South Odisha Cultural Research Centre mooted

Berhampur University has started the process for establishment of ‘South Odisha Cultural Research Centre’ on its campus. It was declared during a two-day seminar on tribal culture of south Odisha organised at the university, which concluded on Sunday evening.

It would be a multidisciplinary centre but would be managed by the post-graduate department of Odia of the University.

Speaking to The Hindu, Debiprasanna Patnaik of Odia department who is playing a key role in the establishment of this centre, said it would promote interdisciplinary studies on the culture of people of the region. There would be research in the fields of anthropology, history, linguistics, psychology and socio-cultural studies of ethnic groups, especially tribal people living in south Odisha.

The centre would utilise the items of historical and cultural importance collected from different parts of south Odisha during past three decades. All these would be part of the museum of the ‘South Odisha Cultural Research Centre’ of Berhampur University. It would help in preservation, documentation and exhibition of these items for the scholars as well as general public.

Attending the inaugural session of the seminar, Berhampur University Vice-Chancellor Deepak Kumar Behera stressed the need of interdisciplinary research on tribal culture of south Odisha. Berhampur University is the only university in south Odisha. Source: The Hindu

Berhampur University to introduce course in radiation biology with BARC support

The facility of Gamma radiation Chamber established on Berhampur University campus  would now be the catalyst for introduction of a new one year PG diploma course on radiation biology and applications from the next academic session. The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Jayant Kumar Mohapatra has initiated process for start of this course which would be self financing in nature. Berhampur University authorities are also contemplating to extend the irradiation facility on the campus to researchers from other universities and institutions to encourage and promote research and education in radiation biology in Odisha as well as eastern region.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai and Berhampur University for collaborative research on ionising radiation, particularly on radiation biology has been renewed. It may be noted that the BARC had entered into an MoU with the Berhampur University in 2010 for this project. The BARC had donated a Gamma Irradiation Chamber, GC-5000 having cobalt sixty radiation source, worth Rs. 40 lakh free of cost to the university. The equipment has been installed in the specially constructed Gamma House at the botanical garden on Berhampur University campus. Recently, scientists from BARC inspected the facility at Berhampur University and renewed the MoU, till the end of 2014 with enhancement of the project cost to Rs. 75 lakh, informed B.B.Panda, professor of Botany Department of the university attached to the project.

Source: The Hindu

Fresh syllabus at Berhampur varsity in new session

The Berhampur University has decided to revamp syllabuses in all post-graduate courses.  The new courses of studies will be introduced from the coming academic session. The revised courses of studies will be made keeping an eye on the change of curriculum in the National Eligibility Test (NET), conducted by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and jointly by the UGC and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) (for science and engineering subjects). Subjects, existing in honours curricula in graduation classes, would not be repeated in the new syllabuses, said vice chancellor J K Mohapatra. "We have already directed the Board of Studies (BoS) of all the departments to prepare their new courses of studies accordingly," he said. The exercise started on January 28 and is scheduled to be completed on February 8," said a senior faculty member. The revised courses of studies would be placed before the academic council of the university for approval before introduction from the next academic session, the vice chancellor said. Besides senior faculty members of respective departments, at least two faculty members from other universities and professionals in the BoS are preparing the new courses of studies. The members of the BoS also study existing syllabuses of other universities and incorporate the local needs while preparing the new courses of studies, sources said.

The need to revise the syllabi was felt by the university authorities after the new NET syllabus came into effect in 2011. The university has also started coaching classes for NET aspirants with the revised pattern of the questions. "With these steps, we hope more and more number of students will get opportunities to clear the NET and be eligible to get junior research fellowship (JRF) and lectureship in different universities," the VC added.

Source: Times of India

SOSA demands upgradation of MKCG Medical College, Berhampur to AIIMS-like Institution

Hon’ble Chief Minister Sir,

As you are aware, Maharaja Krishna Chandra Gajapati (MKCG) Medical College & Hospital in Berhampur, Odisha is completing the 50th year of its establishment this week. Established in 1962 and named after the architect of Modern Odisha, Maharaja Shri Krishna Chandra Gajapati, the medical college is the only referral hospital for the backward districts of KBK, Boudh, Kandhamal and Gajapati of south Odisha.

