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Many first-time visitors to Bhubaneswar can be forgiven for believing that the Odisha capital is only about modern infrastructure and urban living. But ask old-time residents and they will scratch beneath the surface to come up with some sharp insights about a city that is a confusing amalgamation of the ancient and the modern. Our Cover Story is thus both a celebration of Bhubaneswar's glorious past as well as a look at the challenges that stare the city's planners in the face. As we celebrate the 88th Odisha Foundation Day on April 1, we turn the spotlight on Odisha's rich cultural heritage and examine how the legacy is being carried forward in spheres like literature, classical dance, music, and cinema. The concept of tuition classes has been transformed by the emergence of start-ups in the EdTech sector. This has also thrown up several uncomfortable and disturbing questions. We look at the big picture in City Tech. We also gaze to Skyhawk, India’s first 5G drone. One of the founders of the start-up which developed the drone shares interesting insights into the making of the drone that is capable of vertical take-off and landing. With April 2 being observed as World Autism Day, the City Health section brings you an informative news feature on a condition that comes with more than a fair share of misconceptions. This edition also features IT professional-cum-mountaineer Sidharth Routray, who talks about a readiness to face extreme challenges and what the future may hold for him. The City Affairs section looks at cases of acid attacks in Odisha, some common causes behind them, and the legal framework to deal with such incidents. Over the past few years, Kalinga Stadium has become synonymous with big-ticket sporting events in India. A series of successful events held at the venue has reinforced Bhubaneswar’s image as the sports capital of India and put it on the world map. Read all about it in City Sports. Getting noticed by music maestro AR Rahman is really a big deal, and nobody knows this better than Samir Rishu Mohanty, aka Big Deal. The rapper from Odisha recently made it to the cover of the reputed Rolling Stone India magazine, posing with Rahman. Read more about his journey in Screen Shots. The section also features Gaurav Anand, the music sensation who has composed for several Odia projects in recent times. In a free-wheeling chat, the popular musician talks about his journey so far and his plans for the future.
How gender orientation is getting a clearer expression through Sex Reassignment Surgery A notable event across the world in June every year is the Pride Month which is meant to honor and recognize the LGBTQ+ community. Our Cover Story for this edition delves into a specific aspect that is crucial to the transgender community, Sex Reassignment Surgery. We speak to some prominent faces from the community to understand more about this life-changing medical procedure. The in-depth feature also analyses the way ahead for the entire community. Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s connection with Odisha has been talked about since his visit in 1919. A special feature brings you more on this. In City Sports, we highlight how some extremely tough and fiercely competitive disciplines, particularly in athletics, fail to get the kind of recognition that they deserve. We also bring you an informative news feature on the motorsport Formula 1 and what goes on behind the scenes to make it popular. Not so long ago, everybody’s favourite sweet, the ‘Rasagola’, was at the centre of an unlikely ‘war’ between people from Odisha and West Bengal over its origins. The matter was finally settled with the authorities granting the prestigious Geographical Index (GI) tag to both the ‘Odisha Rasagola’ and the ‘Bangalar Rasagola’ for Odisha and West Bengal respectively. This time it is the turn of Odisha’s ‘Chenna Poda’ to seek a GI tag for this unique dish. Read all about it in City Lights. The unique cuisine of Odisha has always been something to relish and a young chef from Bhubaneswar recently made sure that it grabbed eyeballs across the nation. Participating in Master Chef India 2023, Avinash Patnaik left a lasting impression on judges and viewers alike, with his fusion of art and traditional flavors. We bring you more about him in this edition.
