention should it becomenecessary; maximise the retention ofhistorical material harmonised with theoriginal design and workmanship (colour,tone, texture, form and scale); ensure thatthe new additions did not dominate overthe original fabric.

The lime plaster thickness over thesanctum sanctorum was a maximum 45cm. Plaster was broken from the wall withchisels and wooden hammers. Close tothe stone surface, hammering was stoppedand the rest of the plaster was removed byhard pressure with chisels.

The result of a 17-year exercise: thedeplastered surface revealed richsculptural and architectural wealthincluding 24 Vishnu forms carved oneither side of pilasters of the Parsvadevatas shrines. Similar operations wereundertaken in the Narasimha, Surya,Ganesha and Vimala temples in thetemple complex.

“The turnaround of the Jagannath Templereceived a big boost when the Biju Patnaikgovernment gave considerableimportance to strengthening the

structures of the Kalingan temples,” saysDr. Sushant Kar, archaeologist, ASI. “Theoriginal iron clamps used to hold thestructures together were replaced withstainless steel clamps. By combining thiswith the deplastering, we can safelyassume that the decline of JagannathTemple has been arrested.”

The result: today, it continues to be a fullyfunctional place of worship and is one ofthe most important pilgrimagedestinations for worshippers of LordKrishna or Lord Vishnu around theworld. It is open throughout the year andhas a reputation of receiving over 100,000pilgrims on important festivals. It isfamous the world over for hosting theannual Rath Jatra or Chariot Festival.

Turning the Konark Templearound

THE KONARK TEMPLE IS more than just an Odishanshowpiece, it is a national asset.

Built in the thirteenth century, the KonarkTemple was conceived as a giganticchariot of the Sun God with 12 pairs ofexquisitely-ornamented wheels draggedby seven rearing horses. The templecomprised a sanctum with a lofty(presumably over 68 m high) sikhara(tower over sanctum sanctorum), ajagamohana ((prayer hall) 30 m squareand 30 m high) and a detached natamandira (hall of dance) in the same axis,besides numerous subsidiary shrines.Majestic in conception, this temple isindeed one of the most sublimemonuments of India, notable as much for

its imposing dimensions and faultlessproportions as for the harmoniousintegration of architectural grandeur withelegance.

The Konark Temple, built on the banks ofthe Bay of Bengal, was completed sometime in the 13th century by Narasimha Iand for the first few centuries, thepresiding deity was worshipped (14thcentury inscription on the temple assignsrituals to various temple officials).

Famous historian Abul-Fazl referred tothis temple glowingly in his Ain-i-Akbari;European sailors referred to it as the BlackPagoda and Juggernaut Pagoda.

However, the saline air, monsoonal furyand marshy foundation took their toll.The main temple collapsed even as oldertemples at Puri and Bhubaneswarsurvived without major decay.

Twentieth century archaeologists setabout arresting the decline of one ofIndia’s most prominent landmarks. “Toprevent the Jagmohan porch fromcollapsing, the British filled it with sand toprovide a solid base,” says Dr. JeevanPatnaik. “Besides, the ASI leveraged sometechnological advancements andtraditional preservation methods usingorganic substances (molasses and oystershells) instead of cement.” It applied thetechnique of grouting – to fill up voidsand cracks in the walls – imitating theoriginal structure of the temples to thegreatest extent possible. However, giventhat the nature of problems faced by thetemple structure are natural, i.e. salt-ladenwinds, erosion and water logging, and of aperennial nature, conservation efforts hadto be sustained throughout to avoidfurther damage and deterioration.

In 1984, the temple was selected as aWorld Heritage Site by UNESCO in duerecognition of its ‘outstanding universalvalue’, and its uniqueness as a heritage ofmankind. According to UNESCO,inclusion on the World Heritage List is acatalyst to raise heritage awareness on thepart of governments and citizens alike.

4

H E R I T A G E C O N S E R V A T I O N

TAKING A RICH PASTINTO A SECURE FUTURE

AN INDEX OF HOW EFFECTIVELYa race of people can leverage itspresent and create an exciting

future is derived from how they respecttheir past.

The year 1078. Kalinga (present-dayOdisha) is one of the dominant maritimepowers in the world. The foundation ofthis lies in Kalinga’s metallurgytechnology. The combination makesKalinga a prosperous global trader. Townsemerge. Temples are built. Cultureflourishes.

The year 1990. Odisha is far behind on thedevelopment front. Unable to hold itsown across any industrial segment.Intellectual capital migrating. Dilapidatedcultural landmarks.

Odisha’s choices were clear. Move withsensitive urgency and arrest the decline ofthe State’s historical edifices dating back

to the 3rd century B.C.

“At the Archaeological Survey of India,we recognised that it was imperative tostep in and stem the decline” says Dr. Sushant Kar, archaeologist. “Werealised that restoring these temples andother centuries-old monuments withurgency would be one of the mosteffective ways to inspire visions of an age-old glory and send the message of hopeout to a resurgent Odisha.”

Easier said than done for a number ofreasons. Saline seawater had eroded moststructures. The protective lime plaster hadabsorbed rainwater. Iron clamps hadrusted. Walls had cracked. Rehabilitationat functional temples was made furtherdifficult as devotees could not beevacuated.

One of the first temples theArchaeological Survey of India addressedwas the Jagannath Temple in Puri,starting 1975. The landmark VaishnavaTemple, dedicated to the trinity(Jagannath, Balabhadra and DeviSubhadra), was commissioned by AnantaVarman Chodaganga Deva, the illustriousking of the Ganga Dynasty in 12thcentury A.D.

The edifice is the grandest survivingshrine of Odisha (66 m), desperately inneed of repair: the structure and

HOW THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA IS HELPING PRESERVE THE RICH,CENTURIES-OLD HERITAGE OF ODISHA FOR GENERATIONS

6

A growing ASI influence The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI),under the Ministry of Culture, is the premierorganisation for archaeological research andprotection of cultural heritage. The primeresponsibility of the ASI is the maintenance ofancient monuments and archaeological sites,as well as the regulation of all archaeologicalactivities in the country as per the provisionsof the Ancient Monuments andArchaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.It also regulates the Antiquities and ArtTreasure Act, 1972. The organisation employstrained archaeologists, conservators,epigraphists, architects and scientists forconducting archaeological research projectsthrough its Circles, Museums, ExcavationBranches, Prehistory Branch, EpigraphyBranches, Science Branch, HorticultureBranch, Building Survey Project, TempleSurvey Projects and Underwater ArchaeologyWing.

The ASI operates in Odisha through theBhubaneswar Circle. Its functions include theexploration of archaeological sites,documentation of loose sculptures, excavationof archaeological sites, conservation andmaintenance of protected monuments andbasic amenities at monuments for tourists.

The ASI’s excavated sites reveal aspects fromas far back as the 3rd century BC andrepresent a significant part of India’s religiousheritage. It tracks the birth and growth ofsome of India’s major religions. For example,Buddhism evolved during the Mauryan rulein Kalinga, particularly during the rule ofAshoka the Great, around 260 B.C. A centurylater, Jainism found its roots in Odisha underKing Kharavela of the Chedi dynasty. In theeleventh century A.D., the Eastern Gangadynasty erected several temples, devotedprimarily to Lord Jagannath, throughout theregion. Such excavations allow the creation ofa chronological study of significant religionsand sects in the country.

Currently, the ASI is undertaking the

preservation of the Ranipur and Jhariyalmonuments, known for the religiousconfluence of Shaivism, Buddhism,Vaishnivism and Tantrism, in addition to theregular conservation, preservation andmaintenance of all historical sites.

Sites excavated by ASI Ratnagiri: The Chinese traveller Huien Tsangfirst identified the Golden Triangle,comprising Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri and Udayagiri.His writings provide documentary evidence ofthe roots of Buddhism in India. Theexcavation of this site brought to light theremains of a magnificent Buddhistestablishment comprising a stupa, monasticcomplex, shrines, votive stupas, myriads ofsculptures, architectural fragments and otherantiquities hitherto unparalleled in Odishaand comparable to the well known Buddhistsite of Nalanda. On the basis of the ceilingsbearing the legend ‘Sri RatnagiriMahavihariya Arya Bhikshu Sanghasa,’ theplace was identified as Ratnagiri.

Udayagiri-Khandagiri: These magnificentcaves were built around the 2nd centuryduring the reign of King Kharavela of theChedi dynasty. They contain one of theearliest groups of rock-cut monastic caves ofthe Jains. The wall inscriptions of some of thecaves are practically the only source ofknowledge of the existence of a powerfuldynasty of the Chedis. Cave 14(Hathigumpha) of Udayagiri bears aninscription recording the war achievements ofKharavela. The record also mentions therepaired cyclone-devastated fortification ofKalinga nagara (Sisupalgarh), the return of theJina of Kalinga once taken away by theNandas to Magadha and a massive stonestructure on Kuman Hill (Udayagiri) wherecaves for Jain monks were excavated. Certaincaves in Udayagiri have Buddhist inscriptionsas well. The ASI carried out extensive repair inthese caves in the 1960s.

Lalitgiri: The archaeological excavation of the siteyielded the remains of four monasteries.According to Huien Tsang’s writings, Lalitgiri isthe oldest Buddhist site in Odisha. A part of theGolden Triangle, its excavation revealed remainsof a number of stupas and stone sculptures of theBuddha in different poses. The discovery of reliccaskets was the first of its kind in eastern India.Within the stone container, a steatite, a silver anda gold casket inside one another were alsorecovered. The ASI recovered most of theseartefacts and put them on display at theArchaeological Museum, Ratnagiri.

Barabati Fort: King Anangabhima III C 1211-1238 A.D) of the Ganga dynasty was mainlyresponsible for the construction of this hugesquare fort (102 acres) with a laterite-lined moat.The excavations revealed structural remains of atemple, citadel, architectural pillar fragments,columns and other antiquities dating from thethirteenth century to eighteenth century.

RAJARANI TEMPLE,or the ‘Love

Temple’ derives its namefrom the red-goldsandstone used for itsconstruction, a stoneknown locally asRajarani. Fabulouslyornate, the temple tower is famous for its artistic spires and sculptures ofbeautiful female figurines engaged in activities like holding children,looking in mirrors and playing with birds. On the lower register of thetower are the sculptures of eight guards. Beginning from the left of theentrance to the tower and proceeding in a clockwise direction, there arethe sculptures of Gods like Indra, Agni, Yama, Nirriti, Varuna, Vayu,Kubera and Ishana (Shiva), all of which are stupendous. Built in the 11thcentury, the Rajarani Temple is notable for the absence of a presidingdeity and the fact that no pujas are performed in the temple.

RajaraniTemple

THE MUKHTESHWAR TEMPLE, BHUBANESWAR'S smallest and prettiest temple, was built in the 9th century and set

in flowering gardens, tucked away in a quiet residential area. A few ofthis temple’s features signal the start of a new era in Odishan templearchitecture; for example, it has a higher jagamohan (porch) roof andits red sandstone body is encrusted with intricate carvings fromemaciated, crouching sadhus to voluptuous, buxom women bedeckedwith jewels. Monkeys illustrate folk tales from the famous Panchatantraaround the windows in the jagamohan, and impressive lions jut fromits spire. The Mukhteshwar's most distinctive feature is its torana, athick-pillared, arched gateway draped with carved strings of beads andornamented with statues of smiling women in languorous positions.The compound also houses the Siddheswara and the Kedar GouriTemple, with its 8-foot-tall statue of Hanuman, the monkey god.

There is a tank within the temple premises used by devotees – apopular belief is that tossing a coin inside will make all wishes cometrue!

The Mukhteshwar Temple

H E R I T A G E C O N S E R V A T I O N

7

98

BIJUBABUWhat was the legendary Biju Patnaik like? The picture of theman as a leader, patriot, friend and humanitarian. Served asChief Minister of Odisha from 1961-63 and 1990-95.

Hands-on BIJU PATNAIK WAS ATTENDING Aconference of the Association of CollegeTeachers of Non-Government Colleges ofOdisha at Christ College (Cuttack) whenthe sound system failed. The ChiefMinister immediately got off the rostrum,examined the sound system, made itfunctional, went back to his chair andwaited for his turn to speak.

Open-mindedIN THE SIXTIES THERE WAS Aproposal to hold the annual session of theIndian Science Congress under theauspices of Utkal University. Immediately,the Chief Minister’s office called a meetingof the Vice-Chancellor and other officialsto discuss how they should go ahead. ViceChancellor Dr. P. K. Parija (Biju Patnaik’steacher) raised a technical point: howcould Bijubabu’s office call the conferencewhen it was the responsibility of theUniversity to do so. Bijubabu got thepoint; he asked all concerned to assembleat the University within 30 minutes for ameeting to be conducted under theChairmanship of the Vice-Chancellor.Bijubabu made himself available as a markof respect to his teacher.

Odisha was undergoing a resource crunchin the Nineties. As head of government,Bijubabu issued a directive related to therestrictive use of government vehicles,particularly on Sundays and publicholidays. Bijubabu lead by example;Bhubaneswar citizens were surprised tosee the Chief Minister riding a bicycle orcycle rickshaw to reach the Secretariat onholidays. “Example is better than precept”he would say.

An unemployed young man oncedemanded a job from Bijubabu while hewas Chief Minister. A heated argumentensued. Bijubabu slapped the young man

in disgust. The young man retaliated butwas overpowered. Surprisingly, Bijubabupatted the young man, invited him to hisoffice room, gave him `1,000, offered hima job and concluded that if all the youngmen in Odisha possessed similar courage,then the state would make considerableprogress.

OptimisticBIJU PATNAIK’S ROLEmodel was Napoleon andlike the latter, he deletedthe word ‘impossible’ fromhis dictionary.

SensitiveBIJUBABU WAS CLEARLY IN TOUCHwith the harsh realities of the vast Odishahinterland. Whenever he required, hewould call villagers to Bhubaneswar fortheir suggestions. The result was that heannounced an increase in the basicminimum wage of a labourer from `10-12 (in the Adivasi-dominated Koraputdistrict) and `15-20 a day (in coastalOdisha) to `25 a day. He was widelyridiculed for this decision but the currentrate of minimum wage is indicative of theforesight of a man whose primary concernwas the welfare of the people.

Biju Patnaik implemented his scheme ofpanchayat industries for the socio-economic development of rural areas.Several industries – medium and small –came up throughout the State. This was aninnovative scheme of rural developmentand Jayaprakash Narayan came to studythis scheme. It was rightly said – “IfBalwant Rai Mehta is the father ofPanchayati Raj, then Biju Patnaik is thefather of Panchayat industry in India.–”

AdventurousWHILE IN HIS THIRD YEAR ATRavenshaw College, Bijubabu left forPeshawar on a bicycle. He stayed back inDelhi to become a pilot – probably the firstor second ‘C’ class pilot from Odisha.Bijubabu became a pilot with a privateairline and sneaked into the Royal AirForce for sorties across Europe duringWorld War II. Stalingrad was encircled bythe Nazis; the Red Army was desperate forreinforcements. Bijubabu volunteered tomake 27 sorties, dropping weapons beyondenemy lines. This fact remained unknownfor 50 years, until representatives of theAllied Forces (the USA, the UK andRussia) felicitated him for bravery.

Biju Patnaik was nothing if not daring.Despite being the personal pilot of LordWavell, Viceroy of India, his loyalty laywith Indian freedom fighters and hewould transport the legendary Aruna AsafAli – escaping the notice of the British –in the cockpit from place to place.

Eventually, the British got wind of thisand imprisoned him in the Red Fort andDelhi Central Jail.

Bijubabu was a follower of Haldane’swords ‘Life without adventure has nocharm’ and joined the Royal Air Force as apilot even before completing his B.Sc. final.

DirectIN OCTOBER 1971, WHEN THE ODISHAadministration was benumbed by a killercyclone and tidal waves that flattenedcoastal Odisha, Bijubabu pressed a privateaircraft into service and personallyengaged in dropping food packets to themarooned thousands who wouldotherwise have perished.

“ ”“““ ”

T R I B U T E

””

To be born poor is nota crime but to remainso is indeed a crime.

Be loyal not to me butto the destiny of theState.

If a thing can be donenow, do it at once anddo not defer it to thenext day.

Be the pride of yourstate, not a shame.

1110

GutsyIT WAS OCTOBER 1947. THE PAKISTANArmy was only a few kilometres fromSrinagar airport. The Indian Air Forceexpressed its inability to land there fearingthat the control tower would, by then, bein enemy hands. Pandit Nehru asked indespair: “Is Kashmir then lost forever?”

That is when Biju Patnaik stepped in. Heflew an aircraft, landed at the airport, tookover the control tower, landed the firstplatoon of troops and enabled the IndianAir Force to step in thereafter.

Kashmir was saved.

On one occasion, communal violencebroke out in Rourkela, the steel city ofOdisha. As soon as he receivedinformation, Bijubabu reached the cityand location. He was not content to leador negotiate from the sidelines; heproceeded on foot to meet the mob. Thepolice tried to dissuade him but Bijubabuwas undeterred and helped rein the mobin from causing further trouble.

BhumiputraBIJU PATNAIK WAS ON HIS WAY TOIndonesia, when Pandit Nehru asked himto meet the national leaders of thatcountry like Dr. Mohammed Hatta (VicePresident of Indonesia), Sukarno andShariahar.

