Odia Environment crusader Prafulla Samantara wins Green Nobel

Prafulla Samantara was honoured for his "...historic 12-year legal battle that affirmed the indigenous Dongria Kondh’s land rights and protected the Niyamgiri Hills from a massive, open-pit aluminum ore mine.” in San Francisco on Monday.

"The Niyamgiri case is proof that people’s power can defeat corporate interests if the cause is right. We were not fighting for some riches. We were fighting for our survival,” says Samantara.

The Goldman Environmental Prize is awarded annually to grassroots environmental activists, one from each of the World's Six geographic regions, recognising individuals' significant and sustainable efforts towards enhancing and protecting the natural environment.

Apart from Samantara, Mark Lopez (the US), Uroš Macerl (Slovenia), Rodrigo Tot (Guatemala) Rodrigue Katembo (Democratic Republic of Congo) and Wendy Bowman (Australia), have been honoured with Goldman prize this year.

Previous Indian winners include Medha Patkar, M C Mehta, Ramesh Agarwal, Rashida Bee and Champa Shukla.

Odisha Global applauds their commendable efforts against environmental abuse.

6 Laudable Crafts of Odisha

Odisha Global presents you with 6 other art and craft forms that are equally worthy and exquisite, displaying the rich and artistic heritage of the state that lies beyond the famous alluring Appliqué work, stunning silver filigree, popular Pattachitra paintings and now the surreal sand sculptures.

1.  Dhana Murti

Dhana Murti 

The assiduous art of making handicrafts from the unhusked rice is practiced in the Balasore, Koraput, Bolangir and Kalahandi parts of Odisha. Rice grains, bamboo slivers soaked in turmeric water and dried along with colored threads are used in making lightweight and spectacular idols and objects.

2. Chita

Chita or Jhoti 

The highly symbolical and meaningful folk art of Odisha is basically murals drawn with a piece of cloth or a twig dipped in white rice paste otherwise known as “pithau”. Usually seen in the auspicious month of “Margasira” this art form can be seen during religious activities in the state.

3. Straw Painting

Straw Painting 

Bringing together the elegant contrast of golden straws on a black canvas, this traditional painting of Odisha involves shaping flattened straws into various patterns and forming different images on a black velvet canvas. Practiced and promoted by Pradeepta Nayak in Jirala, a small village in Dhenkanal, the popularity of the art form is growing year after year.

4. Papier Mache

Mostly practiced around Puri, this incredible artwork converts waste paper, waste cloth, waste materials and different kinds of natural fibers into amazing artifacts that are strong and durable.

Papier Mache 

5. Santhal & Saura Paintings

Santhal & Saura Paintings

The peculiar and pleasant paintings of the most ancient tribe of Odisha, Saura are called ikons and are dedicated to their main deity Idital.  Red or yellow ochre Earth form the background of the paintings which is then painted using tender bamboo shoots with drawings mirroring their daily chores using natural dyes.

6. Lacquered Craft

Lacquered Craft

Tribal women in Balasore and Nabrangapur districts of Odisha make use of Lac, the refuse of an insect and mix it with different colors to create stunning objects such as bangles, fashionable necklaces and decorative boxes and baskets.

The varied and vibrant culture of Odisha is expressed in every art form, each unique and exuding a charm of its own yet the potential remains untapped.

Bhubaneswar & Cupertino: Celebrating 6 Years of ‘Sister-Hood’

We all have heard Bhubaneswar & Cuttack to be the ‘Twin Cities’ of Odisha, because of their geographical positions and friendly associations both socially & politically. But, have you heard of ‘Sister Cities’? If yes, then you must be aware that Bhubaneswar is the ‘Sister City’ of Cupertino, California, U.S.A since 2011. Still confused about how it works? Here at Odisha Global, today we are celebrating this kind relationship by spreading the word & invoking conversation.

