Horticultural Farm near Cuttack

On Thursday,i.e. 15.12.2011, we have visited a horticultural farm developed by SAMBANDH, a not for profit organisation, at a place near Cuttack. One can reach this farm by traveling past Charbatia and arriving at the outskirt of village Kochila Nuagaon. It is almost 40 kilometers away from Cuttack. A large number of saplings of mango, lemon etc. are produced each year and are supplied to NABARD. The farm also houses a good training centre which provides training to local people regarding management of natural resources.
There is also one ayurvedic product manufacturing unit that uses medicinal plants procured by local people. It also encourages organic farming for vegetables which command premium prices.
The sales outlet situated inside the farm provides good number of ayurvedic products to the visitors.

Collaborative tools in teaching-learning process.

World wide web provides new platform for collaborative project execution and continuous monitoring. I have created a wiki site for online collaboration of students and faculties of Department of Mechanical Engineering, ABIT Cuttack. One can access the wiki at mechanical-abit.wikispaces.com for more information. This type of free wiki site is a good place to go virtual for experimental purpose.

Facebook Page on Entrepreneurship

I have created a facebook page on entrepreneurship through which students and prospective entrepreneurs can interact for win-win situation. Periodically I will share some interesting ideas with the members. Access the page here.

Enjoyable Places near Kataka

Damadamani is a quite calm place situated in the valley of eastern ghat mountain range very close to millennium city Kataka. One can reach this place via Chowdwar-Charbatia within forty five minutes from Kataka. Government of Odisha is constructing an earth dam of 360 meter long joining two small hills which will irrigate nearby villages. A famous temple of Maa Banadurga is built at the base of the hill. A good picnic spot with natural spring flowing alongside Damadamani will definitely become a more popular place to visit.

Some more photographs which speak their story.

The backyard area behind me in the picture will be submerged once this dam comes into picture.

Spending time with local people of Damadamani.

Virus, Bacteria and System

The recent onset of Swine-Flu epidemic in Odisha reminds me the peculiar characteristics of the Eco-system involving virus, bacteria and human body. The viruses become active during certain period of time when the atmosphere’s temperature and humidity provide extra boost for rampant multiplication. The viruses attack the weak human body and further lower the fighting capability of immune system. During this period the harmful bacteria which remain dormant till the time of virus attack, become active and damage our vital organs.
Similar activities are also observed in organisation throughout its life cycle. It willingly or unwillingly accepts viruses from the environment. When the system is inherently weak, virus (particular category people) automatically enters inside. With passage of time it weakens the immune system of the organisation. There are always combinations of useful and harmful bacteria (particular category people) available in any organisation. The presence of virus provides immoral boost to harmful bacteria to carry out nefarious activities. Gradually the whole organisation becomes weak and sick. Many times this type of case ultimately becomes fatal. Therefore the organisation has to quarantine or eliminate if possible, these harmful bacteria for healthy living. Proper immunisation will keep the virus at bay for which the organisation must seek the advice of external doctors. No self medication should be practiced.

My Views-August

Opportunities from Urbanisation
With rapid urbanisation in India, around thirty percent of total population is now-a-days dwelling in towns and cities. This trend creates market opportunities like transportation and communication, food, and healthcare, followed by housing and utilities, recreation and education.
Who stole engineering students?
Again this year (2010), we have seen around 19000 seats remain vacant in various engineering colleges of Odisha. Last year that figure was 8000. The rising cost of engineering education, poor infrastructural and teaching facilities, unprofessional attitudes and behaviours of promoters of these engineering colleges have lowered the confidence level of prospective students to pursue engineering as profession. This is exemplified by renewed interest of students for traditional courses like science, commerce etc.

Dr.S.K.Sar Sir No More

Dr.Santosh Kumar Sar, our beloved teacher at UCE, Burla has died due to kidney failure at Bhubaneswar.