Bijubabu took off in an old fashionedDakota to Djakarta where the rebelheadquarters were located. In Singapore,he received a message from the rulingDutch government threatening to shoothis aircraft down if it entered Indonesian

airspace. “Resurgent India does notrecognise Dutch colonial sovereignty overthe Indonesian people. If my aircraft isshot down, every Dutch plane flyingacross the Indian skies will be shot downin retaliation,” replied Biju. He alsodashed off a message to Prime MinisterNehru: “Take necessary steps should myaircraft be shot down”.

Bijubabu landed on an improvised airstripand then, using leftover petrol fromabandoned Japanese military dumps,eluded the Dutch to land in Djakarta.Even as the Dutch forces attempted to re-occupy Indonesia, Bijubabu flew out withIndonesia’s first Vice President Dr.Mohammed Hatta (dressed as a cook) andSutan Sjahrir (first Prime Minister ofIndonesia) for holding talks with PanditNehru and Sardar Patel.

In gratitude, Bijubabu was offered anIndonesian island, which he politelydeclined. Indonesia also declared himBhumiputra (son of the soil) with theassurance that anytime he wished foranything he would need to simply ask forit. On the occasion of that country’s 50thIndependence Day in 1995, Bijubabu wasdecorated with Bintang Jasa Uttam (FirstClass Star of Decoration), the highesthonour accorded by Indonesia.

Years later, Bijubabu leveraged this deepconnect with Indonesia. During one of theconflicts with Pakistan, the latter countrysought the assistance of Indonesiansubmarines. The Indian governmentpressed Bijubabu to fly to Indonesia andconvince its government to reverse the

decision. When Bijubabu reachedDjakarta a storm had unfolded. Bijubaburequested for an immediate audience withPresident Sukarno. Since Mrs. Sukarnowas in labour, the President agreed tomeet Bijubabu the following morning.Bijubabu persisted. Sukarno agreed.Bijubabu presented his request: recall thesubmarine fleet. But they have alreadysailed and must have reached Pakistanwaters, said Sukarno. Bijubabu said: “I amBhumiputra, I am asking this request formy country and my people”. Sukarnorelented; a wireless message turned thesubmarine fleet back. That night Sukarno’swife gave birth to a girl, whom Bijubabuchristened ‘Meghavati’ (in view of theongoing storm). The baby went on tobecome the President of Indonesia.

FriendlyBALAMUKUNDA MISHRA WAS Alongstanding friend whose son wasstabbed to death by an anti-social.Balamukunda approached Bijubabu for ajob for the widow. Bijubabu could notrecognise Balamukunda who he wasseeing after many years. Balamukundareminded Bijubabu of how they had oncetravelled together from Cuttack to Konark,during which Bijubabu had swallowed 17eggs at Nimapada. Bijubabu jumped andimmediately embraced Balamukunda,requested him to stay at his residencewhenever he came to Bhubaneswar,donated `1,000 and arranged for a job torehabilitate the widow.

ProgressiveAT THE INVITATION OF BIJUPatnaik, internationally respectedbiologist, scientist and philosopher Prof. J.B. S. Haldane accepted the post ofDirector of the Biometry and GeneticsLaboratory at Bhubaneswar. Prof.Haldane became an Indian citizen in 1960and catalysed the development of sciencein India. The reason why he acceptedBijubabu’s request was “because he wascapable of displaying great respecttowards individuals whom he consideredto be undertaking constructive work”.

PatrioticBIJUBABU WOULD OFTEN STATE:“Odisha was the greatest empire of India;it has now become a small place. Its armydefeated Alexander’s army and threwthem across the border of India. Kalingawas the largest maritime power in theworld. What better dream can I have thandream of those magnificent days: whenOdisha was vital, when Kalinga was thegreatest empire, when Kalingan sailorsdid not know fear and when Kalinganmothers were known as ‘biranganas’(heroic women).”

When Biju was a student, he wasassaulted by the police for the audacity torush towards Gandhi for a closer look.This resulted in profuse bleeding, whichmade him somewhat of a nationalist.“This event created a spirit of revengeagainst British colonialism,” said hisbrother George, an eye-witness.

PilotTHE CHILD BIJU WAS FASCINATEDby aeroplanes. When a small aeroplanelanded at Cuttack’s Killa Fort, he duckedschool merely to go and touch his dreamobject (he was chased away by thepolice!).

When the Second World War broke out,Biju Patnaik joined the Royal Indian AirForce, along with British friends who, likehim, had learnt the rudiments of flying atthe Delhi Flying Club. Bijubabu helpedevacuate British families from theadvancing Japanese and flew supplies torevolutionaries in Chiang Kai Shek’s China.

Interestingly, despite being an RAF pilot,Bijubabu remained a nationalist. Whileflying soldiers across locations, he droppedbags of Gandhi’s Quit India leaflets. Whileflying the British to safety from Yangon, heair-dropped leaflets supporting the cause ofNetaji’s Indian National Army. While onleave, he ferried freedom fighters to secretmeetings. As head of the Air TransportCommand of the Royal Imperial Air Force,he sheltered prominent freedom fighters likeJayaprakash Narayan, Ram Manohar Lohiaand Aruna Asaf Ali. “When the Britishauthorities found out, they nearly got meshot for subversive activities,” he recollected.

PracticalBIJU PATNAIK WAS PERHAPS THEonly political leader who dispensed withhis security personnel. He was addressinga press conference as Chief Ministerfollowing an attack on him by Secretariatemployees. The question: ‘Since you knew

there was danger to your life by strikingemployees, why did you not seek policeprotection?’ Bijubabu replied, ‘Today asChief Minister I can requisition hundredsof policemen to protect me. But when Iam in the Opposition who will help me ifan attack is made on my life?’ Hecategorically pointed out that the bestprotection would be the people. Theresult: he travelled inside and outsideOdisha without security. When inKolkata, Chief Minister Jyoti Basu sent apolice car to bring him from UtkalBhavan to Writers’ Building. Bijubabureturned the police security andproceeded alone.

VisionaryBIJU PATNAIK PROMOTEDthe first textile mill in Odisha(Orissa Textile Mill). The firsttube factory (Kalinga Tubes).The first refrigerator factory(Electrolux). The first low-stafffurnace in India (Kalinga IronWorks).

Source: The book Legendary Biju – TheMan and Mission by Major K. P.Mohanty. Contributors also include B. C.Rout, Dhirendra Nath Srichandan, Dr. Shridhar Charan Sahoo, Dr. SarojKumar Patnaik, Dr. Pabak Kanungo,Gour Mohan Sarangi, Dr. Jogesh Rout,Girija Bhusan Patnaik, Bhagabat PrasadMohanty and Banka Bihari Das

T R I B U T E

1312

2001, the Company received 270 MW ofcaptive power generation capacity bundledwith it. Being forward-looking, the newBALCO management ventured to add1,740 MW over the next 10 years,reinforcing its understanding of powergeneration, asset commissioning,management and expansion.

“As an industrial Group, we could havebeen complacent with our efforts,” says Mr. Suri. “However, we decided to ventureone step ahead. We said ‘Why not leveragethis Group’s intellectual capital andcommission more such power plants for thebenefit of the people, state and country?”

And this is what transpired: the VedantaGroup embarked on a business blueprint to

commission 2,400 MW of fresh generatingcapacity through Sterlite Energy in Odishaand another 1,215 MW through VedantaAluminium.

The industrial companies of the VedantaGroup would not only commission largemetal production capacities – their corebusiness – but would also back-end thesemetal capacities with more-than-adequatepower generation capacities. “The Group’sobjectives: become completely self-sufficient for existing and projected powerneeds; create additional capacity to marketsurplus power to the state electricity grid.Consequently, the power generationinvestments would be for the benefit of thecompany and the people,” says Mr. Suri.

The Jharsuguda hub The focus of the Vedanta Group’sinvestments in power generation haslargely been centred around Jharsugudain western Odisha, on the State HighwayNo. 10, 335 km from Bhubaneswar and310 km from Raipur. Two Vedanta Groupcompanies were selected to be located inthis town with a singular objective:generate as much power from thelocation.

Result: Jharsuguda, with 3,615 MW ofconsolidated capacity, is expected to emergeamong India’s largest power generatinglocations.

The town houses an aluminium smelter(0.5 mn TPA), creating the basis for around `3,000-cr investment by the Company increating a captive power generation facilityof 1,200 MW to sustain the Company’sexpansion to 1.75 mn TPA.

The town also houses the generationassets of Sterlite Energy. The VedantaGroup is engaged in commissioning 2,400MW from the location; some 1,200 MW isalready commissioned, the remaining isexpected to go on stream by September2011.

AttractiveThe reasons that make Jharsugudaattractive for power generation:

Huge coal reserves and abundant water;reducing transportation cost

Well connected with railways androads; facilitating transportation

Various medium-large scale aluminiumand iron & steel industries in the vicinityfurther increases power demand

Cost of capital in the region forestablishing a power plant is about `34mn per MW compared with the industrybenchmark of `45-50 mn per MW,reducing capex

Odisha was an interestingparadox until a few years ago.

The state accounted for 24.4% of India’scoal deposits, the largest in India, on theone hand and a per capita powerconsumption of 664.70 units, on the other.

The inference was obvious: Odisha wasrich but only in name. The state couldscarcely utilise even its own resources.

Then something happened. The ElectricityAct 2003 provided a new incentive forintending Indian power generatingcompanies: an increase in the return on

equity from 14% to 15.5% for existingplants 2009-10 onwards; increase indepreciation to 5.28%; provision for anincrease in operation and maintenanceexpenses; a provision to trade poweracross geographies.

Suddenly, everyone started turningaround to give Odisha a second glance.

The result: until 2007, Odisha hadcommissioned 3,733.31 MW in powergeneration capacity; between 2008 and2011, Odisha added 1,530.32 MW; between2012 and 2017, the state is expected togenerate 52,000 MW.

“There has been a sea change in thepositioning of Odisha over the last decade:from a power-starved state to one that isexpected to emerge as the power capital ofIndia,” says Mr. Pramod Suri (CEO)Aluminium Business Operations (VAL).

OpportunityThe Vedanta Group is making thistransformation a reality. With good reason.Power is integral to the Vedanta Group’sleading business: for instance, about 14,000units of power are required to produce onetonne of aluminium. When the VedantaGroup acquired BALCO (Chhattisgarh) in

I N D U S T R I A L S H O W P I E C E

BRIGHTENING LIVESTHE VEDANTA WAY

15

Environment friendlyThe Vedanta plants invested in cutting-edge technology with negligible emissions.“The Vedanta Group invested no less than`500 cr in state-of-the-art, environment-friendly assets and technologies likeelectrostatic precipitators (hybridtechnology of electric field and bag filters)and stacks, maintaining emissions wellbelow the norms specified by the PollutionControl Board. There is a high recyclingcomponent within our production cycle aswell,” says Mr. Suri. “The superior HighConcentration Slurry Disposal (HCSD)system captures the fly ash and converts itinto thick slurry before responsibledisposal. The water is recirculated into thesystem, reducing wastage. The slurrycomes out as a harmless thick cake whichis disposed in ash ponds. So what is goodfor the company is good for thecommunity. Best of all, we made largeinvestments in procuring the besttechnology to achieve zero effluentdischarge, making our plant compliantwith all demanding environmentalnorms.”

SustainableThe Group’s power plant has experiencedmanagement with project track recordsand mining expertise. Its long-termrelationship with coal supplies along withplans to procure owned coal fields wouldenable steady coal supplies. The plant isstrategically located near the coal minesand a water body, reducing powergeneration cost.

The power plant, being fully automated,improves the operational efficiency andalso reduces human intervention anderror.

The huge scale of production at a singlelocation, along with easy access to capital,would help the Company gain in terms ofeconomies of scale and uninterruptedsupply of funds to maintain constantproduction throughout the year.

The power generated from the IPP issupplied across India through the PowerGrid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL)and across Odisha through the OrissaPower Transmission Corporation Ltd(OPTCL) network. The plant also

successfully reduced land usage by 50%against the prevailing MOEF norms ofone acre per MW, reducing capexinvestment per MW.

The power plants partnered with some ofthe world’s best companies to sourceproducts and technology including SEPCO,KEPCO/KPS, Foxboro, Siemens, Evonik,ABB Ltd, L&T and Tata, among others.

Over the foreseeable future, investmentsby the Vedanta Group in the power sectorwill be progressively derisked through thefollowing initiatives: by end 2011, all unitsof Vedanta Aluminium and Sterlite areexpected to be fully operational. Even asabout 65% of the total coal requirementwill be procured from the governmentthrough committed agreements, theGroup intends to acquire more coalblocks and raise the proportion ofcaptively available resources to reinforceits position among the world’s lowest-costpower producers.

I N D U S T R I A L S H O W P I E C E

Interview with Mr. Pramod Suri, (CEO) Aluminium Business Operations

‘The next target is to generatepower at the lowest costpossible through efficientproduction processes’

What are the objectives of the plant?

Power is an integral part of overalldevelopment of any state. Vedanta isplaying a crucial role in making the statepower-sufficient. Currently, the primaryobjective is to run the plant at full capacity.Only one unit is running at full capacitywhile a second is under trials, and twoothers are expected to be commissioned inMay and September 2011.

The next target is to generate power at thelowest cost possible through efficientproduction processes using cheap butquality raw material. When the Companyacquires completely owned coal blocks, itis expected to emerge among the world’slowest cost producers.

Do you think that the company is apioneer in the fly ash disposal system?

Certainly. The international thickslurry disposal system was first used byVedanta Group company BALCO, for its540-MW power plant. The system is anecessity for controlling pollution levelsby upcoming power plants.

Discuss some of the major challengesfaced by the company since inception.

The major challenges for thecompany include the following:• land acquisition, clearances andapprovals, getting coal linkages and wateravailability.

Fortunately, the benefits stemming fromthe project ensured cooperation andsupport from the government and thelocals; these problems were addressedspeedily. We cut fair deals with localsfrom whom we acquired land, offering

them either compensation or jobs. Weundertook infrastructural development inthe area, unlocking a tremendous growthpotential.

We also procured the best technology,ensuring zero effluent discharge and acompliance with all environmentalnorms.

Vedanta is assured supply of about 65% ofits total coal requirement by thegovernment and relies up to 10% onimports. Its owned coal blocks are enoughto support the present 1,000 MWcapacity. The Company aims to procureits own coal block in 3-4 years, meeting itsentire coal requirement captively and inturn, becoming the world’s lowest costaluminium producer. Water is easilyavailable from the Hirakud Reservoir, 33km away.

How has the company helped locals?

The company, in line with its definedCSR policy, adopted a number ofsurrounding villages, focusing on education,infrastructure, employment, healthcare and

sanitation. We associated with variousNGOs to ensure effective fund utilisation.Annually, around `25-30 crore is investedin various development initiatives of areasin and around the plant.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE POWER PLANT

• 2,400 MW (600 x 4) capacity

• This IPP together with a CPP of 1,215MW capacity at Jharsuguda will makethis plant the single largest powerstation in India with a total capacity of3,615 MW.

• Totally computerised with fullyautomated processes

• State-of-the-art environmentalcontrol measures, includingelectrostatic precipitators (with hybridtechnology of electric field and bagfilters) and stack, among others

• Hassle-free and environment friendlyHigh Concentration Slurry Disposal(HCSD) system, reducing waterwastage and pollution

Mr. Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister, Odisha, inaugurating the first unit of 4x600 MWIndependent Power Plant, Jharsuguda.

What makes the Vedanta investmentscompelling is not just that a number ofthese assets have already beencommissioned or are on the verge ofbeing so, but that they werecommissioned in tenures shorter thanthe industry average. “We commissionedtwo large power plants of a consolidated3,615 MW in Jharsuguda in a recordthree years compared with four-fiveyears across the country. “What iscompelling is the kind of economicgrowth this has already achieved forOdisha,” says Mr. Suri. “For instance, theVedanta Group employed 10,000 peopleduring construction, kickstarting thestate’s position as a large employer.Besides, most people who gave their landwill be provided employment,

safeguarding their long-term interest.This also triggered huge indirectemployment and ancillary industries(coal, transportation, cement and brickmaking, among others).”

Since some of these capacities havealready been commissioned, the benefitshave already started to reflect.“Incentivised by the prospect ofabundant power, a number of small-

scale industries have been commissionedin and around Jharsuguda in the lastcouple of years and should accelerate ourstate’s economy as we go ahead,” saysMr. Suri. “These projects are expected tocontribute about `500 crore annually tothe state’s exchequer through royaltiesand taxes/levies. Best of all, the VedantaGroup will provide 25% of its generatedpower to the state at a subsidised ratewith the objective of enhancingaffordable availability. These initiativesare reflected in local people extendingtheir full support to the project.Consequently, the state’s consumers –industrial and residential – will beamong the principal beneficiaries ofVedanta’s power investments inOdisha.”

EMPOWERING ODISHA

14

IN MOTIONPOETRY

1716

Sujata Mohapatra on Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra

On his dedicationGuruji would make a mental note of howwe should perform and draw his ideas onpaper with all details. He would thenmake this into a poster so that everybodyunderstood his or her role. This helpedform a complete picture in everyone’smind. He would leave nothing to chance.His secret of choreography lay in thedetails.

On his specialisationGuruji’s claim to fame was in the creationof pallavis (flowering), the dancesculptures coming to life in various ragas(melodic moods) with intricate rhythmicpatterns.

But most memorable and touching werehis choreographies in Abhinayas orexpressional dances which whenperformed by him would bring tears tothe eyes of the onlooker.

He would perform difficult pieces like theAhe Neela Saila, which involved difficultmovements throughout without himlosing his balance or poise at any point.

On his biggest contributionHe helped transform Odissi from aposition of disrespect to not merely social

acceptance but a deep reverence. It wasnot easy for him initially. He could havegiven up but he persisted across thedecades.