Sister City-Inception:

Well, ‘Sister Cities’ is a concept that started after the end of the Second World War in 1947 to foster friendship & understanding between different cultures & countries, specially former enemies as an act of peace & retaliation. However, the modern concept of ‘Sister Cities’,  though being based on the original inculcates more about empowering strategic international business links, tourism & trade and also various social & cultural causes.

A Sneak-Peek into Cupertino, California:

The City of Cupertino or renowned as the home of the Apple Inc. is situated in the state of California, in the county of Santa Clara, in the region of San Francisco Bay Area in United States of America. This small coastal city has a population of 58,302 according to 2010 Census, with notable citizens like Steve Jobs – The Founder of Apple Inc., Aaron Eckhart-The Golden Globe Winning Actor, popularly known for his roles as Two-Face or Harvey Dent in ‘The Dark Knight’ in 2008, etc.

The Flourishing Friendship of Bhubaneswar & Cupertino:

Bhubaneswar was chosen unanimously by the City council to be a ‘Sister City’ to Cupertino on 16^th August 2011, as Bhubaneswar shares similarities with Cupertino in many ways from culture to demographics. The city Mayor Gilbert Wong & the co-president of Bhubaneswar ‘Sister City’ initiative both agree on how both of thecities “have a rich melting pot culture along with a stronghigh-tech sector, higher percentage of educated citizens, numerous universities and temples all at one place.” Since the inception of the idea, Bhubaneswar & Cupertino have had many extended visits, student exchange programs, festivals like Diwali celebrated together here in Bhubaneswar and Cupertino alike as the latter claims to have a larger population as Indian students in its universities.

This ‘11^th wealthiest city with a population of over 50,000 in U.S.A’ has 3 other ‘Sister Cities’ across the world:

·        Cupertino’s namesake city: Copertino, Apulia, Italy

·        Hsinchu, Republic of China (Taiwan)

·        Toyokawa, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

Guess, we Bhubaneswarites are Global in many ways than we had anticipated before!

Odisha Global | Bhubaneswar and Cupertino | Sister City 

15 places Other Than Puri Where The Lord Of the Universe Resides.

Jagannathe Temples

1) Shri Jagannath Temple in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad is a smaller replica of the main temple in Puri.

2) There are two Jagannath Temples in Ahmedabad.

The first temple was established about 450 years ago and the second in 2014.

3) Comilla Jagannath Temple or Jagannath Dev Mandir of Comila dating back to 16^th century is the only octagonal shaped temple in Bangladesh.

4) Jagannath Temple or Handial Mandir in the Handilal Village is one of the most beautiful Hindu temples in Northern Bangladesh.

5) Jagannath Mandir in Sialkot was constructed in 2007 and is one of the most prominent Hindu temples in Pakistan.

6) Jagannath Temple in Bengaluru was established recently to strengthen the Odia traditions in the city.

7) Shri Jagannath Mandir in Delhi is a replica of the main Puri temple and is a highly valued symbol of the Odia community in the national capital.

8) Jagannathpur Temple, Ranchi established in 1691 is a major attraction in the whole of Jharkhand.

9) Jagannath Temple in Chennai looks spectacular with all its construction from black granite & white marble.

10) Jagannath Bari in Agartala is famous for its unique architecture.

11) Jagannath Temple in Alwar presents a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Odia architecture.

12) Jagannatha Perumal Temple in Tamil Nadu, the Madhya Jagannath Kshetra is one of the three important Jagannath temples in the world.

13) Jagannath Temple in West Bengal in Mohanpur attracts tourists as it is believed that the main Jagannath temple of Puri is visible from its peak.

14) Jagannath Temple in Bokaro is a replica of the main temple in Puri.

15. Jagannath Mandir in Raipur is the first Jagannath Temple in Chattisgarh established in the year 1860.

There are several other places around the world where Lord Jagannath is worshiped by millions of devotees.