This half century old Institution is considered as the lifeline of the region, but the quality of healthcare in this Medical College has not seen much improvement over the decades. While the State Government has often claimed that the development of this Medical College is an over-riding priority but the quality of medical care and infrastructure is now forcing patients of the region to prefer medical facilities outside the state and in cities like Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad and Chennai. Infact, the MKCG, Medical College has come under the scrutiny of the Medical Council of India (MCI) several times in recent years for its shortage of staff, lack of modern equipments and infrastructure. The state government on its part has only provided assurances without any follow-up action on the ground.

We urge you through this letter to reverse this deplorable state of affairs afflicting this premier Medical Institution of the State through tangible steps to convert it into a ‘Centre of Excellence’ for medical education and for providing quality medical care to the people of the State and the most backward southern region in particular.

In this respect, inclusion of the MKCG Medical College, Berhampur as one of the Medical Colleges for upgradation to AIIMS-like as proposed under the 12th Five Year Plan under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojna (PMSSY) would go a long way in improving the deficient infrastructure of this Institution.

While multiple Medical Institutions from other states have been elevated under the Scheme so far, the Central government has completely neglected the state of Odisha. Considering that none of the 26 approved upgrades since the launch of the PMSSY are from Odisha, the State government should push for the upgradation of the MKCG government medical college, Berhampur to AIIMS-level during the 12th Plan given the critical role of this Medical College in improving access to affordable healthcare in south Odisha.

Sir, as a matter of fact, you had very effectively raised the issue of upgradation of MKCG Medical College to AIIMS level Institution besides raising the number of seats for admission to MBBS Course from 150 to 250 in your recent meeting with the Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad in New Delhi on 5th March 2012. However, the issues pertaining to the up-gradation of MKCG Medical College are yet to be addressed by the Union government and we do hope that your government will continue pursuing this matter with the Central government.

Today when the MKCG Medical College is preparing to celebrate its Golden Jubilee year of establishment, it should become a moment for reflecting on the state of healthcare and medical education in Odisha. The Golden Jubilee Celebration of this Institution is the time for espousing the collective resolve of the State to ensure massive up-gradation of healthcare infrastructure in one of the poorest and backward regions of the country. The high-incidence of poverty and backwardness coupled with high rates of infant and maternal mortality, high degree of malnutrition and high prevalence of communicable diseases presently witnessed in South Odisha doesn’t bode well for a state like Odisha aspiring to secure its development destiny. We urge you to accord the priority that the MKCG Medical College, Berhampur deserves and ensure its upgradation to AIIMS-level in its Golden Jubilee Year. 

Warm Regards,

Ram Prasad Tripathy

President, SOSA

Upgradation of MKCG Medical College demanded

South Odisha Students’ Association (SOSA) has demanded up-gradation of MKCG Medical College and Hospital in the city to AIIMS-like institution under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). Members of SOSA have written to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik requesting him to initiate measures for the purpose. It may be noted that MKCG Medical College and Hospital that was established in 1962 would celebrate its golden jubilee on December 1. It happens to be the only medical college and referral hospital in south Odisha. But at present lack of infrastructure in this institution was compelling patients to reach out private medical institutions outside the State, SOSA activists alleged.

Several times in the past the Medical Council of India has pointed out shortage of staff, lack of modern equipment and infrastructure in MKCG Medical College and Hospital. But till now nothing much had happened regarding the suggestions of the MCI part from promises. SOSA demanded the State government initiate measures so that the medical college could be transformed into a centre of excellence for medical education providing quality medical care to the people of underdeveloped southern parts of Odisha. According to president of SOSA R.P. Tripathy, the MKCG Medical College and Hospital could be upgraded to an AIIMS-like institution. Source: The Hindu

Link:  http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/upgradation-of-mkcg-medical-college-demanded/article4145498.ece

Students Body urges Centre to upgrade MKCG to AIIMS-like Institution under PMSSY

Report by Manorama Dhir, Berhampur: South Odisha Students' Association (SOSA) demand for upgradation of MKCG Medical College (Berhampur) to AIIMS-like Institution under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY).