On my most movingexperience of himWe danced together for the last time atLucknow when he was 79. On themorning of the performance, it wasdecided that we (my husband and I)would perform the mangalacharan withhim. He was making paan for us - hisfavourite pastime – and began instructingus about our entry. I was told to enterfrom the right side and my husband fromthe left. He asked us both to perform theGanesha Stotram and offer the flowers.After the last line of Ganesha Stotram wewere specifically asked not to look infront, which was unusual. After wefinished what we had to on stage, he askedus to turn towards him and he blessed usboth – on stage. In a matter of days, hewas no more.

On his versatilityAt 79, he could portray a woman’scharacter on stage with greater grace andlajja (modesty) than any one of us.

Guruma would tell me that when gurujihad gone to Mumbai to conductworkshops, he would sit on a cementedbench on Marine Drive and observe thegait of Maharashtrian ladies and how thesari would be draped around their back.Sure enough, the next performance wouldcarry a jhalak (glimpse) of what he hadseen!

On his strictness as a teacherGuruji could be demanding. I think hewas aware that what he taught would bereplicated across generations. We just hadto get it right. I was one of his favouritestudents. So he made it even moredifficult for me!

On his commitmentAt 79, he was fitter than most a third ofhis age. Not an extra ounce of fat on hisbody! When he danced, a sculpture wouldcome to life!

On his philosophyGuruji would tell us that his dance was theprasad of Lord Jagannath. That was thesource of the purity and elegance of hiscreations as well as his deep devotion andcommitment.

Sujata Mohapatra is the disciple and daughter-in-law of Padma Vibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, the legendaryOdissi exponent.

1918

THE HIGHER EDUCATION past of Odisha dates back to theBuddhist Puspagiri University,

which is mentioned in the writings ofHiuen Tsang, who visited it in 639 AD. Inthe modern era, in the nineteenth century,Ravenshaw University in Cuttack wasestablished in 1868, followed byKhallikote College in Berhampur in 1878and SKCG College in Paralakhemundi in1896.

Utkal University, established in 1943, isthe first modern day university in Odisha,and the 17th university of India. Thenumber of universities in Odisharemained at five until 1999. Since 1999,several new universities were establishedthrough the government as well as privateinitiatives. In the private sector, KIIT andSiksha-o-Anusandhan in Bhubaneswar,both deemed universities, have madesignificant contributions to the cause ofhigher education in Odisha.

Odisha has several research institutions,especially in the Bhubaneswar area. Boththe Institute of Physics (IOP) and theInstitute of Life Sciences (ILS) started as

state-funded institutes in 1972 and 1989respectively and were later taken over bythe Central Government in 1985 and2002; IOP is now a DAE funded institute,while ILS is funded by the Department ofBiotechnology. The state established anInstitute of Mathematics and Applicationsin 1999 for which Tata Steel built theinitial campus. The Regional ResearchLaboratory (RRL), Bhubaneswar of CSIRwas established in 1964 and has nowbecome the Institute of Minerals andMaterials Technology (IMMT). The ICARresearch establishments in Odisha includethe Central Rice Research Institute(CRRI) Cuttack, the Central Institute ofFreshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) and a yetto be established centre on foot and

mouth diseases. Bhubaneswar also has aRegional Medical Research Center andnearby Olatpur has a National Institute ofRehabilitation Training and Research(NIRTAR).

Until recently, Odisha did not have anyinstitution fully funded by the centralgovernment; there were no centraluniversities, IITs, IIMs, or other MHRDfunded higher education institutions.Odisha had its first good-sized institutionfully funded by the central government inNational Institute of Technology,Rourkela, formerly known as RegionalEngineering College. The NIT act in 2007designated the NITs as Institutions ofNational Importance.

In the last seven years, the intelligentsia ofthe state, especially non-resident Oriyashave initiated [1-6] several campaigns toestablish more national institutes, fundedby GoI, in Odisha. With their grassrootefforts and consistent persuasion, theCentral Government was forced toestablish institutions like – NationalInstitute of Science Education andResearch (funded by DAE), Indian

PROFESSOR CHITTA BARALPROFESSOR, ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

Institute of Technology and CentralUniversity of Odisha. A central universityaiming for world-class standard (nowreferred to as ‘University of Innovation’)has also been announced for Odisha but isyet to be established. On the other hand,an AIIMS-like institute, whosefoundation stone was laid way back in2003, is expected to start classes in 2012.

These educational institutions correctedthe regional imbalance in India to someextent. The Prime Minister of India alsoconceded this fact and while announcingthe establishment of NISER said, "I amalso concerned about the regional

imbalance in science teaching and thedevelopment of science and technology inIndia. There was a time when the East wasat the forefront. Today the East is laggingbehind the South and the West. We needto redress this regional imbalance."

All these centrally funded institutions areat infancy stage. While the centraluniversity in Varanasi (BHU) has afaculty of 1,490 (with 1,842 sanctionedpositions), the fledgling CUO Koraputonly has a faculty of 13. Similarly, IITKharagpur has a faculty of 530, while IITBhubaneswar has a faculty of 42. Whilethis will change for the better, it will taketime.

Although Odisha seems to finally havesome good-sized, centrally-fundedinstitutions and universities, the state stilllags behind in comparison to other states.This is because Odisha, with littlerepresentation in the central ministry, hasbeen losing out on central institutions.For example, although the previousMinister of Commerce had short-listedBhubaneswar as a location for a newNational Institute of Design, it did not

GOING HIGHER ON THEEDUCATION LADDER

In the last seven years, theintelligentsia of the State,

especially non-resident Odias,have initiated several

campaigns to establish morenational institutes, funded bythe government, in Odisha.

Ravenshaw University

Utkal University

2120

come to fruition. Similarly, while Odishawas the first to propose a tribal university,an idea appreciated by the then HRDminister, it was established in MadhyaPradesh. Similarly, although with asignificant coastline and a long maritimehistory, Odisha is not among the stateswhere one of the campuses of theMaritime University of India are located.

What all this means is that while thehigher education scenario in Odisha hasimproved during the last twelve years,much more needs to be done. For that,the state should improve existing stateinstitutions, spread to other urban clustersand correct regional imbalance inside thestate. In particular, general stateuniversities are sorely needed in theSouthwest (Bhawanipatna), Central(Angul) and Northwest (Rourkela)regions. It is a pity that the second largestmetropolitan area of Odisha, Rourkela,does not have a general university offeringprogrammes in arts, sciences andcommerce. The state needs to remainvigilant with respect to central initiativesand push for a campus of the IndianSchool of Mines in one of its mining hubs,a National Institute of PharmaceuticalEducation and Research (NIPER) near its

petrochemical hub in Paradeep, and aNational Sports Institute with campusesin Sundergarh and Kendrapada, thehockey and women's football cradles ofthe country.

Continued effort is required to encourageprivate institutions and universities. Forexample, Odisha should take advantage ofthe interest shown by XIM to become auniversity and help it become the firstXavier University in India.

The state should take advantage of itsmineral resources and have a strategy forconverting its mineral resources to humanresources. In particular, it must cajolevarious private and public sector

companies that have been using Odisha'smines or are interested in Odisha's minesor both, to make a significantcontribution to human resourcedevelopment in Odisha. In this, MCL andNTPC, have announced medical collegesand should be showcased as models toother companies.

In addition to all of the above, Odisha hasa game-changer in the proposed VedantaUniversity. With a proposed investmentof `15,000 crores, this proposeduniversity, if established as envisioned,could make Odisha, and especially thePuri-Bhubaneswar area stand out not onlyin India, but the world. Since itsannouncement in 2006, some progresshas been made on this university, butthere have been many hurdles. In terms ofprogress, a significant amount of theneeded land has been bought, designs ofthe campus and its initial building,including the medical campus have beenmade, and the Vedanta University bill hasbeen passed in the Odisha LegislativeAssembly. The hurdles are mainly due tothe fact that the university has proposedparameters that are unprecedented inIndia: These parameters include `15,000crores of initial budget, of which `5,000

crores was pledged by a single individual,over 6,000 acres of land, several townshipsas part of the university land holdings,100,000 students and a faculty of 10,000.Such unprecedented parameters havetriggered scepticism across all levels.Besides, the Opposition dharma of knee-jerk opposition of government initiativeshas significantly delayed theestablishment of this university.

A recent silver lining is that finally, a goodnumber of educated people with exposureto international universities have comeforward and are trying to spread themessage about the importance of VedantaUniversity to Odisha and India. TheFacebook page [7] and account [8] theyhave created has gathered about 1,500likes and friends in about six months.Moreover, a group of Odisha originacademicians have formed an OrissaWorld Class Universities Support Groupand prepared a 45-page report [9]explaining the significance andimportance of Vedanta University andelaborating on the proposed parameters,especially on the need and importance ofthe proposed land acreage. TheGovernment of Odisha continues to befully supportive of this university. Wehope that the promoters of this universitydo not lose heart by the delay and takesome proactive steps.

First, they need to look at history andrealise that when somethingunprecedented is attempted, it takes timeto get the buy-in and convince sceptics.For example, it took 13 years from 1896,when Jamsetji Tata articulated his vision,till the establishment of the IndianInstitute of Science in Bangalore in 1909.

Second, they should seriously considerimmediately establishing some small butworld-class (in terms of faculty quality)research units in temporary premises and

give the world a glimpse of their vision.This would greatly reduce the scepticism,build much-needed credibility andgenerate support across Odisha and India.These research units can be folded intoVedanta University when it becomesoperational.

In conclusion, Odisha has come a longway in building its knowledgeinfrastructure in the last 12 years, but hasmiles to go. But, with a multi-prongedeffort involving state, centre, private andPPP modalities, Odisha has the potentialof becoming one of the top ‘knowledge’states of India, and the Bhubaneswar-Puriarea has the potential of becoming the topknowledge center of India.

This is an edited version of a larger articleavailable at http://www.orissalinks.com /about-us.

REFERENCES

[1] http://www.iiser.blogspot.com

[2] http://www.nis.orissalinks.com

[3] http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=20345

[4] http://iit.orissalinks.com

[5] http://www.orissalinks.com

[6] http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=36955

[7] http://www.facebook.com/vedantau

[8] http://www.facebook.com/vedantauniv

[9] http://bit.ly/vu-reportA recent silver lining is thatfinally, a good number of

educated people with exposureto international universitieshave come forward and are

trying to spread the messageabout the importance of

Vedanta University to Odishaand India.

Institute of Minerals and MaterialsTechnology

Kalinga Institute of IndustrialTechnology

Vedanta University (proposed)

P E R S P E C T I V E

2322

DONGRIA KONDHS.A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

IN THE REMOTE HILLYwilderness of the Eastern Ghats inSouthern Odisha reside the

Dongria Kondhs, a primitive group ofpeople that have withstood the test oftime. Concentrated on the slopes of theNiyamgiri Hills at a height of 1,000-3,000 feet above sea level, they coverparts of Kalyansinghpur and theBissam-Cuttack and Muniguda blocksof Rayagada district. Settled in littlehamlets beside perennial streams(jharnas) flowing down the hills, theycall themselves ‘Jharnia’.

They are one of the two primitivesections of the Kondh tribe of Odishaand are identified by the fashionableexquisite personal adornments theymake for themselves and adore. Theyrefer to themselves as Dongran Kuanor Drili Kuan and are consideredmaster horticulturists. The languagespoken by Dongria Kondhs is known

as Kuvi – a Dravidian dialect without aformal script. The Dongria Kondhs arefound to be by and large illiterate andlive in mud houses. Some of them livein houses made of wooden walls(planks) and bamboo splits with athatching of forest grass and leaves.

They are animists and polytheists,worshipping a large pantheon ofsupernatural gods and goddesses. Allaspects of the Dongria Kondh life –economic, social and political – arecentred around their religion. GoddessMother Earth, called Dharani Penu orJhankar, is their benevolent SupremeGoddess. In every village street, she sitsin a hut called Kuddi, represented bythree elevated stones. Niyam RajaPenu, a male deity, is represented by asword and worshipped during Dasaraand Jura Parab and the prevailing beliefis that he saves people from unnaturaldeaths and accidents.

Dongria Kondh villages are located onthickly wooded hill slopes. Habitationsites are chosen based on availability ofsufficient land for shifting cultivation andperennial source of water. Viewed from adistance, a Dongria village appears like acluster of low-thatched houses arrangedin two rows, leaving a street in between,surrounded by lush green fields.

Dongria Kondhs are early risers. Theywake up at 3-4 am and gather at Kuddi(shrine of village deity) to smoke pika andgossip. After an hour, with the cock’scrow, they disperse to work on theirDongar lands. They keep themselves busyon their farm lands till afternoon withshort breaks for lunch, drinks and rest.The whole family works and eats togetheron the Dongar land.

Dongria men put on a long and narrowpiece of loin cloth in such a way that thetwo embroidered ends hang in the frontand the back. This piece of cloth, 20-28 ftlong and 1 ft in width is termed drili.Similarly, Dongria women use two piecesof cloth (kapda-ganda), each, 3 ft in lengthand 1.5 ft in width. The first piece iswrapped round the waist with a knot inthe front. The second piece covers theupper part of the body like an apron.

They are skilled horticulturists. Taking themaximum advantage of favourable climaticconditions, they cultivate jackfruit, mango,citrus, banana, pineapple and turmericplantations across vast stretches of land onthe hill slopes, right from the bottom of thevalley to the hill top. Traditionally, a Dongriahas the indisputable right to plant fruit treesanywhere besides his own land and enjoy thefruit of his trees. Dongria Kondhs raiselivestock like buffalo (Kodra), cow (Kodi),goat (Adda), sheep (Mendha), pig (Paji), dog(Neudi), fowl (Koyu) and pigeon (Parua) formeeting the demands of prestation and fortheir own use during rituals.

The entire tribe is divided into a numberof exogamous, non-totemic clans (kuda)and Muthas named Niska, Jakasika,Wadaka, Kadraka, Huiyaka, Sikoka,Bengeska and Praska, among others. Boys

and girls belonging to the same clan areconsidered as brothers and sisters andhence marriage within the clan is strictlyprohibited. Although arranged marriageis the most common form of marriage inDongria society, other ways of acquiringmates include marriage by capture,marriage by exchange and marriage byservice.

Mostly, Dongria family is nuclear,monogamous and patrilineal, constitutingthe parents and their unmarried children.When a son grows up and gets married,he sets up his own house and lives therewith his wife and children.

The major life cycle rituals in a Dongriafamily include birth, puberty, marriageand death. The birth ritual is followed bythe name-giving ceremony known as MilaDaru in which the maternal uncle andgrandparents of the newly born child areinvited.

As denizens of hills and forests, DongriaKondh live in harmony with nature. Boththe material and non material aspects oftheir culture are profoundly influenced bynature. This has generated a sense ofbeauty among them and given birth to anature artist within each. They are loversof beauty, reflected in their colourfullifestyle and more conspicuously, in theirdistinct style of dress and ornaments,dance and music and arts and crafts.

However, the impact of planned changeand modernisation is visible in their wayof life. Today the Dongria Kondh childrenregularly attend schools and people arebeginning to depend more on modernhealthcare facilities. Communicationfacilities are also being developed inDongria Kondh villages.

Despite changes, their social structure hasretained many basic characteristicfeatures. If the same developmentmomentum is maintained, especiallywhile respecting tradition and culture,Dongria Kondh tribal communities canemerge as one of the world’s mostadvanced primitive trible groupcommunities.

PROFESSOR A. B. OTA IS AFORMER DIRECTOR, SCHEDULEDCASTES AND SCHEDULED TRIBESRESEARCH AND TRAININGINSTITUTE (SCSTRTI),BHUBANESWAR. HE IS ATPRESENT THE DISTRICTCOLLECTOR OF BALASORE.

JITU JAKASIKAThis Dongria youth is pursuing graduatestudies in Business Administration atone of the leading management collegesin Bhubaneswar

Being one of the few members of theDongria Kondh community to receivethe benefit of education, I understandits importance. Our people have beenfar removed from mainstream societyand thus, modern developments, forcenturies. We want our children togrow up and merge with themainstream. We want industries toflourish, creating employmentopportunities, livelihood options andinfrastructure.

The recent industrialisation of thearea introduced us for the first time todevelopment – roads, electricity andsafe drinking water. Our womenlearned to earn a living, our childrenreceived nutritious food and properschooling, and our men were bothdirectly and indirectly employed.

Only industrialisation can help usmove towards a better lifestyle. TheLanjigarh Project Area DevelopmentFoundation (LPADF) by Governmentof Odisha, Orissa MiningCorporation and Sterlite industriesIndia Limited, in line with thedirectives of the Supreme Court,contributed towards the developmentof education, health, drinking water,sanitation and irrigation in thedistricts of Kalahandi and Rayagada.

My dream is to see more young,educated Kondhs who can live a life ofdignity without losing our culture.

Reference: “Dongria Kondha” by A.B. Ota & S.C. Mohanty, published by Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Research and Training Institute (SCSTRTI), Bhubaneswar, 2008

2524

ANOTHERVILLAGE

So what is the story of Raghurajpur?

In the land of Jagannath, villagers offered the presiding deityservices they were best at. Some cooked for the temple devotees.Some stitched. Some interceded with the gods. Some danced. Andsome painted.

These devotees gradually grew into a community, shaping what istoday Raghurajpur. Everybody is an artist in Raghurajpur. Theprofessional. The paanwalla. The trader. The housewife. Thestudent. The toddler. The farmer. Generation to generation. Acrossthe centuries, 12 km from Puri.

