In this first episode of a series of talks by Sri Samir Ranjan Das, on the legendary Manoj Das, we come to know about the formative years of Manoj Das. The presentation is in Odia and the speaker mixes his narrative with reading from works of Manoj Das and his own observations, excursions to the places, and persons described in the writings.

Added on September 30, 2023

In this second episode of the series of talks by Sri Samir Ranjan Das, on the legendary Manoj Das, we come to know about the ancestors of Manoj Das as lucidly narrated by him in many of his writings. The presentation is in Odia and the speaker mixes his narrative with reading from works of Manoj Das and his own observations.

Added on October 3, 2023

In this third episode of the series of talks by Sri Samir Ranjan Das, on the legendary Manoj Das, we come to know about the narration style of the legendary author that endears him so dearly to the reader. The authors childhood was eventful as misfortunes of one sort and another fell on the family like a series of dacoit in his village, swindlers of Kolkata duping his father of substantial amount on pretext of selling a house to him.

Added on October 8, 2023

With this video, we come to the end of the chapters describing the eventful childhood of the legendary writer Manoj Das. From the next webinars, we shall focus on his life in Balasore as a college student.

Added on October 15, 2023

Soon after completing his schooling, Manoj Das joined FM College at Balasore and stayed with his elder brother, Manmath Das. Incidentally, Manmath Das was staying in the same house where legendary writer Fakir Mohan Senapati once lived. This was a big inspiration for Manoj Das. Young Manoj Babu soon got immersed in college student activities and was an undisputed leader having influence even on students two years his senior. Sri Samira Ranjan Das reads out from Manoj Babu's writings and peppers his reading with his own interaction with the legendary author and brings to light many little-known aspects of his life Many of us probably would never know that Manoj Babu had skills in magic and performed before his friends to their amusement.

Added on October 22, 2023

Added on October 29, 2023

Added on November 5, 2023

In this 8th episode of the series on Life Sketch Manoj Das, Sri Samir Ranjan Das takes us through narratives about the legendary writer by his friends like Shyama Sundar Mahapatra, Girija Bhusana Pattnaik, Sri Bibhuti Patnaik and Jugal Kishore Dutta.

Added on November 10, 2023

In this 9th episode of the talk series on the Life Sketch of Manoj Das, the speaker has given interesting anecdotes about the legendary author by his contemporaries.

Added on November 19, 2023

in this 10th episode of Life Sketch of Manoj Das, we take a peek into the life of young Manoj Das and his wife Pratigyan Debi, when he was completely immersed in setting up the magazine Diganata in Cuttack. It was during this time that the couple was blessed with a son and had to reconcile to the tragic loss of this only child.

Added on December 3, 2023

In the 11th episode of Life Sketch of Manoj Das, we get to peek into the early days of his political activity. We also come to know how the publication of his carefully nourished magazine "Diganta" gradually faded into obscurity after the misplaced responsibility of management. And how the well-intentioned donations of certain artifacts from his inlaw's zemindary for display in a museum changed hands only to vanish from public view. The anecdotes about Manoj Das's efforts to get some advertisement for his magazine DIGANATA make it interesting and hilarious listening.

Added on December 10, 2023

The 12th episode of the series "Life Sketch of Manoj Das" is dedicated to Paradipgarh, Kujanga , the legendary author's in-law's zemindari. Narayana Birabara Samanta was Manoj Das's father-in-law who was a zemindar and Biswambara Samanata was his brother-in-law. It was Biswambar Babu who introduced Manoj Das into the Pondicherry Ashram life.

Added on December 17, 2023

The 13th episode of "Life Sketch of Manoj Das" is presented by Sri Samir Ranjan Das. Many of us probably do not know that Manoj Das had plans to join some institution of higher learning in Kolkata as per the advice of his well-wishers. He did go there but some turn of events made him come back to Cuttack.

Added on December 23, 2023

Sri Gobardhana Panda has spent more than a decade with the Bonda tribe of Odisha in Koraput District. The Bonda tribes are perceived to be one of most aggressive tribes of India and would not allow strangers into their land. Sri Panda learnt their language and was accepted into the tribe as a man of their own.