Odisha Gobal | Jagannath Temple Puri | Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India  

“Odisha Global” The Maha Entertainment Event Of this Year

Odisha Global Event 

Our beloved“Odisha” is a state full of treasures in terms of art, culture, religion and scenic beauty. In the past and present era, many legendary personalities of Odisha have madeus proud with great achievements by their hard work, effort, skill, and  courage.

According to the 2001 Census, Odisha is the 9th largest state by area, and 11th by population and our mother tongue,  Odia is widely spoken by 33.2 million.

A major ancient Indian classical dance that originated in the Hindu temples of Odisha – Odissi, is one of the pre-eminent classical dance forms that is appreciated by the people around the globe.  Sambalpuri Songs like "Rangabati" and "Ekda Ekda" are famous worldwide.

For their inherent or exhibited natural, cultural values and historical significance, The Sun Temple in Konark, The Jagannath temple in Puri , The Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar with numerous other religious destinations are major  tourist attractions.  Breathtaking beaches, spectacular scenic beauty, magnificent monuments present in Odisha give it a distinct identity yet it hasn’t received the due recognition and admiration that it deserves.

The Event Odisha Global is a step towards Global Odisha. It reinforces that Odisha can have global aspirations by  uniting India's top entertainers and Odisha's top achievers on a single platform. Sunil Grover and Deepali Sahayand many other Bollywood stars will share the stage with Prince Dance Group, Ananya Nanda and other Popular Odia luminaries  such as Sidhants Mohapatra, Anu Chaudhry and Babushan Mohanty.

We strive towards global exposure for the state while entertaining the people of Odisha with this Mega Event.

Join us in the fun and excitement soon..

Remember the Venue- Jantha Maidan

A Candid Conversation with DEEPALI SAHAY

Deepali Sahay (Odisha Global)

Our Journalist Pragyan Parimita got in touch with the very charming and versatile Deepali Sahay over an informal  WhatsApp call as she's bracing up to spread her magic in the upcoming mega event Odisha Global.

Pragyan Parimita: It's been exactly a decade since Indian Idol happened and certainly life has   changed. Share a memorable moment from your Idol days.

DEEPALI: Oh Yes, swift fly the years!  Definitely things have changed since then.. my journey as a whole is indeed memorable but the day I sang “mera piya ghar aya” was the highlight for me. Till then everyone was of the opinion that I was underperforming so with the song I completely changed my style. The performance not only brought about a new side of me but I got hugely accepted by the audience. So yes, that was special. 

Pragyan Parimita: The transition from a naive 18 year old to a singing star and now an actor has been tremendous! How do you feel?

DEEPALI: I feel wonderful and lucky! *laughs* I believe change is the only constant.

I want to grow as a person. Even now I am discovering myself everyday and would love to see myself change for better. I want to be successful and famous..but then in a good way. I don’t compare my achievements with others. I compete with myself and strive for continuous improvement. 

Pragyan Parimita: What Deepali Sahay would have been known for if not for singing?

DEEPALI: An IPS Officer. I was very studious and inclined towards taking UPSC exams     but then Indian Idol happened at the age of 18 just after 10th boards and drifted my career towards my passion. 

Pragyan Parimita: Like you know many of the aspiring talents don’t get their share of chances. Any words of encouragement? 

DEEPALI:  All I would say is never lose heart. Nobody can achieve everything in life. So relax! There will always come a time when you’ll get what you want till then love yourself. Everyone is born unique, so are we all. Feel happy about yourself and try to be a good human. Be original. Accept yourself.  This is the mantra to happiness and that is success!

Now coming to our event Odisha Global- 

Pragyan Parimita: How do you resonate with the whole idea of Odisha Global?

DEEPALI: It is a wonderful concept to have such amazing and diverse talent perform for the crowd of Odisha, together. This will set the ball rolling for Odisha to host more such grand events. Definitely Odisha is going global with this and I am proud to be a part. Really!

Pragyan Parimita: Finally, what should your fans be expecting from your performance?

DEEPALI: A mesmerizing musical experience for sure.. she signed off!

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