Raghurajpur has witnessed the births of several different art formsand artists.

The pattachitra, known for its bold lines and brilliant play ofcolours, is the greatest symbol of Raghurajpur’s cultural andaesthetic identity. Tussar painting, another local creation, serves asthe inspiration for Sambhalpur silk sarees which have thesepaintings on them. Apart from pattachitra, there also emerged theGotipua dance form which was the brainchild of Ray Remananda,the famous Vaishnavite Minister of King Pratapruda. Known forits technique, costumes and presentation, this dance form gainedpopularity in and around the village of Raghurajpur and is creditedas the predecessor of the classical dance form of Odissi. The famousGuru Kelucharan Mohapatra also started his initial training fromhere. Other art forms which deserve special mention include theChitra pothi (palm leaf inscription). Raghurajpur also specialisedin toys made from cow dung, substitutes of wooden and metal toys.

NO

T JU

ST

CENTURIES AGO, WHEN DEVOTEES TRAVELLEDfrom far and wide to see the grand deities in Puri’sJagannath Temple, a number of them wanted to carry a

piece of the temple back for reverence and nostalgia. And templeauthorities needed someone who could paint the eyes and limbs ofdeities. These simple needs created an entire village of painters ofthe Hindu pantheon.

The kings who patronised these painters have long since passedinto history. Interestingly, even after nearly 750 years, a middle-aged man buys a train ticket to return for good to Raghurajpurwhile blessing the legacy of his ancestors, a housewife dabs herbrush in natural colour and picks up on a tradition that hasmiraculously survived, a young man revs his bike and is off tomarket pattachitras for a living and a six year old is initiated intothe art so that some day she may sustain her family with theknowledge of the ages.

And this is what makes the story of Raghurajpur worth celebrating.Not just in Odisha, but everywhere. A dying tradition has beengiven a new lease of life. A losing battle has been won.

The magic of pattachitraPattachitras depict the Jagannath Templeand its three deities – Jagannath,Balabhadra and Subhadra – and thefamous Rath Jatra festival. These paintingsare used as substitutes for worship ondays when the temple doors are shut forthe ‘ritual bath’ of the deities. They arealso used as decorative artefacts to adornthe sanctum sanctorum of temples — asbackdrops, seat of the deities and over thecurtains and pillars.

Some of the popular themes inpattachitras are completely religious incharacter: vesas (costumes) of LordJagannath, Thia Badhia (representation ofthe Jagannath Temple), Jagannath asKrishna demonstrating his childhoodfeats, Nabagunjara (figure comprising ofnine different creatures), Kandarpa Rath(Krishna on a chariot with colourfullydressed women), war between Rama andRavana, Radha and Krishna,Panchamukhi Ganesha (five-headedGanesha), Krishna representing LordJagannath, overpowering the serpent

Kaliya in the River Yamuna, Dasavatara(ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) andKrishnaleela.

Traditionally, the canvas for pattachitraswould be prepared by pasting a few layersof cloth, stiffened with tamarind gluefollowed by a few coats of white chalkpaste applied after drying and rubbedwith a round coarse stone to get a smoothsurface on which the painting would bedone. The artists generally used onlynatural colours derived from conch shells,yellow from orpiment, red from hingulaand geru (crude cinnabar and red ochrestone), black from lamp soot and bluefrom indigo.

The brushes used for painting would bebroad, medium and fine. Hair collectedfrom the ears of calves was used for thebroad brush, hair from under the belly ofgoats for medium brush and hair from thetail of muskrats for fine brush.

The first painting stage was called pahiliranga bhara, which involved painting ared background, borders and outlines.

The central solid colours like brick red,yellow, white and lamp black were paintedin. The painting would be finished with acoat of lacquer with a soft cloth. After thelacquer had dried, the edges would beclipped to the decorative border.

ChangeSome centuries later, the world changed.Puri was connected by rail. Opportunitieswidened. Artists migrated. Many switchedprofessions. Art middlemen profiteered.Innovation declined. Centuries-oldknowledge was endangered. Raghurajpurartisans lost interest in art forms that hadfor centuries been their livelihood.

“Raghurajpur went through its mostchallenging period more than 50 yearsago,” explains the young SaratchandraSwain. He is a part-time priest and part-time artist. “Raghurajpur struck lucky in amost unusual way. The wife of a Britishengineer working on the Hirakud Damwas looking for souvenirs to take back toher country. She looked at pen and inkdrawings from a couple of villages until

26

“INTACH was at a point where there was agreater respect for intangible heritage andthe Raghurajpur transformation fit inneatly with the renewed thinking,” saysAnant Mohapatra, State Chapter Advisor,INTACH. “We agreed to collaborate withthe government. The timing was right for anumber of reasons: the traditional wasbecoming the novel; there was a greaterrespect for the ethnic in a world becominggeneric. Pattachitras were recognised asaffordable, ranging from `200 to `200,000. And lastly, the governmentestablished last mile road connectivitybetween Puri and Raghurajpur; suddenly,tourists who would have had secondthoughts about venturing into a villagefound that it was just 30 minutes away andno big deal.”

One of the first things that INTACH didwas get painters all the way from Ganjamto come and train young Raghurajpurartists in a workshop.

The turnaround accelerated. Raghurajpurwas recognised as a National Crafts Villageby Odisha. Pattachitras started gainingpopularity from village fairs to affluenthomes. Even across the world.

Today“Today, the pattachitra has not onlybecome a sought after art form but one thatgenerates substantial income for the artists.We sell directly to villages and throughorganisations like Utkalika and EasternZonal Cultural Centre”, says MaguniMahanty, artist.

Besides, the art form itself has evolved withmany using synthetic colour and paint. Itsapplication has extended from leaves tocloth, specifically tassar.

Future The need of the hour is to identify the areasof conservation and protection, improveconservation and increase an awareness ofancestral art forms.

someone mentioned Raghurajpur. Whenshe saw the paintings from our village,she not only bought them immediatelyand more – she also woke up to aninteresting possibility.”

Helena Zealey began to think. If this ishow good people in this village paintedand if this is how cheap they were sellingit for then this was an opportunitybecause nobody in the outside world hadheard of them. Helena did what wasinstinctive. She bought more paintings togive away. The more the recipientsappreciated, the more Helena bought.Which is when she had her next eurekamoment. If this is the kind of market thatexisted for the pattachitra on the outside,then might it not be a worthwhile ideaorganising the artists, widening themovement and putting more method inthe painting or the marketing? Therewere only 25 artists left in the entirevillage that was once the capital of art ineastern India.

Which brings us to the inflection point inthe recent history of Raghurajpur, wherethe village graduated from the sporadicgenerosity of a single individual into aself-directed stream that would one dayculminate into a wider river. Accordingto folklore, just before Helena left, shearranged for a competition among theartists of Puri, Dandasahi and

Raghurajpur. Raghurajpur finished third,a grave embarrassment. One Dandasahiartist even wisecracked: ‘If these fellowsfrom Raghurajpur turn into artists, thenwho will water our trees?’

The vanquished and humiliated took thestory back to Jagannath Mahapatra,Padma Shri awardee and the village elder.He embarked on drawing Matsyavataarwith such incredible ability that whenHelena saw it she was stunned. Shedecided: all paintings in the future wouldonly be outsourced from Raghurajpur.As soon as Jagannath heard of this, heknew that the turning point had come:from then on, he focused all his energiesinto training the young and reviving thelong-lost tradition of his famed village.

One painting style that JagannathMahapatra worked to revive was whereall the deities are painted directly – nopencil – using natural colours extractedfrom the earth. The other was theenduring pattachitra style using a pencil,used largely for the purposes ofornamentation on paper, cloth or palmleaf. The number of artists grew; morebuyers trooped in; visibility increased.

The second inflection point was in thelate Nineties, when the government ofIndia convinced INTACH to come onboard the Raghurajpur turnaround.

INTACH in Raghurajpur

27

Wall paintings revivalprogramme

Reviving the tradition

Providing training for artists and masons

Encouraging artists to re-learn traditionalforms of paintings and experiment withcreative adaptation

Preparing a comprehensivedocumentation of the programme

ResultsMore employment opportunities

Better working conditions and increasedopportunities

Year-round commissions provide incomeeven during low tourist traffic months

Women are equal participants

Many craftsmen who had stoppedpracticing their traditional professions havenow returned

Integrated development planSustaining and developing village craft

traditions through self-help groups.

Establishing marketing infrastructure andgenerating employment opportunities

Improving infrastructure – wideningroads, paving streets, supplying drinkingwater, providing household toilets (withUNICEF), developing village drainage,encouraging rain water harvesting – ingovernment partnership

Developing an architectural vocabulary,blending with local environment andtraditions around rural imagery

Ensuring community participation

ResultsRaghurajpur is in the process of becoming amodel for sensitive development of rural andheritage tourism.

Source: UNESCO

2928

What are your earliest memories ofOdisha?

I was born and brought up inBaripada, Odisha. I completed my highschool and Intermediate Science degreesin my home town before moving toRavenshaw College (Cuttack) to completemy B.Sc. (Honours) in physics in 1955.Thereafter, I left Odisha. I have very fondmemories of my teachers in high schooland college. I cherish my experiences withclassmates, which include severalovernight fun trips to places likeChandikhole, Chilika, Puri and Konarak.These have left some unforgettableimpressions on my mind.

How would you describe your careerbeyond the Ravenshaw years?

After leaving Ravenshaw, Icompleted my M. Sc. in physics at DelhiUniversity and doctoral and post-doctoralresearch in the United States (the formerat the University of Maryland, and thelatter at the California Institute ofTechnology and the Institute ForAdvanced Study, Princeton) in 1963. Ihave stayed in the US since as a professorof Physics at the University of Marylandfor over four decades, and at the SLACNational Accelerator Laboratory, StanfordUniversity, for the last five years. Duringthis period, I have been engaged in

research and teaching – two activities Ithoroughly enjoy.

How have you maintained yourconnection with Odisha?

I visit Odisha almost every year fromthe US. During these visits, I spent time atthe Institute of Physics (Bhubaneswar),giving lectures and interacting with itsfaculty and students. I also gave severalpopular talks on topics close to my field ofresearch at many institutions includinghigh schools, junior colleges anduniversities across Bhubaneswar, Cuttack,Puri, Berhampore, Bhadrak and Baripada.It has truly been a joy looking at thecurious bright faces of students whowould ask a myriad of questions andwould not let me leave. These have beensome of my most enjoyable experiences inOdisha during my stay abroad.

What is your area of research?

My research lies in the field ofelementary particle physics which probesthe fundamental building blocks of allmatter and simultaneously into the natureof their forces. I will present a briefoverview of its current status. Based onintense experimental and theoreticalstudies for over a century, now we knowthat all matter is made of atoms (ofdifferent kinds), which are made of tinypositively charged nuclei lying at theircentres, with negatively charged electrons(denoted by ‘e’) revolving around them.The nuclei are made of protons andneutrons, which in turn are made of twotypes of still smaller constituents calledthe up-quark (u) and the down-quark (d).Thus, all matter (a pretty flower, a heap ofmud, all of us, and distant stars) are madeof just three types of elementary particles:the up and down quarks and the electron(u,d, and e). Interestingly, an intriguing

fourth elementary particle has beenknown since the 1930s called the neutrino(nu-e), which is electrically neutral andalmost massless. Although not a buildingblock of matter, the neutrino plays anessential role in energy generation in thesun and stars.

I should mention an important feature:following the laws of Quantum Theory, itturns out that each particle must beaccompanied by its own antiparticle,having the same mass as the particle butwith the signs of all ‘charges’ (not justelectric charge) reversed. For example,corresponding to electron, proton, andneutrino, the antiparticles are positron,antiproton, and antineutrino, all of whichhave been discovered.

The particles mentioned (u, d, e and nu-e)and their antiparticles exhibit four differenttypes of fundamental forces. In order ofdecreasing strength, they are as follows:

The primordial strong nuclear forcethat binds quarks to make neutrons andprotons; it also gives rise to the effectivenuclear force that binds neutrons andprotons to make nuclei. It does not,however, act on electrons and neutrinos.

The electromagnetic force that acts onall electrically charged particles (likequarks and electrons, though notneutrinos); it is about 100 times weakerthan the nuclear force.

The weak radioactive force, which

converts a neutron into a set of threeparticles – proton, electron andantineutrino; it is about 1000 timesweaker than the electromagnetic force.

The gravitational force which is far tooweak for most elementary particle processes,but it is the only force that controls thecelestial motion of stars and planets as wellas the evolution of the universe.

We notice that of the four members (u, d,e and nu-e), the quark-like members (uand d) exhibit the strong nuclear force,while the other two (e and nu-e),collectively called ‘leptons’, do not. Thus,in terms of the response to the nuclearforce there appears to be a fundamentaldistinction between quarks and leptons.We will see shortly that this distinctionwill, however, be interpreted differentlywithin a unified framework.

This is the gist of some of the basicfeatures of the fundamental particles andtheir forces. An exciting new frontierrecently opened with the starting of theLarge Hadron Collider (LHC) at theEuropean Laboratory for NuclearResearch (CERN), which smashes protonsagainst protons with unprecedented highenergy to probe deeper into the nature ofmatter. In effect, collisions at such highenergies create an environment close tothat at the instant of creation of ouruniverse – Big Bang – some 13 billionyears ago. Research at the LHC facility

I visit Odisha almost every year from the US. During these visits, I

give several popular level talks on topics close to my field of research at

many institutions including high schools, junior colleges and universities.

It has truly been a joy looking at the curious bright faces of students who

would ask a myriad of questions and would not let me leave. These have

been some of my most enjoyable experiences in Odisha.

“”

QUEST FORUNIFICATION

IN CONVERSATION WITH PROFESSOR JOGESH PATI, EMINENT THEORETICAL PHYSICIST, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, USA

Dr. Jogesh Pati, a native ofOdisha, is Emeritus Professorof Physics at the University ofMaryland, and, currently,Visiting Research Professor atthe SLAC National AcceleratorLaboratory, StanfordUniversity. He talks about hispioneering contribution to theidea of unification offundamental particles and oftheir forces, for which hereceived the InternationalDirac Medal.

I N S I G H T

3130

involves a large number of collaboratorsfrom different parts of the worldincluding India. The entire community ofparticle physicists is waiting eagerly to seewhich fundamental discoveries will bemade at the LHC. In this way, the field ofparticle physics continues to provide anexciting frontier for research.

What have been your contributionsfor which you received the prestigiousDirac Medal and other awards?

My contributions lie in the area ofunified theories. They are guided by thedemand of simplicity and beauty in thelaws of nature. In their most ambitiousform, which has evolved in stages over thelast few decades, these theories proposethat all basic particles, despite theirapparent differences, are aspects of justone form of matter. Likewise, allfundamental forces are aspects of just onekind of force. Interestingly enough, thisidea of reduction of ‘many to one’ inphysics has its exact parallel in ancientphilosophy, in particular the Vedantic,which emphasises unity in diversity. Itturns out that the idea of an underlyingunity can be cast within a mathematicallyconsistent framework where the observeddifferences between the particles and thosebetween the forces are attributed to an actof ‘hiding’ by nature. The differences canbe overcome and the underlying unity canbe perceived by doing experiments at highenergies. Sometimes such energies arewithin our reach, sometimes they are not.Yet, these ideas have made some crucialpredictions which have been tested at theavailable energies and verified to a highdegree of accuracy.

Along these lines, a partial unification,linking only the electromagnetic and theweak forces, called ‘electroweak unification’,had been achieved by the works of Sheldon

Glashow, Steven Weinberg and the lateAbdus Salam in the 1960s. This was animportant first step in the path tounification, the predictions of which havebeen brilliantly confirmed by experiments.The three authors received the Nobel Prizein physics in 1979 for this work.

This brings me to mention my owncontribution. It was made largely incollaboration with Abdus Salam. We noticedin 1972 that there are a number offundamental issues of an aesthetic nature,which remained unanswered within the ideaof electroweak unification. These include:

– What is a compelling reason for the co-existence of quarks and leptons?

– Why is the electric charge of theelectron exactly equal but opposite to thatof the proton?

– What is the origin of the strong force?

To answer these questions, we were led to

propose a novel idea: that one must unifyquarks and leptons as members of one‘family’, and, by utilising the symmetry ofthis quark-lepton family, one mustgenerate the three basic forces – weak,electromagnetic and strong – as aspects ofone force. Such an unconventionalunification was met with resistance;however, Salam and I were elated as thequark-lepton symmetry, which weproposed, neatly answered all the threequestions listed above, and more.Fortunately, it turned out to have somecrucial predictions which have been testedand verified.

Soon after our suggestion, a majorpioneering contribution based on thesame general idea was made by HowardGeorgi and Glashow. It was furtherstrengthened by the work of Georgi, HelenQuinn and Weinberg. The unification ideawhich thus evolved is now commonlycalled ‘Grand Unification’.

What are the experimental tests ofyour ideas?

The grand unification idea hasreceived strong experimental supportacross several fronts:

First, the observed ‘quantum numbers’(set of generalised ‘charges’) of quarks andleptons in a family are found to matchprecisely those predicted by grandunification.

Second, precision measurements at theCERN laboratory showed that thestrengths of the three forces – weak,electromagnetic, and strong – do indeedbecome equal, when they are extrapolatedin the context of quantum theory to superhigh energies – prima facie evidence infavour of grand unification.

Studies at the underground laboratoriesin Japan and Canada conclusively showed

How can Odisha excel inscience and technology?