When was the last time you walked down a beach, or a street, or even your neighborhood park without coming across plastic wrappers and bags strewn around carelessly? And, what are the chances that you don’t remember? As we observe Earth Day on April 22, our Cover Story takes a deep dive into the seemingly disparate but inexorably intertwined aspects around the theme for this year, ‘Plastic vs Planet’. We also bring you the silver lining - while the alarm bells are ringing louder than ever, there are many whose passion is driving them to make a difference. As electioneering picks up for the Lok Sabha and Odisha Vidhan Sabha elections, there is one person whose presence will be deeply missed. 2024 will be the first time in many decades that veteran politician Dr Damodar Rout’s personality will not loom large on the state’s political scene. In CityZen, we explore the life and times of the veteran Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader who passed away recently. We also bring you the inspirational journey of Amiyabala Parida and her transformation from a professor to a social activist. In a candid conversation, she opens up about how losing two of the closest members of her family to road accidents changed her outlook towards life in general and society in particular. Mention Teletubbies to anyone who grew up in the 90s and, more often than not, it will bring a smile to their face as fond memories come alive. No reference to the iconic British TV show can be complete without a mention of the Sun Baby whose character looms large over the Teletubbies universe. In a Q&A session, we catch up with Jessica Smith, who played the baby-faced sun, as she talks about how the show happened, her own baby, and the legacy of Teletubbies. In Screen Shots, we zoom in on two Odias who are aspiring to make a mark in Tollywood. Having been cast in a Telugu film boasting of some big names from the industry, Dr Devika Priyadarshini and Abhi Nag talk about how it feels to land a film starring superstar Anushka Shetty. The section also features emerging Odia actor Prasanjeet Mahapatra who has left a mark in the handful of films he has been a part of so far. The 30-year-old talks to us about the success of his latest film and the projects lined up in future.
Another year has come to an end, leaving behind a kaleidoscope of memories. For Odisha, 2023 was an eventful year when it came to governance, development, sports, and business. Our Cover Story for this edition brings you snapshots of the year’s significant policy decisions, major achievements in sports, landmarks from the corporate & business world, and important happenings in the Odia entertainment industry. Located in close proximity to buildings that seat the ‘who’s-who’ of Odisha’s power establishment, the Bhubaneswar Club has over the years evolved as an enduring symbol of socializing and celebration. With a history of 74 years, the club not only boasts of a rich legacy but also stands tall as a symbol of contemporary urban life. In City Tales, we walk you through all that the club stands for. Bhubaneswar was recently witness to a memorable congregation of vintage motor vehicles that reflected the glory, beauty, and craftsmanship of an era gone by. The inaugural Odisha Concours D’Elegance saw the participation of 50 eye-catching vintage cars from all over the country. Read all about this one-of-a-kind event in City Lights. A New Year brings with it new beginnings as well as new resolutions that are meant to set the tone for the next 12 months. City Lights brings to you a special feature tracing the origins of New Year resolutions and speaking to people from different walks of life to figure out the practice means to them. December 1, 2023 will be remembered for a film that not only created a storm at the box office but also sparked off an intense debate that shows no signs of dying down soon. ‘Animal’, the multi-lingual blockbuster, has received flak for normalizing misogyny and its controversial portrayal of gender dynamics. In Screen Shots, we talk to some prominent names from the Odia entertainment industry on the ongoing debate that has brought with it its own share of polarization and toxicity. Another issue that has become a matter of debate in recent days is that of paid menstrual leave for women. The issue has taken centre stage once again after Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani expressed her opposition to the concept on the grounds that it could lead to discrimination against women in the workforce. In City Beat, we reach out to people for their views on the subject
2022 began as a year of hope, one that promised to put the bitter memories of the past few pandemic years behind us. It has lived up to these expectations. From art and culture to sports and entrepreneurship, 2022 saw Odisha celebrate special occasions that provided some truly special memories to cherish. The world of films was also buzzing with activity during the year as Ollywood went back to doing what it does best - entertaining people. Our Cover Story brings you snapshots of the year that was. The New Year is also about making resolutions galore! Some are easily forgotten in days while others remain firmly etched in the mind to follow all through the year. In City Lights, we list a few simple tips on how to embrace a healthier life in 2023. Odisha is joining the world in driving into a better future and green kilometres are piling up as Electric Vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular. The state government's EV policy is providing a much-needed fillip to the segment when it comes to two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and light motor vehicles. A special feature explores the green road ahead. Social reformer, gender equality advocate, or changemaker … call her what you may. Anushree Dash has put in a lot of hard work and sacrifice to reach where she is today. Our CityZen for this edition, Dash talks to us about the social organisation she runs and how she goes about helping people, particularly those from tribal and rural areas. From watching plays during his engineering days in Bhubaneswar, Dipanwit Dashmohapatra is now enjoying all the accolades coming his way after back-to-back critical successes as the lead actor in films. In Screenshots, he opens up about his roles in films as well as his role models. If there was one single event that kept the world glued to their mobile and TV screens, it was the FIFA World Cup 2022. Despite some controversies, the tournament hosted by Qatar lived up to its expectations, with Lionel Messi's Argentina ending up with their third title. Mention rap and you end up thinking of the scores of singers who have made their mark across the world. The trend has also caught up closer home in recent years. In City Lights, we profile some artists who are putting Odisha on the global rap map. Happy reading and Happy New Year!