SOSA said that Maharaja Krishna Chandra Gajapati (MKCG) Medical College & Hospital in Berhampur, Odisha is completing the 50th year of its establishment this week. Established in 1962 and named after the architect of Modern Odisha, Maharaja Shri Krishna Chandra Gajapati, the medical college is the only referral hospital for the backward districts of KBK, Boudh, Kandhamal and Gajapati of south Odisha…………………………………. Link:    
http://orissadiary.com/CurrentNews.asp?id=37952

 Odisha: Students Body urges Centre to upgrade MKCG to AIIMS-like Institution under PMSSY

Berhampur: South Odisha Students' Association (SOSA) demand for upgradation of MKCG Medical College (Berhampur) to AIIMS-like Institution under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY).

SOSA said that Maharaja Krishna Chandra Gajapati (MKCG) Medical College & Hospital in Berhampur, Odisha is completing the 50th year of its establishment this week. Established in 1962 and named after the architect of Modern Odisha, Maharaja Shri Krishna Chandra Gajapati, the medical college is the only referral hospital for the backward districts of KBK, Boudh, Kandhamal and Gajapati of south Odisha……………………Link:   http://indiaeducationdiary.in/Shownews.asp?newsid=17348

Berhampur students steal the show in CHSE +2 Exam results 2012

• Eleven students from the City placed among the Top 20 in + 2 Science
• Five students of Berhampur among the Top 20 in the State in +2 Commerce
• Sankha Sai Sandeep of Nilakanthanagar Saraswati Vidyamandir 4^th topper in Science in the State
• Nikita Agarwal of Khallikote Junior College 2^nd topper in the State in +2 Commerce
• Nilakanthanagar Saraswati Vidyamandir in Berhampur city steals the limelight with 8 students among Top 20 in the State in +2 Science

Saraswati Vidyamandir, Nilakanthanagar, Berhampur 

Berhampur students have put up a good show in the Plus Two science and Commerce board examinations, the results of which have been declared today. The higher secondary wing of Saraswati Vidyamandir, Nilakanthanagar, stole the limelight again this year with an outstanding performance. Nine of its students came among the Top 20 in the State in Science and Commerce streams. Not to be left behind, the students of historic Khallikote College claimed 7 positions among the in Top 20 in Science and Commerce streams. Saraswati Vidyamandir at Nilakanthanagar in the City has achieved 100 per cent result in higher secondary science stream. 

Eleven from Berhampur among Top 20 in +2 Science
RANK                                CANDIDATE NAME                                       COLLEGE

4------SANKHA SAI SANDEEP-----SARASWATI VIDYAMANDIR, NILAKANTHNAGAR, BERHAMPUR

5-------ARPITA PADHY------- KHALLIKOTE JUNIOR COLLEGE, BERHAMPUR

6-------SUBHASIS NAYAK--------SARASWATI VIDYAMANDIR, NILAKANTHANAGAR, BERHAMPUR

8------- B MILAN KUMAR---------KHALLIKOTE JUNIOR COLLEGE, BERHAMPUR

9-------PRADEEPTA DAS--------SARASWATI VIDYAMANDIR, NILAKANTHANAGAR, BERHAMPUR

9-----SUBHAM K PADHI-------SARASWATI VIDYAMANDIR, NILAKANTHANAGAR, BERHAMPUR

13----- DIPAK KUMAR SAHOO--------NILAKANTHANGR, BERHAMPUR

16----- RAHUL GHOSE-------SARASWATI VIDYAMANDIR, NILAKANTHANAGAR, BERHAMPUR

16-----SUBHASIS SATAPATHY------SARASWATI VIDYAMANDIR, NILAKANTHNGAR, BERHAMPUR

17-----SUBHASMITA PADHY------SARASWATI VIDYAMANDIR, NILAKANTHNGAR, BERHAMPUR

20-----P SAI PREM PATRO-------KHALLIKOTE JUNIOR COLLEGE, BERHAMPUR

  

Five from Berhampur among Top 20 in +2 Commerce

RANK                                CANDIDATE NAME                                       COLLEGE

2--------NIKITA AGARWAL--------KHALLIKOTE JUNIOR COLLEGE, BERHAMPUR

13--------ASHISH LOHIA--------KHALLIKOTE JUNIOR COLLEGE, BERHAMPUR

15-------AKANSHA MURARKA--------KHALLIKOTE JUNIOR COLLEGE, BERHAMPUR

19-------KOTNI NAVYARANI---------SHIKSHA COLLEGE, BERHAMPUR, GANJAM

20------DEBADOTTA RAULO------SARASWATI VIDYAMANDIR, NILAKANTHNGAR, BERHAMPUR


More than 20 students from Berhampur make it to the IITs this year 

Source: The Sambad

City bus service set to roll in Silk City Berhampur

BERHAMPUR: The Berhampur Development Authority (BDA) has planned two new bus services, one within Berhampur town, another connecting Berhampur, Gopalpur and Chhatrapur comprising the Greater-Berhampur region.
 The services will be launched through public private partnership (PPP), at an estimated cost of 3.5 crore. At least 27 buses will ply in the first phase.

