Odisha

"We requested officials and local people's representatives for completion of the bridge, but no one paid any heed towards our demand. With no other option in sight, I decided to shoulder the responsibility," said sexagnerian Gangadhar Rout. #Respect #Inspiration

A grand initiative, combining state and civil forces, brings hope to a generation of children almost lost to child labour and poverty. #Respect #NoToChildLabour

It’s been more than two decades and he continues to grow chemical-free paddy. But that’s not the only reason the retired teacher-turned-organic farmer is famous.

In 2015, Nabarangpur was counted among the most backward districts in India. Today, the district has risen above those odds to become a fast developing one, all thanks to IAS Rashmita Panda's brilliant ideas!

"Back in 1999, we had nothing. There was not a single cyclone shelter. We were bereft of communication systems. People did not when and where the cyclone would hit. We have come a long way since," says Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupada Sethi.

The fiber-rich and calorie-dense kernels of bamboo rice are also found in parts of Karnataka, locally known as ‘Mulayiri’. Further south, in Kerala, the harvesting of bamboo rice is a major source of income for the tribal communities living in the interiors of the Wayanad Sanctuary.

"A storm surge of the height of about 1.0 meter above astronomical tide is very likely to inundate low lying areas of Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh; Ganjam, Khurda and Puri districts of Odisha at the time of landfall."

During the freedom struggle, he was jailed plenty of times. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose referred to Gopabandhu as the ‘father of national movement in Odisha’.

From scientists to entrepreneurs to retired government employees working to make the state better -- we bring you such inspirational tales.

Winning hearts on social media, this poignant Facebook post highlights how Odisha went out of its way to help Kerala despite suffering losses of its own.