• Introducing innovativemethods in teaching of scienceand technology

• Strengthening existinginstitutions (RavenshawUniversity, Utkal University,Institute of Physics, S.C.B.Medical College and others)

• Developing new institutions ofexcellence at par withoutstanding institutions like theIndian Institute of Science inBangalore, The Tata Institute ofFundamental Research inMumbai, and the top IITs.

This must result in ample, wellpaying job-opportunities in thefields of science and technology.

that neutrinos do, in fact, possess non-zero, though extremely tiny, masses(contrary to common belief). These non-vanishing tiny mass scales go extremelywell with Grand Unification, and that toowith a symmetry of the type proposed bySalam and me.

While these empirical successes arestriking, there is one notable missing piece.By uniting quarks with leptons, grandunification inevitably predicts that theproton, known to be stable so far, mustultimately decay into leptons, albeit with along lifetime, far exceeding the age of theuniverse. This too was contrary to commonthinking. Following our suggestion, andthat of Georgi and Glashow, severalexperimental groups built undergrounddetectors to search for proton decay. Themost sensitive search, at present, isprovided by the Super-KamiokandeLaboratory in Japan. So far, there has beenno sign of proton decay.

Based on a theoretically predicted rangefor proton lifetime, one needs to build alarge detector, ten times more sensitivethan Super-Kamiokande, to discoverproton decay. Several physicists in the US,Europe and Japan are keen to build one,which would cost about USD 800 million,but have been prevented by budgetaryconstraints. Nevertheless, the physics-based need for such a detector is sostrong, that sooner or later one will bebuilt. The discovery of proton decaywould no doubt constitute a landmark inthe history of physics.

So grand unification provided a radicallynew direction in particle physics, which alarge number of physicists still follow,partly because of its aesthetic merits andpartly because of its empirical success. Itwould receive the strongest boost if protondecay is discovered. It is the initiation of

this idea and the observation of some of itscrucial predictions that have been amongmy main contributions to the field.

What inspired you to enter this fieldof work?

I was keenly interested in physics andmathematics from an early age. Einsteinwas my biggest source of inspiration. I wasfortunate to have a great teacher – the lateProfessor K. Sree Ramamurthy – at theM.P.C. College at Baripada, who would tellus stories about great physicists and howtheir ideas grew. Even one inspiringteacher can make all the difference!

How can Odisha excel in science andtechnology?

We live in the twenty first century,innovation being the name of its game.For Odisha to excel in this environment,we need an all-out effort, together with agenuine change in our perspective of thecurrent importance of these fields. Themeasures to be taken should include:

Introducing innovative methods inteaching of science and technology, startingat the elementary and high school levels

Strengthening existing institutions(including Ravenshaw University, UtkalUniversity, Institute of Physics, S.C.B.Medical College and others)

Developing new institutions ofexcellence at par with outstandinginstitutions like the Indian Institute ofScience in Bangalore, The Tata Institute ofFundamental Research in Mumbai andthe top IITs

Creating ample, well-paying jobs in thefields of science and technology, so as toprevent internal brain drain

It is heartening to see institutions like theNISER, a new IIT and the Vedanta

University ( with a strong internationalcomponent) being built or in activeplanning. With a hiring of top-rankfaculty ( the key to success), theseinstitutions, and more to come , candramatically brighten Odisha’s horizon inthe fields of science and technology overthe next two decades.

Let me come back to my interactions withstudents in Odisha. From these I learntbeyond doubt that Odisha does not lacktalent at the high school level and beyond.At the same time, when I look at Odisha’sprogress in the past six decades, I cannothelp feeling that its talents remain grosslyunderutilised. Nurturing the talents ofyoung minds from an early stage, so as toencourage creativity, and ensuring that agood fraction of them pursue their careersin science and technology would dowonders for the state.

Message to Odishan youngaspirants

If I were a student, I would like tobe told the following by myteachers and parents:

Preserve your sense of curiosityabout things you see in nature andlearn.

Preserve your two inner talents:creativity and the power toimagine.

Be self-reliant; learn materialsbeyond your course work byreading on your own.

Keep your goals and ambitionshigh and strive to attain them.

I N S I G H T

3332

JOURNEYS THAT CLEANSE AND UNITE

SUBHRA PRIYADARSHINI EDITOR, NATURE INDIA, NATURE

PUBLISHING GROUP

Nothing could be truer for the many spiritual jatras (journeys)that adorn the religio-cultural calendar of Odisha – legendaryjourneys with their own inspiring history and utility in thesocial fabric. The common underlying philosophy that runsthrough these historical journeys, particularly in Odisha, isthat of uniting, enriching and cleansing. If only life – thisenormous journey – were a replica of these grand journeys offun, frolic, faith, sights, sounds, tastes and aromas!

Rath JatraTHE JOURNEY CELEBRATED

with thousands of small and bigversions across the world is the Rath Jatraor chariot festival. Synonymous withOdisha, this journey of the divine siblings –Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra– has no parallel for frenzy and opulence.

As the deity troika commence theirannual eight-day holiday from the PuriJagannath Temple to their auntGundicha’s Temple on the second day ofthe lunar month (Asadha – June/July),emotions abound on the streets of Puri.The Lords ride mammoth woodenchariots pulled by thousands of devotees.The Lords come out to meet one and all,making the festival a great leveller, andbringing alive the legend of BhaktaSalabeg, perhaps the most celebrateddevotee of Lord Jagannath. Salabeg, bornto a Muslim father, was shooed from thegates of the Puri temple for not being a

Hindu. But bowing to his unwaveringdevotion, the Lord stopped in his tracksduring one such rath jatra to fulfilSalabeg’s ultimate wish – a glimpse of theAlmighty himself. Salabeg’s bhajans ‘AheNila Saila’ and ‘Patita Pabana Bana’remain household expressions of devotionin Odisha forever.

Rath Jatra is all of two kilometres but therun up to it takes months. It is marked bythe deities taking a dip in fragrant sandalwood water, bathing in 108 pitchers of

water, recuperating in the sanctumsanctorum from the fever that the wateroverdose leaves them with and thengetting treated with special ayurvedicmedicines!

The jatra enthrals lakhs of devotees everyyear. Its high point comes when the Rajaof Puri sweeps Lord Jagannath’s chariotwith a golden broom symbolisinghumility and caste equality. The festivitieslast nine days – its after effects lasts alifetime!

G R A N D J O U R N E Y S

“Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.” –Greg Anderson

3534

THE PROMOTER WHO established Indian Metals & Ferro

Alloys in the late Sixties did so with adistinctive vision: providing a foundationthat would transform Odisha into one ofthe most dynamic states in India.

Just when IMFA (through its Groupcompany Indian Charge Chrome)appeared on the cusp of a take-off,technical problems in its power planthobbled the Group company and pulled itinto extended litigation and lostopportunity; just when it appeared thatOdisha would take off, competing statestook away its minerals for onward labour-intensive conversion in their own states,following which Odisha was overlookedin the national development race fordecades.

The result is that Indian Charge Chromenursed large accumulated losses of `1,803.78 cr as on 31st March 2001;Odisha too reported unimpressive GDPgrowth rates as investment stayed awayand intellectual capital migrated.

TransformationThen things transformed. Indian ChargeChrome was merged into parent IMFA,

the latter leveraged decades of quietlyconsolidated competencies and emergedamong the most valuable standalone ferroalloys companies on the Indian bourses at`1,945.66 cr (as on 31st March 2010).Odisha too reported GDP growth of 9.7%in 2009-10, 170 bps higher than thenational average.

Not just another success storyThe relevant point is that IMFA is not justanother national success story. It is aglobal success story. “In terms of globalferro chrome production capacities, weare among the top ten in the world,” saysSubhrakant Panda, Managing Director,IMFA. “In terms of peripheraltechnologies, we are among the mostefficient, leading to one of the mostcompetitive cost structures in the world.In terms of quality, our silicon producthas been appraised as one of the best inthe world by an independent appraisalagency. In terms of business mix (captiveand commercial implications), we areamong the most extensively integrated inthe world with around 52% of our inputcost being derived from resources withinthe company. This critical number is

higher than most peer companies theworld over.”

Competition-proofIMFA’s counter-cyclicality – critical in abusiness that has over the years acquired areputation for sharp profit swings – wasdemonstrated during the ‘yo-yo’ days of2008-09.

Despite the sharpest swing in ferro alloysrealisations in the briefest of tenures,IMFA was able to report a positivebottomline for 2008-09. Despite a majordecline in raw material costs, the quantumof inventory loss, as a proportion of thetotal loss in the third quarter, was lowerthan most peer companies. When mostpeer ferro alloy companies were adding totheir debt to invest in end productcapacities, IMFA preferred to repay `9.31 cr and invest in enhancing rawmaterial resource availability.

Swimming upstream IMFA’s consistent gain has been resistinga temporary trend for a long-termbusiness advantage. Odisha accounts for98% of India’s chrome ore. “It would havebeen easy for us to mine and market

T H E I M F A S T O R Y

“Says Subhrakant Panda, Managing Director, IMFA

Dhanu JatraTHIS ONE BEATS EVERY TIME

machine story you have ever heard.

What happens when two modern towns –people and all – travel back intomythological times and transformthemselves into Gods, demons and villagefolk for 11 days? They become part of theworld’s largest open air theatre!

Dhanu Jatra celebrates the story of LordKrishna’s victory over his evil uncleKansa. Enacted by town folks on thebanks of River Jeera in Bargarh, the dramaunfolds over 11 days and culminates inthe big fest when Lord Krishna kills Kansain the victory of good over evil. To the

amusement of millions of tourists, thetowns deck up as Mathura and Gopapuraand the river is imagined to be Yamuna.Gopis ferry milk and dairy productsacross the river. Kansa, chosen fromamong many worthy contenders, rulesover Mathura (Bargarh) going around onan ornately decorated elephant and givingout administrative orders. Each day ismarked by a grand evening celebration atthe open air court of the king in themiddle of Bargarh. The young Krishnaand his brother Balram, invited toMathura by the scheming Kansa on thepretext of witnessing a yajna, end thetyranny of the demon king on the finalday of festivities.

The music and dance extravaganza,traditional fairs and the sheer magnitudeof the stage that the drama is enacted onmake it a festival worth coming back toyear after year.

Historians are divided on the origin of thefestival but the first lavish Dhanu Jatra isrecorded to have been celebrated in 1948with a dual purpose – to celebrate theIndependence as a victory of good over evil.

Bali JatraWAY BACK IN THE LATER PART

of the 1800s, British officerMackdanet Saheb inaugurated the twoports of Dhamar and Chandabali on theRiver Mahanadi. The maritime traders ofKalinga (present-day Odisha) embarked ontheir voyages from the mouth of theMahanadi to the Indonesian cities of Bali,Java, Sumatra and Borneo on large vesselsor boitas. The day of Kartik Purnima inOctober/November was chosen to beginthe journey for its favourable winds thatpushed the sails into riding the waves faster.

Bali Jatra or the ‘Journey to Bali’ is held inthe historic city of Cuttack on this veryday ever since. The Gadagadia ghat ofRiver Mahanadi comes alive for a weekfrom the auspicious day of the full moon.The most spectacular sight of Bali Jatra is

the boita bandana ritual or boat worship.Thousands of boats made out of driedbanana tree barks and decorated withsmall oil lamps are set sail in the river aftersundown. In ponds and water tanks acrossthe state, children make their miniatureboitas to commemorate Odisha’s gloriouslegacy of maritime trade.

The folklore of Tapoi, the miserable sister ofseven sailor brothers, is inherently wovenwith Bali Jatra. It is the heart-rending tale ofTapoi, ill-treated by all her sisters-in-lawexcept the youngest, while her brothers areaway on the voyage to Bali. Unable to bearthe torture, Tapoi hides in the forests andprays for the safe return of her brothers.Goodness is redeemed in the end when thebrothers return and mete out punishmentsto their erring wives.

Bali Jatra is marked by a colourful fairnear the Barabati Fort witnesses millions

of footfalls from across the world. Thefair, arguably the biggest in the state, lurespeople with its colourful stalls, especiallythe ones selling Odia delicacies such asthe celebrated Dahibara Aloodum.

The popularity of these jatras has onlyincreased over the years, going by thecrowds that they attract. They areundoubtedly the high point in Odisha’scultural calendar.

DHANU JATRA CELEBRATES THE STORY OF LORDKRISHNA’S VICTORY OVER HIS EVIL UNCLE KANSA.

ROOTS IN ODISHA.KNOWN TO THE WORLD

WE HAVE GROWN IMFAINTO ONE OF THE MOSTCOMPETITIVE FERROCHROME COMPANIES INTHE WORLD”

3736

chrome ore as a convenient businesswhen we went into production in the lateSixties,” says Subhrakant Panda.“However, one of the things that ourFounder-Chairman Dr. Bansidhar Panda– a metallurgist who worked as a researchscientist in the US – was insistent aboutwas that every tonne of ore mined out ofthe ground in Odisha would have to beconverted into a downstream productwithin the state before being marketed tocustomers. In doing so, he laid thefoundation of IMFA’s extensive value-chain, which has extended from ore toferro chrome today with spinoff value-addition being derived from powergeneration (captive and proposedextension into commercial) and coalmining (proposed).

A number of things happened as a result:

Every single tonne of ore (`2,200 pertonne) that IMFA mines in Odisha isenhanced in value (`42,000 per tonne)within the state.

IMFA provides employment directly(recruited and contract) to 4,000 andindirectly to another 4,000, making it oneof the largest industrial employers inOdisha today.

IMFA pays `80 cr in salaries acrosseight locations, which has a multipliereffect in catalysing local economies.

IMFA is among the few miningcompanies with their headquarters inOdisha, contributing significantly to thelocal exchequer.

“And all this has been achieved throughthe simple understanding that we must not‘gift’ mineral resources to other companies,states and countries but achieve the highestvalue-addition for the benefit of the stateand its citizens,” says Panda.

Optimistic futureSo where is the opportunity for IMFAtoday?

One, at a time when ferro chromeproducers worldwide are facing costpressures and, in some cases, evenpossible production disruptions due toelectricity shortages, IMFA expects toleverage its backward integration intopower generation and coal mining tostrengthen competitiveness as well asleverage this rich experience for onwardrevenue generation.

Two, IMFA may appear to be a singleproduct company but actually is threestandalone businesses – mining (chromeore and coal), power generation and ferroalloys – integrated at the apex level forenhanced competitiveness and valueaddition.

Three, IMFA recognises that Odisha isemerging as India’s steel manufacturinghub and with demand for stainless steel –which is where its product is used directly– expected to grow significantly, it standsto benefit.

Four, it sees a lot of opportunity rightwhere it is and will not look to ventureinto other geographies just as a fad.

“We are attractively placed,” says Panda.“The company possesses six furnacestotalling 187 MVA which translates intonearly 275,000 TPA of ferro chrome. Wehave 108 MW of power generationcapacity, which will increase by 30 MWshortly and another 120 MW by thefourth quarter of FY12. We expect tocommission coal mining by the end of2011. The result is that we expect toreduce our costs even further andstrengthen our viability over theforeseeable future.”

Resurgent OdishaOne must come back to Odisha andIMFA’s place in it. If Odisha grows, morestainless steel will be consumed. If morestainless steel is consumed, more ferrochrome will be used. If more ferro chromeis used, IMFA would be a directbeneficiary.

So what is Panda’s take on Odisha? “Thespeed of growth indicates that the state isindeed making up for lost time,” he says.“By insisting that companies extractingore out of Odisha commissiondownstream manufacturing plants withinthe state, there appears to be a definiteinterest in putting down large investmentsin Odisha. This has had two interestingmanifestations: in a state conventionallystarved of industries, one is finally seeingthe incidence of industrial zones. Besides,there is a lot more workforce diversitytoday, indicating that a number ofmigrants are coming into the state todayfor better career prospects. The braindrain is reversing!”

Integrated: IMFA is India’s largest, integrated ferro alloysmanufacturer supported by captive mine ownership (chrome oreand quartz), captive power plant and the ownership of a coalblock (to be commercialised).

Ground resources: IMFA’s estimated chrome reserves of 21million tonnes are expected to last another 25 years at existingconsumption appetite; its Utkal C block of coal in Talchercomprises extensive surface deposits, facilitating earlycommercialisation

Scale: IMFA’s 187-MVA furnace capacity is the highest in India’sferrochrome industry; its 108-MW power plant is the largestcaptive unit with any ferro chrome manufacturer in the country

Global: IMFA enjoys a strong global presence in China, Japan,Korea, Taiwan and other countries.

Location: IMFA enjoys a locational edge — a mere 100 km fromthe Paradip port, 100 km from the Jajpur and Keonjhar minesand 80 km from Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (possibly Asia’s largestcoal mines).

Financials: IMFA’s robust net worth (`606.63 cr) complementedits modest gearing (0.7) as on 31st March 2010.

T H E I M F A S T O R Y

IMFA’S STRENGTHS

EVERY SINGLE TONNE OF ORE (`2,200PER TONNE) THAT IMFA MINES IN ODISHA

IS ENHANCED IN VALUE (`42,000 PERTONNE) WITHIN THE STATE.

38

PROVIDINGOPPORTUNITIESTRANSFORMING DESTINIES

ECONOMIC PROSPERITY WILL BECOME AN INEVITABLE REALITY WHEN LINKED WITH HEALTH,

NUTRITION AND EDUCATION. IN A NATION WHERE EVERY THIRD CHILD IS MALNOURISHED, IT

IS CHALLENGING TO PROVIDE EDUCATION FOR ALL.