Added on December 27, 2023

The Bonda tribes in the Koraput District of Odisha live in the Bonda Hills region. They have a tradition where older girls marry younger boys. Sri Gobardhan Panda, a researcher on tribal culture, and language and author of a number of books on tribes of Koraput, has this interesting insight into this tradition.

Added on December 28, 2023

In his book Smrutira Pradipa, Manoj Das reminisces about many famous personalities of the times with whom he came in contact and has interesting anecdotes to share. The reader will get to know about Pandit Godabarisha Mishra, Nilakantha Das, Laxminarayana Sahu, Kalindicharana Panigrahi, Kunja Bihari Das, Radhamohana Gadanayak, Manamohan Mishra, Nityananda Mahapatra, Harekrushna Mahatab narrated through Manoj Das’s skillfully crafted words. The hallmark of Manoj Babu’s writing is the inimitable style of describing comic situations in profound words.

Added on December 31, 2023

Added on January 10, 2024

ଭୀମ ପୃଷ୍ଟି ଙ୍କ ଗଳ୍ପ ଓ ଉପନ୍ୟାସ ପଛ ରେ ରହିଥାଏ ବର୍ଷ ବର୍ଷ ର କ୍ଷେତ୍ର ଅନୁଧ୍ୟାନ ଓ ତଥ୍ୟ ସଂଗ୍ରହ | ସ୍ଥାନ ର ଇତିହାସ ସହ ବାସ କରୁଥିବା ସାଧାରଣ ଲୋକ ମାନେ ହିଁ ତାଙ୍କ ଉପନ୍ୟାସ ର ଚରିତ୍ର ଓ ସେଇଥିପାଇଁ ତାଙ୍କ ରଚନା ପଢିବା ବେଳେ କାହାଣୀ ସହ ପାଠକ ବାନ୍ଧି ହୋଇଯାଏ | ଏହି ଆଭାସୀ ବୈଠକ ରେ ସେ ତାଙ୍କ ଳିକଝିଟା ତିନୋଟି ଉପନ୍ୟାସ ଯଥା ମୁହାଣ, ଓଁ ଏବଂ ଜମ୍ବୁଲୋକ ର ଐତିହାସିକ ପୃଷ୍ଠଭୂମି ଉପରେ ଆଲୋକପାତ କରିଛନ୍ତି | ମୁହାଣ ରେ ବଳାରାମଗଡ଼ି ଓ ବାଲେଶ୍ୱର କିଭଳି ଦିନେ କଲିକତା ସଦୃଶ ମହାନଗରୀ ହେବାର ସମ୍ଭାବନା ରେ ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ଥିଲା ଏବଂ କେଉଁ କାରଣ ପାଇଁ ତାହା ହୋଇପାରିଲାନାହିଁ ସେ ବିଷୟରେ ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କରିଛନ୍ତି | ଠିକ ସେଇଭଳି ଓଁ ଉପନ୍ୟାସ ରେ ଭୀମଭୋଇଙ୍କ ଯିବନି କିଭଳି ପ୍ରଚ୍ଛନ୍ନ ଭାବେ ରହିଛି ସେକଥା କହିଛନ୍ତି | ଜାମ୍ବୁଲୋକ ରେ ବ୍ରିଟିଶ ଶାସନ ସମୟରେ କେଉଁ ପରିସ୍ଥିତି ରେ କାଉଡିଆଦ୍ଵୀପ ରେ ବତୀଘର ସ୍ଥାପନ ଓ ପରେ ସେଠାରେ ଏକ ବନ୍ଦର ସ୍ଥାପନ ଏବଂ ଯେଉଁ ହୁକିୱାକର ଇଂଜିନିୟର ଙ୍କ ଦ୍ୱାରା ତାହା ନିର୍ମିତ ହୋଇଥିଲା , ତାଙ୍କ ନାମରେ ହୁକିତୋଳା ନାମକରଣ ହେଲା ସେହିକଥା କହିଛନ୍ତି | କେନ୍ଦ୍ରାପଡା ର ଉପକୂଳ ଅଞ୍ଚଳ କିଭଳି କ୍ରମଶଃ ଏକ ମିନି ବାଙ୍ଗଲାଦେଶ ରେ ପରିଣତ ହେଲା ଓ ସେହି ଲୋକମାନଙ୍କ ଦୁଃଖ ଓ ସୁଖ ର କାହାଣୀ କୁ ଫୁଟାଇବାକୁ କିଭଳି ଦିନ ଦିନ ଧରି ସେ ସେହି ଅଞ୍ଚଳ ସବୁ ଘୁରି ଭୁଲିଛନ୍ତି , ତାହା ଶୁଣିବା ଭଳି କଥା |