A Mumbai-based consulting agency presented a detailed project report in this regard recently. The agency has suggested the formation of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) with involving the BDA, Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Notified Area Councils (NAC) of Gopalpur and Chhatrapur to monitor the services.
At present, passengers depend on trekkers and matadors for travelling to these two places from Berhampur. "Not only is time a big factor, but travel in trekkers and matadors is also a risky affair. These are always overcrowded. Moreover, there are no town bus services within Berhampur. So, we have also suggested a bus service for the town," a BDA official said. The Berhampur city had introduced a town bus service in 1991. The service was later discontinued as it incurred heavy loss.

Source: Times of India, The Sambad

Berhampur University holds its 17th convocation



Source: The Hindu

• Berhampur University celebrated 17th convocation on May 02.
• Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley, Member of National Planning Commission, Syeda Saiyidin Hameed, senior advocate Iqbal M. Chagla, Puri MP Pinaki Mishra and spiritual guru Chandrabhanu Satpathy were awarded LLD.
• The honorary degrees were also conferred on former chairperson of the National Commission for Women, noted social activist and the daughter-in-law of the former president VV Giri, V. Mohini Giri, Berhampur MP Sidhant Mahapatra, sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik, Sambad Editor Soumya Ranjan Patnaik and famous cardiologist Kabi Prasad Mishra.
• Degrees were also awarded to 9,500 students and DLitt, PhD as well as DSc to 188 researchers                                                                                 
• Berhampur University celebrated its 17th convocation on Wednesday. During the occasion nine eminent people were conferred honorary LLD degree while one was honoured with DSC degree. Member of national Planning Commission, Syeda Saiyidin Hameed, who was the chief guest of the occasion, was conferred with honorary LLD degree.  The honorary degrees were also conferred on woman activist V. Mohini Giri, Berhampur MP Sidhant Mahapatra, sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik, Odia newspaper editor Soumya Ranjan Patnaik and cardiologist Kabi Prasad Mishra. Four others — leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley, senior advocate Iqbal M. Chagla, Puri MP Pinaki Mishra and spiritual guru Chandrabhanu Satpathy — were awarded the degree in absentia. Besides, degrees were awarded to 9,500 students and DLitt, PhD as well as DSc to 188 researchers.

During her address Ms. Hameed stressed on the need to redefine development in the context of social justice. “Have the indicators of growth in the GDP gone together with an upward movement in the indicators of human development?” she asked.

Odisha governor and chancellor of the universities M.C. Bhandare said Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Boudh, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri districts, under the jurisdiction of Berhampur University, had shown an improved literacy rate. “Each district except Malkangiri has bridged the gap between male and female literacy during 2001-11. The university has evinced a keen interest in implementing the Gyanalok programme launched by me to find out reasons for the high dropout rate among the tribal girls and create awareness among the marginalised sections,” he said. University vice-chancellor J.K. Mahapatra said they had planned extension activities and outreach programmes by way of establishing Centre for Extension Services on Coastal Zone Management and Awareness Programme for Women Empowerment with funding from the University Grants Commission.

It may be noted that Berhampur University was established in 1967 and had only 11 colleges under it during its inception. Now colleges under the university have gone up to 136. It is one of the few universities in India to offer courses on military sciences.
Source: The Hindu & The Telegraph

Berhampur University plans to introduce four new courses

BERHAMPUR: Berhampur University has sought funds for the establishment of four new departments under the twelfth plan (2012-17) of the University Grants Commission (UGC). The proposed centres include Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policies (CSSEIP), Centre for Coastal Research (CCR), Centre for Extension Services on Coastal Zone Management (CESCZM) and Awareness Programme on Women Empowerment (APWE). The five-year plan proposal of the university was submitted to the UGC last week as per its guidelines, university sources said. "Since the central government has laid thrust on mainstreaming of disadvantaged people in the society and inclusive growth through education, the university has proposed setting up of the CSSEIP to undertake studies about the area, particularly the southern Odisha districts," said vice chancellor J K Mohapatra.