VEDANTA FOUNDATION INITIATED VEDANTA BAL CHETNA ANGANWADI (VBCA) PROJECT IN KALAHANDI ANDRayagada districts of Odisha, plagued by malnutrition and poverty. The Foundation provides additional nutrition, healthcare andeducation to 76,000 children between 0-6 yrs in 1,492 Anganwadi Centres in 12 blocks and one municipal area in Kalahandi andRayagada district.

The Foundation has tied up with government-run Anganwadi Centres under Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program, toprovide proper pre-school education to children along with nutritional supplements to government supplied food. The project focuses onthe overall development of children covering cognitive, sensory, language, physical and social developments with emphasis on education,nutrition and healthcare. “Less privileged children love to come to the Anganwadi Centres as they get quality education through fun andgames, along with nutritious food,” says Ms. S. Chaamundi, National Project Head, VBCA Project of Vedanta Foundation. The EarlyChildhood Care and Education Programme is given due weightage by Vedanta Foundation because of its significance in providing thechild with a sound foundation for integrated development.

39

T R A N S F O R M I N G D E S T I N I E S

4140

The initiative has significantly impacted thedevelopment of children in the area. “It isheartening to see tribal children singingEnglish rhymes in one of the remotest cornersof the state,” remarked Dr. Mona Sharma,Former Principal Secretary, Ministry ofWomen & Child Development, Governmentof Odisha, during her surprise visit to a few ofthe centres in Kalahandi. The daily attendanceof children has shot up to 98% in most of thecentres. Trained Anganwadi workers keep theinterest of the children alive through playfulteaching methods. Puspa Majhi ofBalabhadrapur says, “My son is happy toattend the Anganwadi Centre. Teachers thereteach through playful methods which hold theattention of the kids.”

People are happy that their children arenurtured properly, through proper educationand healthcare. “My grandson’s health hasimproved noticeably,” says Saraswath Majhiduring administration of the chocolate-flavoured deworming tablets to children inAnganwadi Centres. This dewormingprogram is undertaken every six months byVedanta Foundation. In line with the VedantaGroup Chairman Mr. Anil Agarwal’s vision ofa malnutrition free India, about 17,500Anganwadi children in Odisha, aged between7 months and 3 years, are administered multi-vitamin syrup every month.

To make the program more participatory,Vedanta Foundation has promoted VillageEmpowerment Committees – comprisingmembers from self-help groups, mothers’committees and opinion makers of thevillage – to monitor and advise theAnganwadi Centres. These VillageEmpowerment Committees willprogressively assume the ownership of theAnganwadi Centres in due course as per thedirectives of the Supreme Court.

The Vedanta Foundation aims to reach thelargest number of children in the shortesttime. The Foundation has adopted 1,200centres – 600 in Odisha and 600 inRajasthan – in 2009 in Phase II, enhancingthe total number to 2,000, benefiting over85,000 children living in deep rural areas.The Vedanta Group intends to reach out to aminimum 10,000 Anganwadi Centres to

benefit about 6,00,000 underprivilegedmalnourished children in about three years.To address malnutrition in children belowsix years of age, the Vedanta Group isworking with state governments and theDepartment of Women and ChildDevelopment towards holistic andintegrated development of children throughVedanta Foundation.

Day-care centres for pre-school childrenVedanta Foundation’s first child care centreopened at Niyamgiri Vedanta Nagar in 2004in Lanjigarh block of Kalahandi, whichhelped create a conducive environment forrural child (pre-school) development.Around 44 Day Care Centres are run inLanjigarh in buildings given either by thedistrict government or the local community.These centres, operated by VedantaFoundation, function in the kindergartenmodel following Montessori methods ofteaching. Value-based learning for goodhabits, hygiene and sanitation, cognitiveskills, sensory capabilities, languagecompetencies, social graces and good pre-school learning for strong schooling,coupled with nutritious food three times aday and healthcare service at the centrecontributes to the holistic and integrateddevelopment of each child in a significantmanner.

Vedanta Orissa LiteracyProgrammesVedanta Foundation established 14computer training centres covering 32villages; the four main centres being R.RColony, Niyamgiri Vedanta Nagar, BissamCuttack and Munikhol, benefiting 1,657people. Students are trained to becomeinternet-friendly with the objective toenhance their career prospects. Personalitydevelopment classes help students groomtheir communication skills and confidence.

Vedanta Village TailoringCentreVedanta Foundation and Bissam CuttackGram Panchayat have collaborated tointroduce tailoring courses for rural women.

Vedanta UmeedThe Foundation aims to rehabilitateprisoners in Berhmapur Jail (districtGanjam), Choudwar Jail (district Cuttack),Sambalpur Jail (district Sambalpur),Bhubaneswar Jail (district Khurda), BhawaniPatna Jail (district Kalahandi) and BaripadaJail (district Mayurbhanj), following thecompletion of their terms. Under theVedanta Umeed programme, inmates aretrained in computer literacy to enhance theiremployability. Till date, 193 inmates havebenefited.

Vedanta Prison TailoringCentresVedanta Foundation and Orissa PrisonsAuthority have collaborated to assist femaleinmates pursue tailoring careers followingthe completion of their jail terms. TheFoundation commenced tailoring units atBerhampur Jail and Sambalpur Nari BandiNiketan. There have been proposals for theconstruction of three more centres atBaripada, Koraput and Bhawani Patna.

Vedanta Rojgar AvsarThe Vedanta Rojgar Avsar programme atRourkela supports and assistsunderprivileged, unemployed youth throughrelevant employment opportunities. Theproject makes it possible for employers andjob-seekers to interact through ‘job fairs’.More than 400 youths attended the fair, 100were selected and 50 were offered jobs.

What is the objective of VedantaAnganwadi Project in Odisha?

The project aims to contribute towards theholistic and integrated development of childrenin tribal and remote areas of Odisha. It focuseson alleviation of malnutrition and encourageseducation among children as they are the wealthand future of India. Good food, good health andproper education will ensure not only a brighterfuture but also general wellbeing and happiness.

How many villages and children have beencovered ?

Vedanta Bal Chetna Anganwadi Project has1,492 Anganwadi Centres across 12 blocks andone municipal area, covering 76,000 children.Vedanta’s intervention has reflected in aconsiderable increase in attendance in thecentres and has resulted in a significant, all-

round development of the children.

What is your long-term plan for Odisha?

The Vedanta Group intends to reach out toa minimum of 10,000 Anganwadi Centres tobenefit about 6,00,000 underprivileged,malnourished children in three years, of which asignificant percentage will go to Odisha.

What kind of change have you noticedfollowing the Vedanta’s child care services inOdisha?

Now most parents are assured that theirchildren are being taken care of in terms of pre-school education and health. Daily wage earnersare relieved from the additional burden ofchildcare. There has been an attitudinal changetowards education in the community.

AREAS OFOPERATION

• Vocational training,employment

• Child care• Women

empowerment• Tribal welfare• Education campus

BLUE PRINT FORTHE FUTURE

• Offer value educationthrough industrypartnership

• Offer employment-assured trainingprogrammes

An interview with Ms. S. Chaamundi,National Head, Child Welfare Projects, Vedanta Foundation

Former President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam at Lanjigarh

Children learning at the Anganwadi Centre

Children playing at the Vedanta Day-Care Centre

Mrs. Kiran Agarwal(centre), Executive Trustee, VedantaChildren Programme at the Children’s Day celebration atLanjigarh

Students benefitting from the computer literacyprogramme at Vedanta Foundation

T R A N S F O R M I N G D E S T I N I E S

“ ”The Vedanta Anganwadi Project aimsto contribute towards the holistic andintegrated development of children intribal and remote areas of Odisha. Itfocuses on the alleviation ofmalnutrition and encourageseducation among children

INTERVIEW

4342

BATTLINGSickle cell anaemia is one of the deadliestafflictions known to man. But in Odishadawns new hope. Sickle cell anaemia (sickle cell disease) is a disorder of theblood caused by inherited abnormal haemoglobin resulting ina distortion (sickled) of red blood cells. The sickling is causedby conditions associated with low oxygen levels. The sickledred blood cells are taken up by spleen. When the number ofred blood cells declines due to destruction, the result isanaemia and the condition is referred to as sickle cell anaemia.

“We have been working to fight this disease for decades,” saysDr. Dipika Mohanty, perhaps Odisha’s biggest expert on thesubject. “This disease is dangerous because the irregular sickled

cells can block small blood vessels causing damage (tissueand organ) and pain. Each person has two copies of thegene that determine whether that person has sickle cell

disease. If both copies are ‘normal’ alleles, then onlynormal hemoglobin (hemoglobin A) is produced. If one of

the two alleles is ‘defective’ (hemoglobin S), then that personhas a mixture of normal and sickle hemoglobin, a conditionknown as ‘sickle cell trait.’ If both copies are ‘defective’ alleles,inherited from parents, only sickle hemoglobin is made alongwith some foetal hemoglobin and the person suffers fromsickle cell anaemia. We say he is homozygous for HbS.”

The incidence of sickle cell disease has been high –around 18% – in western Odisha, especially inKalahandi, Sambalpur, Bolangir and Sundargarh.This indicates that more than 20 per thousand newborns arevulnerable to sickle cell disease. This is higher than the nationalaverage. Consider: the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) of ruralOdisha is 78 compared to the national rural average of 64; theIMR of urban Odisha is 55 compared to the urban nationalaverage of 40.

No hope? Not really. “A lot of people may infer that thesituation is hopeless but there is indeed light at the end of thistunnel. For instance, we believe that infant mortality rate inour most affected district can be brought down through simpleintervention programmes – as we have already begun todemonstrate,” says Dr. Mohanty.

But first, another insight into the disease. Generally,sickle cell disease is the result of a genetic disorder

that cannot be cured. The only cure available

now is bone marrow transplantation,which is not possible in all cases as oneneeds matching tissues from compatibledonors. This mode of therapy is expensiveespecially in the event of no compatibledonors.

Indians are luckier. The morbidity(suffering) in Indian sickle cell cases is lessthan in African sickle cell patients. As aresult, their life quality can be easilyimproved with simple interventionmeasures. “We believe that the life qualityof those suffering from sickle cell anaemiacan easily improve through interventionmeasures like early detection in infantsfollowed by vaccination, preventiveinfections and plugging nutritionaldeficiencies,” says Dr. Mohanty.

The big step will be improvedtechnology to address thedisease. “We believe that neonatalscreening will be a big step towardsreducing the infant mortality rate inwestern Odisha,” says Dr. Mohanty. “Weare now screening the urban and ruralareas of Kalahandi district. These childrenwill not just be checked initially; we willfollow this with a periodic three-monthcheck to record their ongoingdevelopment followed by subsequentannual interventions.”

Dr. Mohanty is optimistic ofOdisha’s response to thishealth problem. “Once adequateinfrastructure is created (underway), anumber of medical professionals will bemotivated to return. There is also a fair

responsibility on our shoulders; ifprofessionals like us can inspire theyounger generation to return andcontribute, it can do wonders for medicalservice in Odisha,” she adds.

Dr. Mohanty speaks fromfirst-hand experience. She wasborn in Odisha, educatedabroad but returned forresearch. “I always wanted to be adoctor,” she says. “I was inspired by myfather, who was an internationallyrecognised pharmacologist and researchworker. I am also indebted to ProfessorK.C. Das, another internationallyrenowned haematologist. I did myundergraduate study in medicine at S.C.B.Medical College (Cuttack) and left topursue hematology in PGI, Chandigarh. Itrained at the Royal Postgraduate Medical

School and Hammersmith Hospital(London) and at Oxford’s haemophiliacentre. After years of working at suchamazing places, one wonders ‘Why can’twe have similar facilities in India?’ So Ianswered the calling by returning to set upcentres of excellence to conduct researchin sickle cell and thalassemic diseases atP.G.I, Chandigarh, and Institute ofImmunohematology (ICMR), Mumbai.”

For an expert of her standingand achievements, why didshe choose to stay back inOdisha? She admits, “Yes, there were a

number of offers from outside Odishaover the years. I was offered the post ofDirector of the Stem Cell Research Centerin Hyderabad by The Apollo Group withattractive remuneration. There comes atime in one’s life when one wants tocontribute, when one wants to leavefootprints in the sand. I turned the offerdown because I belong to Odisha andwanted to contribute to the state. I alsowanted to be part of a revolution in thefield of research in Odisha.”

When Dr. Mohanty embarked on thisdaring decision, the cynics crept out of thewoodwork. Wrong decision, somepronounced. A little premature, saidothers who were more charitable.“However, at the end of the day, thequestion is how much one can alter thestatus quo where one decides to work,”says Dr. Mohanty. “For instance, if I hadstayed abroad, I would have made anincremental difference in an environmentwhere most of the process improvementshave already transpired. One returnedprecisely because there was scope ofmaking a significant improvement in thisstate and country.”

For someone accustomed to thesystematic infrastructure-richenvironment of the developed west,Odisha was not easy. “The challenges weresignificant due to a lack of infrastructure,attitude and work culture. Two of thethings that I noticed some years ago:general complacence and hesitation inshouldering any responsibility in mostspheres of Odisha’s life. One also noticeda need for genuine collaborativeteamwork,” says Dr. Mohanty.

The future is optimistic.“I see a huge scope for improvement inBhubaneswar, which has reasonableinfrastructure that can be built upon.Realisation of this reality can combat thisdisease in its entirety,” says Dr. Mohanty.

Dr. Dipika Mohanty was instrumental in establishing world-class departments of haematology in India and abroad. The Institute of Immunohaematology(IIH) at Mumbai, which she helped establish, was recognised by World Federation of Haemophilia and International Society of Thrombosis andHomeostasis as well as World Health Organisation (WHO) as the premier training centre for South-East Asia. She has contributed more than 400scientific papers to national and international journals of repute apart from contributing several chapters to various textbooks of medicine, monograms inhaematology, haemophilia and transfusion medicine. She has received more than a dozen international and national awards and honours. She ispassionate about setting up an Institute of Haematology in Odisha.

A profile of the doctor leading the fightback - Dr. Dipika MohantySICKLE CELL ANAEMIA

IF I HAD STAYED ABROAD, I WOULD HAVE MADE AN

INCREMENTAL DIFFERENCE IN ANENVIRONMENT WHERE MOST OFTHE PROCESS IMPROVEMENTSHAVE ALREADY TRANSPIRED.

ONE RETURNED PRECISELYBECAUSE THERE WAS SCOPE OFSIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN

THIS STATE AND COUNTRY.”

P E R S O N A L I T Y

Red Blood Cells

Sickle cell Normal redblood cell

44

DESPITE POSSESSING ABUNDANTMINERAL RESOURCES, ODISHA IS STILLREGARDED AS POOR AND BACKWARD...

ODISHA IS ONE OF INDIA’Smajor mining states and itsdevelopment strategy aims at

promoting mineral-basedindustrialisation. However, some non-government organisations (NGOs) areopposed to mining because of its adverseeffects on the environment and localcommunities living in mining areas. Theproblem is further complicated by the factthat Odisha’s large mineral deposits arelocated in biodiversity-rich forest areaswhich contain the catchment of its majorrivers and also provide the habitat for itspoor tribal population.

Some groups, mostly NGOs, argue thatmining is an inherently unsustainableactivity as it exploits a community’s non-renewable resources. However, these

resources have no value if these remainpermanently under the ground. A region’smineral wealth must be developed asminerals in the ground are a dormantasset. Using mineral production to sustaineconomic well being is important for localcommunities, the regions blessed withmineral resources and the entire nationitself. For many backward states likeOdisha, mining underpins industrialdevelopment which in turn leads totechnological upgradation, skilldevelopment and economy diversification.

Thus, a balanced and positive view ofmining enterprises needs to be encouragedas production agents, with the ability toturn non-renewable resources intoeconomic gain which can generatesustainable development in thecommunity where they operate. This putsa great responsibility on miningcompanies. Only by shaping policies andpractices, which conform to this viewsupporting sustainable development, canindustry ever hope to earn its ‘sociallicense to mining’.

Sustainable development has manydimensions – economic, environmentaland social.

(1) A mining enterprise must operate toattain economic viability by adoptingscientific mining practices that allow wastereduction and resource conservation;

(2) It must take appropriateenvironmental protection measures tomitigate the negative environmentaleffects, especially in areas of waste dumpand land management, and air and waterpollution; and

(3) It must take appropriate social andeconomic development measures in itsarea of operation.

While all these can be discussed at length,this article addresses the issue of a miningcompany’s obligation to contribute to thesustainable growth of the local community(in which it operates), by leaving behindinstitutions and infrastructure that willsupport the community beyond the life-cycle of the mine.

Traditionally, government and miningcompanies were considered the only twocore stakeholders who negotiated miningterms. Increasingly a third directstakeholder emerged on the negotiatingtable – the local community, whoseinterests, both short and long term, arematerially affected by mining projects.Locals or people residing in mining areasmust be distinguished from otheradvocacy groups including non-government organisations (NGOs),basically non-core actors in mining withbroader political and ideological objectivesand interests. Mining companies musttake note of this reality.

Mining, although an unsustainable activityin a sense, can also be viewed as thetransformation of a finite natural resourceinto other forms of capital e.g. physicalinfrastructure or human capital, derivedfrom the proceeds of mining activities.Through local area and communitydevelopment, mining companies mustmake sure that local communities are leftwith other forms of resources or capitalonce the mine is depleted.

NILMADHAB MOHANTY,FORMER UNION INDUSTRY SECRETARY

AND CHAIRMAN OF FOREIGNINVESTMENT PROMOTION BOARD

To this extent, local communitydevelopment becomes a corporatebusiness obligation/responsibility, distinctfrom corporate social responsibility whichhas an element of charity implicit in it. Inother words, financial resources spent onsuch development must be a part of thecosts of doing business of production andsale of minerals.