Added on May 27, 2024

Many Odia workers left Odisha during the British Raj for better opportunities in many SE Asian countries, Malaysia being one. Many of them choose to stay back and are still there. Listen to them through Dr.Rengadhar Horia Naik and his family. You shall be surprised at their resolve to maintain their Odia identity. No one has asked them to speak in Odia, pray to Lord Jagannath every evening. but, some indescribable factor has made it possible and you will be delighted to find them speak so eloquently about their Oda identity. Hindered by lack of many things, they still try to continue the Odia language in their families. Often marraiges of people speaking different languages lands them in a peculiar situation. Even then, they try to hold on to Odia as the family Language.
Dr.Rengadhar Horia shall be giving a talk on 9th June Sunday evening in Kalinga History Webinar on Zoom Platform.
Thanks to Dr.Shital Kumar of Myanmar for making the connection.

Added on June 7, 2024

ଓଡିଶା ର କୋରାପୁଟ ଜିଲ୍ଲା ର ଜୟପୁର ନିକଟସ୍ଥ ପାତ୍ରପୁଟ ଗ୍ରାମ ର ଜଣେ ସାଧାରଣ ଆଦିବାସୀ ମହିଳା ଏକ ଅସାଧାରଣ କାମ କରି ସାରା ଦେଶ ତଥା ବିଦେଶ ରେ ଚର୍ଚିତ ହୋଇଥିଲେ | ତାଙ୍କ ନିଆରା କାମ ର ଗୁରୁତ୍ୱ ଏତେ ଥିଲା ଯେ ଭାରତ ସରକାର ତାଙ୍କୁ ପଦ୍ମଶ୍ରୀ ସମ୍ମାନ ରେ ଅଳଙ୍କୃତ କରିଥିଲେ | ସେହି ମହିୟସୀ ମହିଳା ଗତକାଲି ଇହଲୀଳା ସମ୍ବରଣ କରିଛନ୍ତି | ତାଙ୍କ ବିୟୋଗ ସମଗ୍ର ମାନବ ଜାତି ପାଇଁ ଅପୂରଣୀୟ କ୍ଷତି | କଳିଙ୍ଗ ଇତିହାସ ର ଆଲୋଚନା ରେ କେନ୍ଦ୍ରୀୟ ବିଶ୍ୱବିଦ୍ୟାଳୟ ର ପ୍ରଫେସର ଡ଼. ଶରତ ପାଲିତା ଙ୍କ ଅନୁରୋଧ ଓ ଡ଼. ଦେବବ୍ରତ ପଣ୍ଡା ଙ୍କ ସହଯୋଗ ରେ ସେହି ଦିବଂଗତ ଆତ୍ମା କୁ ଶ୍ରଦ୍ଧାଞ୍ଜଳି ଦିଆଗଲା |