The southern Odisha districts are mainly inhabited by people from economically weaker sections of the society. Literacy rate and growth rate of Gross District Domestic Products (GDDP) are also poor in this region. "The university has to play a role in mainstreaming the disadvantaged people. So we have sought to establish the Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policies," said register B P Rath. Similarly, the university wants to establish the Centre for Coastal Research to undertake research and training in coastal and ocean science. The university has a department on marine science. The proposed Centre for Extension Services on Coastal Zone Management, university authorities feel, will create awareness on Coastal Zone Management (CZM) and help explore possibilities of development of economic condition of the fishermen across the state. Under the UGC's new research initiative, the university has proposed to set up the APWE to create awareness about programmes on women. The proposed centre would function under the Women's Study Research Centre (WSRC) of the university, sources said.

Source: Times of India

Berhampur University becomes first in Eastern India to introduce written test & interview for recruitment of lecturers

Those interested to work as a lecturer in Berhampur University would now have to undergo a written test besides facing a face-to-face interview. Berhampur became the first varsity in the state and perhaps very few universities in the country to conduct both written test and interview to select candidates for the posts of lecturers. The syndicate of the university, in a resolution, suggested the vice-chancellor to hold written examination in recruitment of the lecturers. The apex decision making body of the university however authorised the vice chancellor to take such decision of conducting of the written test for the aspirant posts of the lecturer before appearing for interview. The syndicate's decision in this regard was to ensure quality education in the university by recruiting good teachers. The decision, however, will be only applicable for the recruitment at the level of the lecturers, but not for the posts of the reader and professor. Vice Chancellor J K Mohapatra welcomed the decision of the syndicate. "It was an unanimous decision of the syndicate and I welcome it, which will ensure recruitment of good quality of the teachers in the university," he said.  The university will soon issue advertisements for filling 25 teaching posts in different faculties, including lecturers, readers and professors, university sources said.

Berhampur University convocation on 2^nd May

Berhampur University will hold its annual convocation on May 2. It will be attended by Dr Syeda S Hameed, Planning Commission member. This was decided by the university Syndicate on April 1. This time, the varsity proposed to confer LL.D on 10 eminent persons and D.Sc on cardiologist Kabiprasad Mishra. The proposed list of LL.D includes Mohini Giri, Arun Jaitly, Sudarsan Patnaik, Justice Dipak Misra, Dr Syeda S Hammed, Iqbal Chagla, Pinaki Misra, Chandrabhanu Satpathy, Soumayranjan Patnaik and Sidhanta Mohapatra.

Sources: Times of India, Indian Express & IBN Live

'Winterfest-2012' kicks off at Berhampur University

The Berhampur University campus was abuzz with activities on the occasion of the 3-day winter festival ‘Winterfest 2012’ that began last week. Participants from colleges of different parts of the State have reached the Berhampur University campus to participate in the cultural fest. More than 500 students from six universities and 200 colleges participated in various activities held at the university campus.  A colourful musical rally by the participants and students on Thursday marked the beginning of the ‘Winterfest' on the Berhampur University campus. The festival brought to the fore a large number of young talents in events such as quiz competition, debate, dance and music. A colourful cultural rally by the participants on Thursday marked the beginning of the festival. At Bhanja Mandap, an open air stage, the cultural fest was inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor of the university professor Jayanta Kumar Mahapatra. The festival is being organised by the students’ union of the university with the support of the district administration.

Source: The Pioneer, The Hindu

Students protest at Berhampur University supporting Anna Hazare

BERHAMPUR: The country wide support for Anna Hazare’s anti corruption movement has also found massive support at the Berhampur University campus. A rally was taken out by the students' Union of Berhampur University at the Bhanjabihar campus. Students from all the departments participated in the protest march and marched on the rally by holding placards on hands and making slogans against Anna Hazare’s detention. The students were seen raising slogans opposing the UPA Government’s decision of disallowing the peaceful protest of the common people led by Anna. On a huge gathering at the University bus stand the protest march was started by members of the students union which later joined by maximum number of students from various departments. According to the Student’s union president R. Santosh reddy “The ruling Government has started a dictatorial form of governance by not giving the right for a peaceful protest to its own citizens. Being the youth of the country we support the Jan Lokpal Bill prepared by Anna Hazare to end the huge scandals made by our politicians and Bureaucrats and we demand to free Anna ji by allowing him to protest for the jan Lokpal Bill.”