Ask anyone who they look up to and give credit to for being the person that they have become, chances are that a teacher will be on their list along with parents, family members, and close friends. To mark Teacher’s Day, our Cover Story for this edition pays tribute to the role that teachers play in our lives. Anybody who was around in the 80s would remember the pulsating beats and the psychedelic lights that were synonymous with a new form of music that held the world in thrall. A special feature in City Tales revisits the birth of Disco music, its impact on the Bollywood film industry, and its eventual decline of sorts. With the growing realisation that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here to stay, discussions these days often veer around to the influence this latest revolution in technology can have on different human endeavours. In City Tech, we take a look at some of the latest AI tools that can be used for a variety of functions. As it happens, advances in technology invariably come with their own unique challenges. Preventing cybercrime and identifying the perpetrators is one such challenge for law enforcement agencies these days and official data on the nature and number of such incidents presents a grim picture. Twin City police chief Soumendra Priyadarshi discusses the challenges in City Beat. The section also looks at diseases like dengue that make an appearance during the monsoon season. We speak with health and municipal officials to bring you a ground report. In Screen Shots, we catch up with the newest star on the block who is creating quite the buzz on the OTT circuit these days. Life has not been the same for actor Prem Parija, who had earlier worked as an assistant director for Bollywood films, since he was signed up to play the lead role in the ‘Commando’ series. The section also features Odia film producer Sanjay Nayak and filmmaker NG Reddy. During the course of a freewheeling chat, they discuss the current state of the Ollywood film industry and what needs to be done to draw the audience back to the movie theatres. This edition explores the interesting 200-year-old Urdu poetry tradition of ‘Mushaira’ in the city of Cuttack (City Culture) and the inspiring story of an 18-year-old entrepreneur who is rewriting the rules of success (City Biz).
A Bond Like No Other: The Many Hues Of Mother’s Day Over a year of the Covid-19 pandemic - and the accompanying bouts of lockdown, isolation, and quarantine - has taught us to value human relationships and family bonds. Nothing exemplifies these bonds more than the one between children and their mothers. As we observe Mother’s Day, the Cover Story explores the many nuances and facets of the unconditional relationship between a mother and her child - from a common thread of entrepreneurship and creativity to shared passions and likes.
2022 began as a year of hope, one that promised to put the bitter memories of the past few pandemic years behind us. It has lived up to these expectations. From art and culture to sports and entrepreneurship, 2022 saw Odisha celebrate special occasions that provided some truly special memories to cherish. The world of films was also buzzing with activity during the year as Ollywood went back to doing what it does best - entertaining people. Our Cover Story brings you snapshots of the year that was. The New Year is also about making resolutions galore! Some are easily forgotten in days while others remain firmly etched in the mind to follow all through the year. In City Lights, we list a few simple tips on how to embrace a healthier life in 2023. Odisha is joining the world in driving into a better future and green kilometres are piling up as Electric Vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular. The state government's EV policy is providing a much-needed fillip to the segment when it comes to two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and light motor vehicles. A special feature explores the green road ahead. Social reformer, gender equality advocate, or changemaker … call her what you may. Anushree Dash has put in a lot of hard work and sacrifice to reach where she is today. Our CityZen for this edition, Dash talks to us about the social organisation she runs and how she goes about helping people, particularly those from tribal and rural areas. From watching plays during his engineering days in Bhubaneswar, Dipanwit Dashmohapatra is now enjoying all the accolades coming his way after back-to-back critical successes as the lead actor in films. In Screenshots, he opens up about his roles in films as well as his role models. If there was one single event that kept the world glued to their mobile and TV screens, it was the FIFA World Cup 2022. Despite some controversies, the tournament hosted by Qatar lived up to its expectations, with Lionel Messi's Argentina ending up with their third title. Mention rap and you end up thinking of the scores of singers who have made their mark across the world. The trend has also caught up closer home in recent years. In City Lights, we profile some artists who are putting Odisha on the global rap map. Happy reading and Happy New Year!