Added on July 21, 2024

Nihar Ranjan NAnda, author of the best selling book GAjapati Kapilendra Deba, take us on an exciting journey of reviewing 9 books that has caught his attention and making him recomend for other to read:
1. The Saga of Jagannatha by Dr.Mayadhar Mansigh
2.Jayee Rajguru and Anti-colonial Resistance in Khurdha by Bijay Chandra Rath
3.The Economy of Odisha a Profile by Pulin Nayak, Santosh Panda, Prasanta Pattanaik
4. Social history of Orissa in 19th century by Sanjay Kumar Mahapatra
5. Contribution of Orissa to Sanskrit literature by Dr Raghunath Panda and G.C Nanda
6. Oriya Nationalism by Nivedita Mohanty
7. Bhubaneswar Itihasa by Dr. Prafulla Chandra Tripathy
8. Political history of modern Odisha by Basanta Das
9. Odisha and Sports, A story of Hope and Glory by Boria Majumdar and R. Vineel Krishna
Nihar has not only reviewed the books but also given a rating of his own in a scale of 0 to 5.
Kalinga History aims to bring up more of such reviews in coming days.
The first episode of a series that will focus on reviewing books with an aim to
For Readers:
1. Guidance in Selection: Reviews help readers decide whether a book is worth their time and money.
2. Discovering New Books: Reviews often highlight books that readers might not have come across otherwise.
3. Setting Expectations: By offering a summary and critique, reviews set realistic expectations.
For Authors:
1. Visibility and Promotion: Reviews increase the visibility of a book.
2. Feedback for Improvement: Constructive reviews provide authors with feedback on what worked and what didn’t.
3. Credibility and Reputation: Accumulating positive reviews helps establish an author’s reputation.
For the Literary Community:
1. Cultural and Intellectual Discourse: Reviews contribute to the broader cultural and intellectual conversation.
2. Archival Record: They serve as a historical record of how a book was received.
3. Supporting Literary Criticism: Reviews support the field of literary criticism.
Overall, book reviews play a crucial role in the ecosystem of reading and publishing, influencing the success of books and enriching the reading experience for audiences.

Added on August 4, 2024

Its the result out of a webinar on " Koraput Ra Balmiki Ashrama O Raja Gumpha, the talk was given by Eminent trbal Poet & Researcher Shri Nilakantaha Dalia.

Added on August 4, 2024

Biswarupa Mohanty, more popularly known as Mona Biswarupa, is an artist based in Dubai. Her exceptional and unique contributions to the field of arts have been recognized by the UAE government, awarding her the Golden Visa, making her possibly the first Odia to receive this honor. Mona’s artwork is distinguished by its vibrant portrayal of women using minimal lines and colors. Nature serves as her greatest inspiration, with its intricate beauty and subtle details often reflected in her creations. In her talk, she provides a captivating and coherent account of her early experiences that left lasting impressions on her mind, which are reflected in her paintings and drawings. She offers several insightful observations on finding perfect delight in imperfections, aligning with the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi. Her ability to observe her surroundings in minute detail and incorporate these nuances into her work makes her sketches lively and eye-catching. Her paintings exude the innocence of living a frugal but content life and highlight the strong bonds of Indian families and the strength of caring women with an aura of superpower.

Biswarupa Mohanty, popularly known as Mona Biswarupa is a Dubai-based Indian artist who is known for her portrayal of women that pay homage to nature, folk, and the feminine.

Biswarupa grew up in Mayurbhanj, Odisha. Pristine natural beauty, the sounds of music, and the rich heritage and culture of the land influenced her aesthetic senses. Her creativity found expression at a very young age in the form of simple drawings made with her father’s ink and mother’s ‘Aalta’.Her poet father’s inspiration, mother’s encouragement, and Guru’s guidance instilled in her the passion to choose a creative career. She went on to study Fashion at NIFT New Delhi and IED Milan, and along the way worked with some of the leading design houses in the world. After fifteen years in the fashion industry, when Biswarupa realized that her true calling was art, she left her design job and embarked on her new journey in visual arts.

Biswarupa’s works are defined by her depiction of women in various forms, exuding beauty, power, sensitivity, and vulnerability.Apart from her own roots , she also is greatly inspired by the Japanese aesthetic Wabi-sabi and in her unique style she uses gracefully flowing lines, contrasting colors, and overlayed textures to celebrate the glorious imperfections of beauty. Mona’s works illustrate the beauty of Indian culture in it’s full glory.There is an aura of tranquility and bliss in her works which makes them not only a treat for the eyes but also for the soul.

Biswarupa's art is an amalgamation of femininity, spirituality, culture & nature, nature that surrounds us as well as dwells within us.
Flow, flaw and connect form the core of her art practice.
The sole purpose of her art is to spread the message of love and inclusiveness and evoke a sense of belongingness and bliss in the viewer’s heart

Added on August 4, 2024

Talk by Dr. Urmishree Bedamatta, Department of English, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, Odisha, India. Talk organised by Bigyana Chetana Mancha (BCM), Odisha. BCM is affiliated to Breakthrough Science Society.