Source: OrissaDiary

Berhampur University in admission mode

By Sunil Patnaik (The Telegraph)

The process for admission into various post-graduate courses at Berhampur University is now in its final stages. “The students have been asked to submit their original documents, including mark sheets and certificates, by July 1, so that we can finalise the process by July 2,” Ganapati Chowdhury, administrative officer of Berhampur University, said. Classes for the post-graduation departments are scheduled to commence from July 4. The forms were made available on the official website of Berhampur University (http://www.bamu.nic.in/). The last date for receiving of application form was June 8 and the response had been good, Chowdhury said. “We would also take out a second list in case seats fall vacant. We would send intimation letters on the basis of merit to the students, who have had applied earlier on July 4, and ask them to furnish their documents in original by July 14. The list can then be prepared by July 15,” he said.

Berhampur University offers various post-graduate courses in Botany, Chemistry, Physics, Zoology, Electronic Science, Marine Sciences such as, Oceanography, Marine Biology (all MSc degrees), Home Science (only for women candidates), Mathematics (both MA/MSc), Economics, English, History, Industrial Relations and Personnel Management, Linguistics, Mass Communication, Oriya, Political Science (all MA degrees). The other subjects are Masters of Business Administration, M.Com, Law and Computer Application. It also offers diploma courses in Tourism and Indian monuments and Russian language.

Berhampur University introduced on-line admission

The portal for the purpose was inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor (VC) of the university, Bijay Kumar Sahu on May 28. This new portal of the Berhampur University has been developed by the Biju Patnaik Computer Centre (BPCC) on the campus with assistance from the National Informatics Centre (NIC). The newly developed website of the university is www.bamu.nic.in.

The function organised for the purpose was presided by the new Post Graduate Council chairman of the university, L.N.Raut. The director of the BPCC Trinath Sahu and its former director Rabindra Mishra elaborated how the portal had been made extreme user-friendly for the applicants for admission. The V-C said this project was part of the continuing University Grants Commission (UGC) sponsored e-governance project in the university. According to him every University now had to be technically advanced to match with the changing times.

Source: The Hindu

BARC & Berhampur University to jointly study impact of radiation

BERHAMPUR: Berhampur University (BU) is gearing up to receive two eminent scientists from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, - Prof Tulsi Mukherjee, Director, Chemical Group and Dr RK Singhal, Head of Analytical Spectroscopy Section. The two are reaching the campus tomorrow to lay the foundation stone of Gamma House on the premises where an irradiation facility Gamma Chamber-5000 (GC-5000) will be installed. The facility is being developed as a component of the research project titled ‘Plant Responses to Ionising Radiation’ currently in progress in Department of Botany, BU.

The BARC-BU research project was sanctioned following signing of MoU between the authorities of BARC and BU on August 19, 2008. The total cost of the project, spanning over three years, is estimated at Rs 70 lakh, including cost of the GC- 5000 estimated at Rs 40 lakh. GC-5000 will be supplied by Broad of Radiation and Isotope Technology (BRIT), an establishment of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India. Department of Botany, BU, is one of the five centres located in five different agro-climatic zones of the country chosen under XI plan period to conduct the mega research project of BARC.

Source: New Indian Express

New Registrar of Berhampur University assumes office

BERHAMPUR:  Prof. Jayant Mohapatra of political science department of the University took over as the new Registrar of Berhampur University. He was appointed to the post at the directive of Governor Muralidhar Chandrakant Bhandare, who happens to be the Chancellor of Orissa universities. Prof. Mohapatra is currently a member of the NAAC.