Mineral development generates bothbenefits and costs. There are private costsand benefits for mine owners; there arealso social benefits (like local or regionaldevelopment) and costs (environmentaldegradation, disruption of social fabric inmining areas, alcoholism, crime etc.).However, the distribution of benefits andcosts are not fair or equitable; mostbenefits go to mining companies where associal costs are borne by localcommunities, resulting in a ‘resourcecurse’ for people living in mining areas.To counter this, it is necessary to involve

all direct stake holders, including localcommunities, in decision-making anddevise a benefit-sharing system, fair to allthe parties. This must involve:

- Stakeholder (community) engagementin relevant decision-making, particularlyin areas that materially affect them

- Improvement of community access toservices, especially in health and education

- Physical and social infrastructuredevelopment

- Social capital formation by facilitatingaccess to education and skill- training inthe communities they operate

- Remediation of disturbed land and of thesurrounding economy after mine closure

Additionally, original land owners andcommunities should be compensated byproviding an equitable settlement todisplaced persons without heavyeconomic burden on them. Sometimes it

is argued that levies collected by thegovernment, in particular royaltypayments, should finance these costs. Butthat is missing the point, as royaltycharged is neither a tax nor a fee but apayment made by the lessee of a mininglease to the lessor as a consideration forconsuming the sub-soil property(mineral) by operating the mine with hislabour and enterprise.

In developed countries and even in moreadvanced states in India (like Goa) wherethe level of education and awarenessamong local communities is high, miningcompanies are already taking positiveinitiatives in this area. Their counterpartsin the relatively backward regions likeOdisha can ignore these developmentsonly at their peril!

Many other professionals have their takes onmining, its effects and its ethicality as anindustry.

O P I N I O N

45

46

What are the challenges forOdisha’s mining ministry?

The challenge is to exploit Odisha’srich mineral resources like iron ore,bauxite, chromite, coal and manganese,using cutting-edge technology andadding attractive value in the form ofend products. Chief Minister NaveenPatnaik has focused on judiciousresource exploitation covering fairpractices in mineral handling withpunitive action against wrongdoers.

How is the Odisha governmentcreating workable mining conditions?

As per the MMDR Act, all allottedmines should be made workable. Thestate government will ensure that allmineral resources are utilisedjudiciously. The Odisha government istaking measures to provide a congenialatmosphere to industrial houses forvalue-addition of the mineral resourceswithin the state itself and also ensuringthat local opinions are responsiblyconsidered.

Mining and tribal development areintegral to Odisha. How does the stateexpect to arrive at a balance?

Since most Odisha mines are locatedin tribal belts, the government isprotecting the interest of tribals throughsocio-economic development coveringeducation, healthcare, communicationnetworks and social security. On theother hand, any ecological violation byindustrial houses and individuals will beaddressed seriously.

Mr. Raghunath Mohanty, Hon'ble Minister, Industries, Steel & Mines, Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Odisha

How do you assess Odisha’smining potential?

Odisha is endowed with aconsiderable proportion of India’smineral wealth covering bauxite,chromite, coal, iron ore, manganese,nickel, mineral sands, china clay,quartzite, copper, vanadium and cobalt.The state is also a major supplier ofcoloured precious and semi-preciousstones.

Despite adequate infrastructure,Odisha’s mineral resources areunderdeveloped. My understanding isthat if Odisha exploits its mineralpotential, it would facilitate thedevelopment of various downstreammineral-based industries like iron andsteel, ferro alloys, alumina andaluminium, cement and refractories,thermal power, coal washeries,chemical manufacture (based onchrome and manganese), granitecutting and polishing, among others.We believe that a combination of vastmineral reserves and mineral-baseddownstream industries could emerge asa major driver for the state and country.

How can mining challenges facedby corporate houses be addressedconstructively?

Rampant mineral exploitation(unscientific and unlawful miningpractices as well as unorganised wastedumping) can cause environmentalproblems. These challenges need to beintegrated in conventional businesspractice. Corporate houses dealing withmineral development should devotemore attention to environmentpreservation, social integration andeffective governance, which translate

into best global mining practices andthe proactive management ofenvironmental, socio-economic andinfrastructural issues. Corporate housesalso need to prioritise peripheraldevelopment that improve health andeducation in their regions of focus.

As a scientist what is your opinionon the NGO movement againstmining?

Ironically, despite possessingabundant mineral resources, Odisha isstill regarded as poor and backward.The reason: lack of responsible mineralexploitation. Local support can be wonover only by highlighting the positivemining impact across a region. It is myconviction that scientific and systematicmine development can maximisepositive socio-economic impact. This isalready evident in mining belts aroundPanchpatmali, Koraput, Lanjigarh beltof Kalahandi, Jharsuguda, Joda-Barbilsector of Keonjhar and Talcher-Angulbelt, among others. A number of NGOsinstigated a contrary perception amonguneducated simple tribals, obstructingmineral development and serving onlyNGO interests. I must state that theirclaims of ‘harmful environmentaleffects’ arising out of mining are ill-informed. No mining activity candamage the socio-economic conditionof the region; on the contrary, this willonly improve overall environment andinfrastructural conditions. NGOsshould closely monitor developmentalprogrammes likely to be implementedby the mining companies which willgive them a better holistic perspectiveof the positive changes being carriedout.

Mr. Surendra Kumar Sadangi, Managing Director, Geomin

Consultants Pvt Ltd

What is the basis of the oppositionto mining by NGOs?

There are a number of reasons:

The lack of government transparencyconcerning the allocation of miningleases.

Distrust of corporates based on theirsocietal and ethical responses

No corporate transparency, wherebythey work closely only with thegovernment and not with the localcommunity, civil society or otherstakeholders

NGO allergy for the private sector

The need for spokespersons of certainNGOs to establish themselves ascustodians of public policy andguardians of the underprivileged

Government silence on civil societyconcerns, raising public suspicion

Inadequate communication betweencorporates and civil society.

Will the success of Odisha’s miningindustry catalyse the state’s growth?

I firmly believe that the success ofOdisha’s mining industry is critical forits development.

Some international activists areraising concerns over mining activitiesin relation to tribals.

Raising concerns from within thecountry, particularly local communitiesand other stakeholders, is welcome. Butconcerns by international activists areneither genuine nor legitimate. Thegovernment should ensure the

implementation of effective programs forperipheral development, socio-economicdevelopment of the affected andcorporate participation involving theindustry, stakeholders and civil society.Community involvement andcommunity monitoring systems arecritical for inclusive growth.

How can corporate socialresponsibility be integrated withmining?

Corporates are not doing anybody afavour by embarking on CSR initiatives;it is their duty. These CSR initiativesshould be taken up in consultation withthe government, local community andother stakeholders and when done thisway, it should not be difficult to integrateCSR with mining activity.

Mr. D. K. Roy, Director of Human Development Foundation

THE CHALLENGE IS TO EXPLOIT ODISHA’S RICH MINERAL RESOURCES LIKE IRONORE, BAUXITE, CHROMITE, COAL AND MANGANESE, USING CUTTING-EDGETECHNOLOGY AND ADDING ATTRACTIVE VALUE IN THE FORM OF END PRODUCTS.

O P I N I O N

47

48

ADORNING THEIR SPACE

GLORY RUNAnuradha Biswal’s Odisha’s 100 mnational track record nine years ago(13.38 seconds) during the DDA-RajaBhalendra Singh National Circuit at theNehru Stadium in Delhi, 2002, stillstands! Her motto: ‘Compete withyourself.’ Says Anuradha, “I washeartbroken to leave home in Rourkela tocontinue my training. My mother said: ‘Ifyou go to the hostel, you will soon runinternational races.’ I participated in theSAARC games in 1991 at Sri Lanka. I thenwent on to win a bronze medal in the 100mt hurdles and a silver medal in the 100mt relay event at the Asian Games inSingapore in 1992. I have won total of 179medals.” How can the State help? Shereplies: “A sports medical centre iscrucial, with efficient, qualified doctors.We also need more corporate support. ”

MOTIVATIONPERSONIFIEDPadmini Rout started playing chessbecause of her father’s passion for thegame. Today, she is a WomanGrandmaster with a number ofachievements to her credit: Asian YouthGirls Chess Champion in 2005 and 2006,the National U13 Girls Chess Championin 2006, the World U14 (Girls) Championin 2008 and the Continental Asian JuniorGirls Champion in 2009. She won thethird position in the Asian Junior (GirlsU20) Championship and the WorldJunior Championship (Girls) in 2010.

GRAND AMONGCHAMPIONSKiran Manisha Mohanty. First personfrom Odisha to become a Grandmaster.Won her third Woman GrandmasterNorm at an International ChessTournament in Bangladesh. Became thefirst person in the men’s and women’ssection in Odisha to become aGrandmaster. Started playing chess at theage of 9, inspired by parents. Took itseriously from the age of 12. BecameNational Women A champion in 2007.Became joint champion and got 1stWomen Grand Master (WGM) norm.Biggest inspiration is her father KishoreChandra Mohanty. Considers chess moreimportant than her studies. Goal is tobecome women’s world champion.

STROKE OF LUCKShradhanjali Samantaray went on tobecome one of Odisha’s greatestfootballers … by chance. She was playingkho-kho when Chandan Chanda (boy’steam coach) proposed a women’s team toparticipate in the Federation Cup in 1992.Shradhanjali shrugged ‘why not.’ Therewas no looking back. ThereafterSamantaray – an ardent Maradona fan –went on to lead the Indian women’sfootball team in the qualifying round ofAsian Football ConfederationChampionship in Vietnam. “Secret ofsuccess? Hard work. My biggestcompetitor? Myself.”

RUNNING AFTERDREAMSShrabani Nanda, Indian woman sprinterfrom Kandhamal district, was firstnoticed at talent spotting programme atage 10 by Coach N. M. Deo. Shecontinued to win medals at various meetsin 100 and 200m events, her latestachievement being a bronze in the 4x100mt relay event in the 2010Commonwealth Games in Delhi.Determined to balance academics andsports. Currently training in Australia aspart of an initiative by the MittalFoundation for the 2012 LondonOlympics, the only one from Odisha.Cited as a potential gold medal winner bythe Foundation among athletes fromIndia. “Sprinters are born,” she smiles,“Not made!”

PURE PASSIONPratima Puhan has been rowing from age12. Her reason? Her love for water. Shestarted rowing to stay close to water whencoach Joe Jacob noticed her flair for thesport. Since then, Padmini has competedin numerous national and internationalchampionships, including those held inSwitzerland, Brazil and China. Her recentachievement – bagging three gold medalsat the 34th National Games at Jharkhand.Her inspiration lies in her family andfriends who have supported her all theway. Next on her agenda – the Olympics!

S P O R T I C O N S

49

5150

OFLIFEKISS

R E S H A P I N G L I V E S

How Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences is reshaping lives in Odisha

Achyuta Samanta. Obscure Odisha village. Fatherless at four.Seven siblings. Mother doing menial jobs. Typicallyimpoverished rural Indian family.

So what’s different?

This is: the boy remembered. The boy resolved. The boytaught. The boy saved. The boy invested. In doing so, the boy(then young man) ventured to create a school that would gofurther than any other he had known.

MOST PEOPLE WOULDestablish schools to teachunderprivileged students,

period; Samanta’s school wouldexclusively educate tribals.

– Most people would set up schools toprovide education to those who have easyaccess to education and are already at acertain social standard; Samanta resolvedto provide education to those below thecountry’s poverty line.

– Most people establish schools to providean academic education; Samanta’s wouldprovide academic-cum-vocationaleducation.

– Most people would be happy educatingtribals from their pin code; Samanta’sschool would eventually take in tribals from13 state districts and neighbouring states.

– Most people would have created amodest school in an underprivilegedpocket; Samanta’s school ranks as one ofthe best of its type in the country.

– Most low-cost schools for theunderprivileged in India take students inevery morning and send them home eachafternoon to save on lodging costs andinfrastructure; Samanta would create afree residential school.

– Most schools would focus on the writtentext; Samanta’s would focus on tribalculture, heritage and tradition.

– Most created a school and said ‘enough;’Samanta went on to create a cluster ofvillages with a 50-bed hospital, blacktoproads, electricity, post office, bank, policestation and health insurance coverage forall villagers.

Turning dreams into reality The most under-privileged pockets. Themost under-privileged section. The largesteducational facility. The largesttransformational opportunity.

When you reconcile all these challengingrealities, some amazing things canhappen. And have.

A school that commenced with just aprimary section in 1993, gradually addedlevels, upgrading itself first from primaryto class 3 and once the students reachedthat grade, then to class 7 and so on. It hasextended its focus from kindergarten topost-graduation (KG to PG!) coupled withthe assurance of guaranteed employmentfollowing education completion.

SuccessSo what helped Kalinga Institute of SocialSciences emerge as some kind ofeducation case study in India? “A numberof things have fused to create a fairlyunique educational model,” says Mr. Routray, CEO. “Primarily, thesimplistic reality is that we are providingeducation, but to the thousands of tribalsin Odisha what we are providing is ‘hope.’And over the years, this sense of hope hascome from the fusion of education,vocational training, multi-lingual skills,personality development and theassurance of a job when the student isready to graduate. In a part of India wherepeople have struggled to access even theirbasic fundamental rights, this aggregatevalue represents a big opportunity leap.”

When it comes to development impact,this point needs to be comprehended forits sheer impact. A tribal newborn is justanother statistic in most parts of thecountry. The child will learn a little andwaste a lot. The youngster will eke out amodest living or turn to crime. The manwill either marry and live within his meansor drink himself and the family to misery.Family to family. Generation to generation.

And then comes Kalinga Institute ofSocial Sciences (KISS). The child isbundled away to this school by relievedparents. No fees need to be remitted. The child is well taken care of. The childreturns and offers the family a keyhole

For what started out as amodest educationalinitiative in Bhubaneswarwith 125 students in 1993is now the largest freeresidential educationalinstitution in Asia,covering 12,000 students.

5352

“ “ ““ “ “

insight into a better world. The studentacquaints himself with the advancedsupports and technologies of a modernworld. The young man graduates and getsa job. The young earner sends his firstpaycheck home. A family is ready to shrugoff the yoke of centuries and climb into abetter social orbit. “What makes usdifferent is that we do not encouragestudents to migrate to cities and escapeinto another world,” says Mr. Routray.“We encourage students to return to theirroots, contribute to the environment thatthey originated from and directly raise thetribal standard of living.”

The word has indeed spread. KISS hasaccommodated students from 60 tribalcommunities, of which 13 have beenclassified as primitive. And the result is thatevery single year, KISS receives some 50,000student applications from all over Odisha.

Proof of the puddingSo how good is the standard of educationat KISS?

The course and syllabus is prescribed bythe Directorate of Elementary, Secondaryand Higher Secondary Education,Government of Odisha. The medium ofteaching in the school is Odia withEnglish as the compulsory subject in allclasses. The usual school day stretchesfrom 7 am to 5.25 pm. Vocational trainingcovers tailoring, computer training,phenyl making, agarbatti (incense sticks)making, carpentry, food preservation-cum-processing, gardening, plantation,floriculture, pisciculture and animalhusbandry. Further, within vocationalactivities, students have the choice ofsports, music and yoga. The subjectscovered under graduation comprisescience (physics, chemistry, mathematics,botany, zoology), arts (political science,economics, philosophy, psychology,history, sociology, education, homescience, tribal study) and commerce(accountancy, costing, business law,

auditing, business organisation andbusiness economics). The post graduationcourses comprise physics, chemistry,mathematics, botany, zoology, politicalscience, philosophy, economics, history,anthropology, tribal study, accountancy,sociology, English and Odia.

Supporting this are various facilities andservices: classrooms, hostel, dining hall,computer laboratory, science laboratoryand playground.

The result is an opportunity as good asanywhere in urban India for Odisha’srural tribals to make the giant opportunityleap and liberate generations.

ResultKISS students have something to show fortheir ability. “KISS students reported a100% pass percentage since they begansitting for HSC examinations in 2002. In2009, eight students figured in the firstdivision. In the science plus-twoexamination seven figured in the firstdivision and 18 in the second division.One science plus-two student stood firstin the project preparation competition ofSCSC (State Children Science Congress)and participated in National Children

Science Congress held at Maharashtra in2007. Another student figured second inthe poster competition in the SCSC (StateChildren Science Congress) programme.Another class 9 student participated inIndian Science Congress held atVishakapatnam in 2007. This clearlydemonstrates that we have successfullyraised students from their diverse tribalbackgrounds into nationally-comparableacademic standards. We also gave theman opportunity to rub shoulders with theothers in the country. This means thatwhen they walk out of here, they will bewelcomed at Kalinga Institute ofIndustrial Technology throughreservation, where specialisation optionsinclude engineering, medicine,management, law, dentistry, media andseveral diploma courses, among others.Thereafter, they will be completelyemployable, no question.”

ConfidenceWhat most employers will tell you is thatacademic achievement is all fine, butwhen it comes to being able to hold one’sown in a conversation or making apersonality impact, rural students have along way to go.

And it is here that KISS students have madea mark. “We don’t just teach here,” says Mr. Routray. “We create an environmentthat makes our students confident.”

Ask anyone about student confidence atKISS and they will immediately mentiontwo instances.

One, when Laxman Hembram, a class ninestudent from a primitive tribal group calledJuang, presented a paper before a 1,500-strong TUNZA International Children andYouth Conference on Environment –2009, organised by United NationsEnvironment Programme in Seoul. “Thiswas absolutely unprecedented for thisyoung boy. It was a ‘growing up’experience – and yes, the paper was a hugesuccess,” says Mr. Routray.

