Odisha Deputy CM Launches Pioneering MBA in Healthcare Management and Law
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, in collaboration with National Law University Odisha (NLUO) Vice-Chancellor Ved Kumari, officially inaugurated the university's innovative MBA programme in healthcare management and law in Cuttack. This groundbreaking initiative is specifically designed to cultivate a new generation of professionals who are fully equipped to take on leadership positions within healthcare institutions and various organizations dedicated to advancing public health and overall well-being.
Healthcare as a Fundamental Public Duty
Addressing the assembled audience at the launch event, Singh Deo delivered a powerful message, asserting that healthcare must be fundamentally re-conceptualized as a core public duty and obligation, rather than being treated as a marginal or peripheral welfare activity. He further emphasized that the introduction of this MBA programme is both exceptionally timely and critically relevant, as it aims to systematically bridge the existing gaps between administration, legal frameworks, healthcare delivery systems, and the practical implementation of health policies.
DRIEMS University Celebrates Second Convocation with Honors
In a separate but equally significant academic event, Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati presided as the chief guest at the second convocation ceremony of DRIEMS University, held at its Tangi campus. During his address, Governor Kambhampati eloquently emphasized that the pursuit of education does not conclude with the mere acquisition of a degree. He passionately urged the graduating students to embrace learning as a lifelong journey, to confront failures with unwavering courage, and to meet successes with genuine humility.
The convocation was a momentous occasion where academic excellence was prominently recognized. A total of eighteen outstanding students were honored with gold medals for their exceptional achievements. Furthermore, degrees were formally conferred upon 698 graduates, marking their successful completion of various academic programs. In a distinguished segment of the ceremony, the university conferred honorary doctorates upon two eminent Padma Shri awardees: social activist Tulasi Munda and noted scholar Damayanti Beshra, acknowledging their profound contributions to society.
BJB Friends Alumni Association Announces Executive Elections
The ex-students' association of BJB (Autonomous) College in Bhubaneswar, known as BJB Friends, has officially scheduled its elections for office-bearers and the executive committee. The voting is set to take place on March 22. This decision was finalized during a recent general body meeting of BJB Friends, which was convened at the association's office located on the college campus. The election process is anticipated to engage the alumni community in shaping the future leadership and direction of the organization.
Symposium Explores Cultural Significance of Hill Crops in Odisha
Utkal University recently hosted a compelling two-day symposium and film exhibition titled "Crops of Life: Cereal Cultures in the Highlands of Odisha" on February 6 and 7. The event served to illuminate and celebrate the profound, interconnected relationship between hill crop farming practices, cultural traditions, and community life in the region.
Prominent international anthropologists Roland Hardenberg and Peter Berger, who participated in the symposium, provided insightful observations. They noted that the cultivation of hill crops plays a crucial role in preserving religious traditions and maintaining social cohesion, even in the face of rapid and sweeping socio-economic changes. The symposium effectively highlighted how agricultural practices are deeply woven into the cultural and social fabric of Odisha's highland communities.