Berhampur University files gutted in fire

Some important files and examination papers of few professional courses were gutted in a fire that broke out in the confidential section of the Berhampur University on November 02 night. According to sources, the fire engulfed the confidential section in the second floor of the administrative block building. However, the authorities informed the fire brigade at around 8.40 pm. As a result of which prior to the arrival of the fire brigade, some important files and documents including examination papers of courses like MBA, Journalism and Biotechnology were gutted.
The fire raised many questions as it took place under mysterious circumstances keeping in view the inquiry into the allegations of corruption by a high level team led by the Secretary, Higher Education. Notably, after allegations of rampant corruption and irregularities in e-governance project, chair purchase for auditorium and in some other cases, the Governor had ordered to inquire into the matter and the Secretary was entrusted with the inquiry. He had visited the university five times and he was scheduled to visit for the sixth time for the inquiry.

It may be mentioned here that some important files on which the inquiry was made, were kept at the confidential section. A BJP team which visited the university on November 03 said the gutting of files in the fire was suspicious and a high-level inquiry should be ordered to unravel the truth.

Courtesy: The Pioneer

Berhampur University paid rich tributes to Dr.Norman Borlaug

BERHAMPUR: A seminar was organised in the Berhampur University campus (Bhanja Bihar) in memory of the great agricultural scientist & Nobel Laureate Dr.Norman Borlaug. It was organised by the Botany Department of the University to pay homage to the Nobel Laureate who played a catalytic role in the green revolution in India.
Students, research scholars and faculty members of the department of Botany paid rich tributes to Dr. Borlaug who passed away in Texas of America three days ago. The speakers described the life and research of this great agricultural scientist.
According to the professor and coordinator of Botany Department, B. B. Panda, he is considered the father of green revolution for his path-breaking research on mutation and breeding in wheat crop. His research was able to produce new disease resistant dwarf varieties of wheat plant.
These improved varieties of wheat helped in improving food security in India, Mexico, Pakistan and countries of Africa. He was awarded Nobel Prize for peace in 1970 for his contribution to increase food supply in the world. The speakers reminded his link with India by informing that he had been honoured with Padma Bibhusan. In 1986, Dr. Borlaug had established the World Food Prize and its first recipient in 1987 was his former Indian colleague Prof. M. S. Swaminathan.
The faculty of the department hoped that researches that are to be taken up in the University in near future would be homage to Dr. Borlaug’s efforts.

Courtesy: The Hindu

Berhampur University ties-up with US university

BERHAMPUR: In a major leap, Berhampur University, one of the major universities of Orissa, has tied up with Riverside University of California for collaboration in research and faculty development. The agreement has been signed for five years initially, and can be extended later. Berhampur University’s Vice-Chancellor B.K. Sahu said the agreement will allow students and faculty members from both institutions to go to the other for study and research. The MBA department will avail of the benefit initially, he added. Both the universities will hold joint academic events such as seminars and later it will be expanded to collaborative academic research and exchange of scientific information. Riverside University Vice-Chancellor Raj Singh called the agreement a “win-win” situation for both universities. “It will also help the business students from the USA as more number of companies are setting shop here. Initially we will start with exchange program which will be expanded later,” he said, adding the university was also looking for tie-ups with other Indian universities like Allahabad Agricultural University.

Source: Odishatoday

Berhampur varsity set for two new PG courses

BERHAMPUR: Berhampur University will introduce post-graduate courses in Geo-Physics and Marine Microbiology from this year. The Centrally-approved job oriented courses will be introduced in the state. Each of these self financed courses will cost Rs 20,000 a year. "Ten students will be admitted to each of these courses," vice-chancellor B K Sahu said.
The two courses will be launched by Ocean Atmospheric Science and Technology Cell (OASTC) under the Union ministry of earth science. The OASTC has been set up at BU to undertake research on different marine aspects and the Chilika lake. The Centre has provided Rs 1.30 crore to built infrastructure for running these courses, the VC said. "The university is currently purchasing equipment for the laboratory," he added. BU has sent a proposal to the University Grants Commission (UGC) for sanctioning the course. "Once UGC accepts our proposal, the courses will not be self financed any more. Then UGC will provide funds for establishing a separate building and other infrastructure for these courses," Sahu said.
Prospects of Geophysics and marine microbiology are very bright because petroleum, natural gas and pharma industries are flourishing in the country, Sahu said. BU will tie up with companies for getting their students recruited. BU will hold discussions with Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, Hindustan Petroleum, Reliance and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation regarding field work of geophysics students. Likewise, discussions will be held with reputed pharma houses for marine microbiology students, said a senior university official.
Source: Times of India