Added on November 13, 2024

#Kuldiha Sanctuary, situated just below the larger and more renowned Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha, boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna. During a field day visit, members of the Amateur Radio Society of Odisha experienced the breathtaking beauty of the jungle and its wildlife. The highlight of their visit was witnessing a rare and dramatic encounter between a wild elephant and a tiger that had ventured in from Similipal, unfolding at close range. Sanctuaries like Kuldiha play a crucial role in preserving wilderness and protecting the diverse species that inhabit them.

Added on February 13, 2025

A Rarest Documentary by Film Division , Govt of India : Yr 2005 .

🌟 Discover the captivating journey of Biju Patnaik, also known as Bijubabu, in this exclusive documentary! 🌟 Born in Odisha, Biju Patnaik emerged as a visionary leader and an inspiring figure. From his daring escapades in the skies to his advocacy for the people of Odisha, his legacy remains unmatched. Explore how Bijubabu transformed education, infrastructure, and synonymous with resilience during tough times. Dive deep into the life story of this phenomenal leader who defined modern Odisha. Don't miss this blend of history, emotion, and inspiration! Hit that play button now, and let’s honor the legacy of Bijupatnaik! ✈️💡 #Bijupatnaik #Odisha #bijubabu

Added on March 5, 2025

A Tribute to the Unsung Architects of Progress

With sweat, blood, and an indomitable will of steel, they forge the foundations of towering marvels. The awe-inspiring mega structures we admire today are the fruits of relentless toil, crafted by countless unsung heroes—the engineers, workers, and even the contractors.

Like soldiers on a battlefield, they wage war against unforgiving terrains, battle the forces of nature, and race against impossible deadlines—often at the cost of their own well-being and that of their families. Yet, when these grand projects are completed and dedicated to the nation, they are the first to be forgotten, denied even a simple gesture of gratitude.

Kalinga History, in its new series, will illuminate the lives of these unsung warriors, ensuring that their sacrifices and contributions are etched into the memory of society, never to be overlooked again.

Added on March 18, 2025

A PLACE BEGGING FOR ATTENTION OF ARCHAEOLOGISTS AND HISTORIANS
Long ago, on a cosmic timescale, someone else stood right where we are now, engaged in their own actions, living a life as real as ours is today. Just as our existence in this moment is undeniable, they too experienced a full spectrum of emotions—hope, despair, joy, sorrow, spiritual quests, and more. Time is a relentless force, tearing down all that lives to clear space for new growth. Yet humans stand apart. With their spark of creativity, they imprint lasting marks on the world around them, far more enduring than their fleeting physical forms.
Consider, for instance, a place like Kutunipadar, just 45 kilometers from Koraput, largely unknown to nearby residents until recently. Here, the remnants of a forgotten era have surfaced, revealing a rich historical tapestry. The craftsmanship of those who lived there rivals the finest skills of today’s artisans; their aesthetic sense matches that of modern connoisseurs. Despite existing in a time we can scarcely imagine, they left behind a legacy of stone carvings that leave us marveling—and humbled by how little we know of our own history.
Scattered across the site are intricately carved stone idols—some half-finished depictions of Lord Jagannath, others weathered fragments of Chakra, Gada, and Lotus. Countless Shiva Lingas, from small to towering waist-high ones, jut out from every corner. Only a trained eye can fully decipher the array of figures strewn about. The local pujari has thrown together a makeshift asbestos roof over the jumbled mound of relics, offering shelter for visitors during rain. At the hill’s base, a few snack stalls have popped up to serve the growing trickle of people.
One can only hope that historians will eventually turn their attention to this site, peeling back layers of mystery to reveal untold stories of the region. For now, the locals spin tales of Mukteswar, Maa Taarini, the 33 crore gods, and Lord Jagannath, weaving a livelihood from the swelling number of worshippers who visit each day.

Added on March 24, 2025