Two, when KISS put together a team of students,trained them in rugby (none had seen a rugby ballbefore in their lives) for four months, sent them tothe UK for a 10-country tournament, they playedfive matches and returned after beating South Africain the final. “I thought I knew something abouttraining youngsters in rugby,” says Paul Walsh, theEnglishman who trained the team from scratch.“But they taught me one hell of a lot in what acommitted bunch of kids can do through teamworking. That one victory convinced every singlestudent at KISS that they could emerge as winnersanywhere in the world. The impact of this will bevisible even after they have passed out of this place.”

Looking aheadSo where does KISS go from here? “Our agenda isfar from over,” says Mr. Routray. “KISS plans toreplicate its model across 10 Odisha districts sothat students can be close to their families whilelearning in our residential schools. Moreover, themodel must be sustainable: once students graduate,we will employ most of them as teachers, creating amodel of livelihood and learning that willtransform Odisha and enable it to regain itsrightful place among the most developed states inIndia.”

"Initiatives like KISS shouldbe replicated across everystate in India."

– Sri Kantilal Behuria,Union Minister of Tribal Affairs

"KISS is a model thateveryone can learn muchfrom. Not just in India butacross the entire world."

– Ms. Bomo Edna Molewa,Senior Cabinet Minister of Social

Development, South Africa

"KISS is evidence that themessage that Gandhiji hadspread throughout his life hasnot only been received butconverted into feasible reality. Itis a second Shantiniketan…"

– Mahasweta Devi,Magsaysay Award winner

"Mr. Achyuta Samanta…fulfills the ‘American Dream’through his work while livinglife according to theprinciples of MahatmaGandhi."

– Mr. Timothy J. Roemer,US Ambassador

"Seeing the relevance,potential and achievements ofKISS, it falls nothing short of awonder. A miracle that couldtransform destinies andchange lives."

– Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam,Former President of India

"Mr. Achyuta Samanta is myrole model."

– Prof. Richard Ernst,Nobel Laureate

R E S H A P I N G L I V E S

KISS STUDENTS HAVESOMETHING TO SHOW FORTHEIR ABILITY. KISSSTUDENTS REPORTED A100% PASS PERCENTAGESINCE THEY BEGAN SITTINGFOR HSC EXAMINATIONS IN2002.

Feed

back

5554

“DHAMRA PORTWILL CATALYSEODISHA’S GROWTH.”

Mr. Santosh Mohapatra,CEO, Dhamra Port CompanyLimited, discusses how theinfrastructure showpiece willunleash economic prosperityacross Odisha.

Q. What was the rationale for a port atDhamra?

A. A customer appraises the ability of aport to turn around the largest of vesselsin the shortest time. When we studied theHaldia and Paradeep ports (almost 600-km on either side), this is what wefound: a 120,000 DWT vessel wouldanchor at Paradeep to unload 70,000DWT, capitalising on its 12-13 m draft,then sail to Haldia for unloading the restof the cargo due to a lower draft depth of6-7 m and ability to manage a maximumweight of only 50,000 DWT. These twinunloading points resulted in a highervessel turnaround time of 6-7 days andhigher corresponding costs. Dhamraenjoys a draft depth of 18 m and the abilityto unload an 180,000 DWT vessel in onlytwo days. This port will catalyse Odisha’sgrowth.

Q. What are the advantages of the port?

A. The port’s draft depth of 18 m is one ofthe deepest on the eastern coast of India,making it possible to accommodatecapesize vessels of 120,00-180,000 DWT,translating into a single-point cargounloading facility. Some of the port’s otheradvantages comprise:

All-weather sea port

Wide variety of cargo managementcapability comprising dry, bulk and liquidcargo and containerised cargo

Berthing of two capesize vessels at anygiven point of time with discharging andloading operations being carried outsimultaneously.

Expected savings of USD 5-7 per MT insea freight (capesize vis-à-vis panamax).

Expected savings of USD 2 per MT dueto efficiency in discharging/loading ofvessels (panamax vis-à-vis panamax).

Fully-mechanised and efficient cargohandling system capable of:

– Discharging vessels at the rate of60,000 MT/day

– Loading rakes within 1.5 hours

– Unloading rakes within 3 hours

– Loading vessels at the rate of 80,000 MT/day

Negligible cargo loss and no pilferage

Flexibility in terms of evacuation ofimported cargo by rail/barges/daughtervessels

Proper demarcation of stackyards(customer-wise and grade-wise)

IT-enabled stackyard managementsystem

Consolidated tariff without any hiddencosts

One-stop solution for all handling needsof customers

C A T A L Y S I N G G R O W T H

5756

C A T A L Y S I N G G R O W T H

Why is the port’s location strategic?

Dhamra port is proximate to mineral-rich Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal.Odisha (65 bn tonnes), Jharkhand (76 bntonnes) and West Bengal (28 bn tonnes)account for almost 63% of India’s coalreserves. Besides, Odisha possesses 26.5%of India’s iron ore reserve. So the Dhamraport will open up a number of export-import opportunities for the mining andmetals industries.

What kind of company is addressingthis large project?

The Dhamra Port Company Limitedis a 50:50 joint venture between L&T andTata Steel. DPCL has been awarded aconcession by Government of Odisha tobuild and operate a port north of themouth of river Dhamra in the Bhadrakdistrict of Odisha on BOOST (Build, Own,Operate, Share and Transfer) basis for 34years (including four years forconstruction). The lease period may berenewed or extended for two additionalblocks of 10 years each on mutually agreedterms and conditions.

What progress has alreadyhappened?

During Phase-I, Dhamra Portconstructed two fully mechanised berths of350 m each with backup facilities forhandling imports of coking coal,steam/thermal coal, limestone and exportof iron ore. Phase-I also includes a 62-kmrail link from Dhamra to Bhadrak/RanitalLink Cabin on the Howrah-Chennai line.The estimated capacity of Phase-I is 25 million MT per annum (financialclosure in February 2007). Construction

commenced in March 2007; the port isready for commercial operation. It isimportant to note that the port received allnecessary clearances includingenvironmental clearance from Governmentof India, consent from Orissa PollutionControl Board and rail traffic clearancefrom the Indian Railways. So the bigmessage that we want to send out to readersis that we have commissioned on schedule!

What is the port’s master plan?

The port’s master plan provides for 13 berths capable of handling more than100 million MT per annum of all cargotypes (dry bulk, break bulk, liquid bulkand containerised). The Phase-I capacitywill be 12 million MT per annum of coaland 6.50 million MT per annum of ironore. We are in the process of augmentingiron ore export management capacity byanother 6.50 million MT per annum withan additional wagon tippler by June 2011.

There are allegations that the projectposes a threat to Olive Ridley turtles.

There are a number of mythsassociated with the apparent threat toOlive Ridley turtles. The NationalEnvironment Appellate Authority upheldour environment clearance and observed:“The area between the low tide line andhigh tide line in the area to be covered byDhamra Port expansion project being ofclay soil and very sticky, could neverbecome a breeding centre for turtles.” Theother myth is that the Dhamra port isclose to the famous Gahirmatha nestingarea. According to the report of the ChiefWildlife Warden, “The site of theproposed port is 30 km from the nestingarea by sea and 15 km as the crow flies.”

What is the kind of opportunityawaiting the Indian ports sector?

Under National MaritimeDevelopment Programme (NMDP), USD12.40 billion investments across 276projects will cover berth development,drafts deepening, port connectivity,upgradation/modernisation of cargohandling equipment and other supportactivities. Private investment is estimatedat over USD 7 billion covering theconstruction and operation of berths andterminals. The NMDP proposes to do infive years what the country has done in 50:

add nearly 546 million MT of new portcapacity by 2011-12 as against a currentcapacity of around 516 MMT. One of themost effective metrics with which tomeasure national wealth is the currentaccount deficit (excess of imports overexports). In 2010, India’s current accountdeficit was -2.2% of GDP, exports USD201 bn and imports USD 327 bn. WithIndia’s ports managing about 95% of itsinternational trade by volume, we seestronger port infrastructure as critical forstrengthening balance of payments.

Dhamra’s multi-modal connectivity

Rail: The port has acquired a 125 m wide corridor fromDhamra to Bhadrak to accommodate two rail tracks and afour-lane road along with service lines comprisingtransmission and pipelines. During Phase I, the Company isconstructing 62-km rail connectivity (single-rail track) fromDhamra to Bhadrak/Ranital Link Cabin on the main Howrah-Chennai line. Trains will run up to Dhamra Terminal Yardwherein handing over and taking over of rakes will take placebetween the Indian Railways and the Company. The railwayline will be operated from DTY with the help of a centralisedtraffic control signalling mechanism. The nearest railwaystation is Bhadrak, 62-km from Dhamra on the Chennai-Howrah line. Bhadrak is 143-km from Bhubaneswar and 297-km from Howrah. A single track broad gauge line wasconstructed by the Company from Bhadrak/Ranital LinkCabin to Dhamra.

By road: Dhamra is connected by road with Bhadrak (82 km),the nearest major town on the National Highway 5. Thedistance between Dhamra and Bhubaneswar is 205 km.

By air: The nearest airport from Dhamra is Bhubaneswar, thestate capital of Odisha.

The port’s promoters Larsen & Toubro: India’s premier technology-driven engineering and constructionorganisation. Responsible for India’s first indigenous hydrocracker reactor, theworld’s largest continuous catalyst regeneration reactor, the world’s biggest fluidcatalytic cracking regenerator, the world’s longest product splitter, Asia’s highestviaduct, the world’s longest LPG pipeline and the world’s longest cross-countryconveyor.

Tata Steel: The Tata Group is one of India's oldest, largest and most respectedbusiness conglomerates. The Tata Group’s businesses are spread across severalbusiness sectors like engineering, materials, energy, chemicals, services, consumerproducts, information technology and communications and educational institutes.Tata Steel is Asia’s first and India’s largest private sector steel company; it is amongthe lowest cost producers of steel in the world.

Origin/destination Rail distance (km) Origin/destination Rail distance (km)

Kalinganagar 122 Salboni 275Keonjhar 220 Burnpur 460Banspani 290 Purulia 447Talcher 260 Durgapur 481Angul 272 Tatanagar 370Jharsuguda 483 Bokaro 496Rourkela 537 Raigarh 545

“The Dhamra Port has been conceivedas a classic model of a port connectingcapital with business, industry withport, demand with supply and rail androad with port for national benefit.”

5958

INVESTBHUBANESWARA report by Dr. Dhanada Kanta Mishra, Chairman,Human Development Foundation

BHUBANESWAR IS ON ITS WAY to emerge as a knowledge hub.

The city is home to several national-levelinstitutions like IIT (Indian Institute ofTechnology), IIIT (Indian Institute ofInformation Technology), NISER(National Institute of Science Educationand Research), NIFT (National Institute ofFashion Technology), AIIMS (All IndiaInstitute of Medical Sciences), XIMB(Xavier Institute of Management –Bhubaneswar), KIIT (Kalinga Institute ofIndustrial Technology) and SiliconInstitute of Technology and Institute ofPhysics, among others. There are over 35private professional institutions in theareas of engineering, medical andmanagement studies.

Bhubaneswar’s revival was also mirroredin business initiatives. In 2009, the citywas declared the third best in India forbusiness by World Bank. Odisha emergedas second-largest investment destinationafter Gujarat. Besides, with severalincubating plug-and-play centres, theregion is thriving with technologyentrepreneurs seeking relationships withSilicon Valley counterparts.

A high-profile business symposium ‘InvestBhubaneswar’ was held on 1 July at PaloAlto, California. Jointly organised by theOrissa Society of America (OSA), theIndo-US Entrepreneurs (TiE), SiliconValley Chapter, and the Government ofOdisha, the mission of this symposiumwas to connect and network businesses inBhubaneswar with businesses in SiliconValley.

Around 120 Silicon Valley investors, salesand marketing professionals attended theevent. The event was a success: a USD 2.1billion investment commitment wasforged between several Silicon Valley sales,marketing and business developmentprofessionals, connecting withBhubaneswar-based companies to providevalue-added services.

Prabhu Goyal, prominent Silicon Valleyvisionary, delivered a keynote addresstitled 'Driving social change throughwealth creation'. He promotedBhubaneswar as an ‘investmentdestination’ that can create wealth,bringing social good to the bottom of thepyramid following selective investments.

In a question-answer session, ministersand secretaries answered questions relatedto MoUs signed by the government andtheir respective successes, the problems ofthe Posco-India project and othergovernment plans.

One highlighted issue was the lack of adirect international connection withBhubaneswar. While the Biju PatnaikAirport at Bhubaneswar is ready toaccommodate such flights, the lack ofpolitical will between the state and thecentre appears to be preventing theopening of Bhubaneswar to internationalairlines. “Time is money. We cannotexpect a CEO of a Silicon Valley companyto arrive at Mumbai or Delhi late nightand wait for several hours to take amorning flight to Bhubaneswar,” saysPurna Mohanty, chair of the symposiumand long-time Silicon Valley entrepreneur.“Yet another day is wasted before the CEOfinally sits down to actual business. This isexactly why only Indian companies set upshop in Bhubaneswar, not internationalones.”

On 2 July, TeamOdisha met TiE SiliconValley officials to discuss the possibility ofstarting a TiE Bhubaneswar chapter.President Vish Mishra emphasised theneed to be success-happy as opposed toMoU-happy. Mr Sandeep Agrawal, TiEcharter member, delineated the vastopportunities that the market presented inthe areas of e-commerce, SEO and mobileinternet. He emphasised thatBhubaneswar could emerge as adatacentre hub owing to the combinationof surplus power and cheap real estateover competing Tier-1 cities.

As a follow-up to this event, a SiliconValley delegation visited Bhubaneswar inDecember 2010 for an investment eventattended by over 300 delegates leading tothe creation of the TiE Bhubaneswarchapter. Mr. Gilbert Wong, mayor ofCupertino, visited Bhubaneswar to explorethe possibility of establishing a sister-cityrelationship.

The Invest Bhubaneswar FoundationTrust is functional, establishing anetworking platform for aspiringentrepreneurs.

The result is that Odisha entrepreneursnow face a bright future, something thatappeared distant until not too long ago.

The ‘Invest Bhubaneswar’event in Silicon Valley,California (USA), was a first inOdisha history. TheGovernment of Odisha andlocal businesses formed acohesive team under the brand‘TeamOdisha’ to visit SiliconValley. Subsequently, a 40-member business delegation,comprising around 20businesses and 15 governmentdelegates visited the area tocreate a business synergy.

R E V I E W

60

“Odisha is an excellent

compilation, which throws

light on various aspects

facts of a developing Odisha

apart from its rich tourism

potential.”

B.C. Nayak, Special Director, Ministry

of Home Affairs, Government of India

“The first issue of Odisha was

informative and educative. I now

know a little more about the

State than I previously did!”

H. K. Lal, Assistant General

Manager, Airports Authority of India

“Such a magazine makesfor an interesting read. Weat TRL are especially proudto be associated withvarious projects in Odisha.”Dr. Arup Kumar Chattopadhyay,Managing Director, Tata Refractories Limited

“The content, design, layout and

artwork of the magazine are of

excellent quality.”Rajen Sahay, Head of Corporate

Communications, TRF Limited

“The magazine looks

really good with

informative content and

powerful images. A job

well done!”

Prof. B. K. Mishra, Director,

Institute of Mineral and Materials

Technology

“The magazine is well

produced and holistic,

making for good reading.”

Jatin Das (well-known painter),

Chairman, Jatin Das Centre of Art

“Odisha was so enlightening

that I have made

arrangements to make it a

part of my library.”

M. J. Xavier, Director, Indian

Institute of Management, Ranchi

“The inaugural Odisha

issue was magnificent as

it highlighted positive

developments in the state

and its growth potential.”

Dr. Amitanshu Patnaik, Scientist,

Defence Terrain Research

Laboratory (DTRL)

“The magazine

highlighted the heritage,

industrial and agricultural

growth in Odisha.”

R. K. Bhuyan, Advisor, Senior

Consultant Engineers

R E A D E R S S P E A K

O-Disha' has been published by Bibek Chattopadhyay on behalf of the Vedanta Aluminium Limited (VAL).The opinions / views expressed in the magazine are those of the respective authors and do not reflect orimply those of the editor, VAL or their agents. This magazine is meant for private circulation only.

Readers are most welcome to mail feedback on magazine to communications@vedanta.co.in

The Rath Yatra (Car Festival) re-enacts the sacred journey of Lord Jagannath alongwith His brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. Three different mammoth andelaborately decorated chariots are pulled by thousands of devotees. Millions ofdevotees converge on the holy city of Puri to celebrate the nine-day festivities in themonth of Ashadha (June/July).

Website : orissatourism.gov.inOnline booking : www.visitorissa.org I e-mail : oritour@gmail.com

Call us : 1800 2097 123 (Toll free)

Stroll into Odisha and walk with the Lords

When millions throng to celebratethe holy Jagannath Rath Yatra

Issue 2011The voice of a resurgent Odisha

HERITAGECONSERVATIONRestoring Odisha’s rich heritage

The picture of the man as aleader, patriot, friend andhumanitarian

The legendary GuruKelucharan Mohapatra

BRIGHTENINGLIVES – THEVEDANTA WAYHow the Vedanta Group isbringing light into Odisha’s lives– literally

POETRYIN MOTION

BIJUBABU

ODISHAA MANY-SPLENDOURED STORY