The cheers have faded and the fans have long returned home but the memories linger on, such was the scale of the sporting extravaganza that unfolded through January. With Odisha hosting back-to-back FIH Men's Hockey World Cups in 2018 and 2023, the state has firmly established itself on the sports map of the world. The 2023 Men's Hockey World Cup was not limited to the stadiums in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela where all the matches were played. The excitement and the celebrations spilled over onto the streets of cities and villages all over Odisha. Our Cover Story brings you a recap of all the action and excitement. Our City Zen for this edition is Sarthak Pradhan, who was awarded a gold medal during Utkal University's recent convocation ceremony. While he works in the private sector, he is also an author and columnist. He opens up about his journey so far. The recent outbreak of flu across the state sparked fears due to similarities with the symptoms of a Covid-19 infection. While the flu has become a common enough occurrence during the winters, this time, the fever lasted longer. We look for some explanations in the City Health section. This edition salutes women who have broken the glass ceiling and made a mark in a field which has traditionally been considered to be a stronghold of men. These are scientists who are excelling in research, innovation, and exploration. Read all about them in City Beat. The City Lights section brings you highlights from a five-day fashion and lifestyle extravaganza that was headlined by top names from the world of fashion, entertainment, and sports. Our City Biz section focuses on what is fast emerging as the latest obsession around the world. We are talking about Web 3.0, and its use of components of Metaverse technology like Blockchain and Non-fungible Tokens (NFTs). The past year can be considered a watershed year for Odia cinema. Several Ollywood films enjoyed theatrical success - a rarity in recent times - while a few offbeat films also managed to draw the audience to the theatres. In Screen Shots, we explore if this marks the beginning of a new era for Odia cinema.
As the world observes International Women’s Day on March 8, we zero in on a motley group of women who have emerged as beacons of hope for thousands of others, acting as a formidable force to catalyse some much-needed change. Through their efforts, they have inspired thousands of women around them. Our Cover Story for this edition looks at the work being done by these four women to further female empowerment at the grass-roots community level. India heads to the next general elections for the Lok Sabha soon and there is an unmissable air of anticipation about what has often been described as the biggest festival of democracy in the world. A recent Supreme Court judgement striking down the electoral bonds scheme has, however, turned the spotlight firmly on the issue of funding for political parties. In City Affairs, we take a close look at the scheme and what the Supreme Court verdict means. Amidst all the talk of what it takes to be fit and healthy, we often ignore the importance of getting a good night’s sleep. One only has to look at science to understand the benefits that this brings to a person. Our City Health section brings you a sharp insight into the role sleep plays in our mental as well as physical well- being. As the state tableau rolled down the Kartavya Path during this year’s Republic Day parade in New Delhi, the hearts of Odias across the world swelled with pride as it depicted Odisha’s rich heritage. It went on to win the first prize among tableaus from states and union territories. In CityZen, we feature Kirti Kumar Moharana, the man whose vision shaped this year’s tableau; he talks about what went on behind the scenes and the high points of this endeavour. This Women’s Day, get ready for a film that seeks to decipher the complex expectations from life through the experiences of three individuals navigating difficult, and different, circumstances. ‘Trikanya’ seeks to delve deep into the psyche of these three as they go about realising their unfulfilled dreams and aspirations. Read all about the film in Screen Shots. We also review ‘Mast Mein Rehne Ka’, a film that is as light-hearted as it is meaningful. City Flix brings you all the high points from this offbeat take on life that encapsulates a roller coaster of emotions.