World Biosphere Reserves Day Celebrated at Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University

Baripada, November 3: A seminar was organised at the conference hall of the Department of Odia at Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University (MSCB University), Baripada, to mark World Biosphere Reserves Day. The programme was jointly organised by the university's Literary Club and the Eco Friends Apex Forest Protection Committee of Mayurbhanj. The programme was organised under the guidance of Vice-Chancellor Professor Mahendra Kumar Mohanty and presided over by Dr. Shyam Sundar Das, President of the Eco Friends Apex Forest Protection Committee. Professor Rajesh Kumar Singh, Chairman of the Postgraduate Council of the university, attended the programme as the Chief Guest. In his address, he emphasised the role of educational institutions and the younger generation in biodiversity conservation. Sanjay Kumar Choudhury, President of the organisation 'Ame Mayurbhanjia', attended as the Chief Speaker and delivered an insightful speech on the conservation of Similipal's natural resources, tribal livelihoods and local culture. He particularly remarked that without Similipal, large parts of eastern India would have turned into deserts. Later, Arun Kumar Ota, Coordinator of the Apex Forest Protection Committee, highlighted the unique natural beauty of Similipal and its rich diversity of wildlife and flora. Dr. Ramakanta Mahanta, Founder Secretary of the committee, delivered the welcome address and introduced the guests. A recorded message from Dr. Debabrata Swain, former Director of the Similipal Tiger Reserve and Biosphere Reserve, was presented through a virtual platform. Dr. Bichitranath Sahu, Assistant Professor in the Department of Odia, presented a paper titled "Our Similipal, Adorned with Natural Beauty." Dr. Shubhani Rath, Coordinator of the university's Literary Club, conducted the programme and proposed the vote of thanks. The programme began with the ceremonial welcome of the guests onto the dais, presentation of coconuts and felicitation. Floral tributes were also offered to the photographs of Lord Jagannath and Khairi, the famous tigress of Similipal, marking the formal inauguration of the event. Jhumar singer Bindumati Mahanta presented a traditional Jhumar song dedicated to Similipal. On the occasion, a poster on Similipal authored by Dr. Ramakanta Mahanta was formally released. Winners of the Odia and English poetry-writing and drawing competitions on the theme of Similipal were awarded prizes and certificates of appreciation. All participants also took a pledge to protect biodiversity, forests and wildlife. Faculty members, researchers and students of the university actively participated in the programme.