My City Links September 2023 Issue

Ask anyone who they look up to and give credit to for being the person that they have become, chances are that a teacher will be on their list along with parents, family members, and close friends. To mark Teacher’s Day, our Cover Story for this edition pays tribute to the role that teachers play in our lives. Anybody who was around in the 80s would remember the pulsating beats and the psychedelic lights that were synonymous with a new form of music that held the world in thrall. A special feature in City Tales revisits the birth of Disco music, its impact on the Bollywood film industry, and its eventual decline of sorts. With the growing realisation that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here to stay, discussions these days often veer around to the influence this latest revolution in technology can have on different human endeavours. In City Tech, we take a look at some of the latest AI tools that can be used for a variety of functions. As it happens, advances in technology invariably come with their own unique challenges. Preventing cybercrime and identifying the perpetrators is one such challenge for law enforcement agencies these days and official data on the nature and number of such incidents presents a grim picture. Twin City police chief Soumendra Priyadarshi discusses the challenges in City Beat. The section also looks at diseases like dengue that make an appearance during the monsoon season. We speak with health and municipal officials to bring you a ground report. In Screen Shots, we catch up with the newest star on the block who is creating quite the buzz on the OTT circuit these days. Life has not been the same for actor Prem Parija, who had earlier worked as an assistant director for Bollywood films, since he was signed up to play the lead role in the ‘Commando’ series. The section also features Odia film producer Sanjay Nayak and filmmaker NG Reddy. During the course of a freewheeling chat, they discuss the current state of the Ollywood film industry and what needs to be done to draw the audience back to the movie theatres. This edition explores the interesting 200-year-old Urdu poetry tradition of ‘Mushaira’ in the city of Cuttack (City Culture) and the inspiring story of an 18-year-old entrepreneur who is rewriting the rules of success (City Biz).

Faith, practice, devotion, and celebration. These are some of the abiding realities that have kept societies glued together since time immemorial. In Odisha, nothing illustrates this better than the holy month of Kartika. From Deepawali, Gajalaxmi Puja, and Kartika Purnima to the popular Balijatra festivities, this month has something to cherish for all. Our Cover Story for this edition is a comprehensive walk-through of everything that this month is associated with. When it comes to evolving fashion trends, nothing perhaps comes close to the passion people have had for hair colour as a means of expressing themselves. From the plants, herbs, and metals used in ancient times to the chemical-based dyes that are in vogue these days, the world has seen them all. Over the past decades, the trend of celebrities using hair dyes has gradually caught on with other people as well. City Fashion brings you a special feature on hair dyes, including some useful dos and don’ts. The success of Chandrayaan-3, India’s mission to the Moon, has again turned the spotlight on the technological advances which have helped put the country on the global space map. In recent years, the private sector has played the crucial role of an enabler by turning the Indian Space Research Organisation’s ambitious plans into reality. City Tech takes a close look at the evolution of the space technology industry and the role of startups, including those from Odisha, in India’s impressive space forays. On October 17, 2023, the Supreme Court of India delivered a much-anticipated judgement while addressing the issue of same-sex marriage and highlighted the need for the legislature to bring in necessary laws on this. We break down the judgement, and what it means for the LGBTQ+ community, in City Beat. It takes a very special talent to not only stride across decades but also successfully straddle diverse domains like acting, writing lyrics, and composing music. Swaroop Naik, who passed away last month, did just that as he graduated from acting in films from the early 1960s on[1]wards to establishing himself as a renowned lyricist and music composer in the coming years. In Screen Shots, we talk to those who worked with him as we pay tribute to the legend. Elsewhere in this edition, City Sports discusses why the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup does not feel the same as earlier; City Green takes up the issue of veganism.

Odisha has as many hues of culture as it has living examples of heritage and tradition handed down to the generations. Our Cover Story for this edition celebrates one such practice which comes alive in Puri every year. While the Jagannath Dham Rath Jatra may be better known globally, the ‘Gosani Jatra’ dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga is no less important when it comes to the Hindu calendar. Organized during Durga Puja and Dussehra, the Gosani Jatra is a tradition that has continued uninterrupted since the twelfth century. Read on to learn more about what the event entails and the significance of all the practices and rituals associated with it. Our ‘Life of a Boss’ section features Nilanjana Mukherjee. As Managing Director of Kalinga Hospital Limited, she has been setting new benchmarks in the healthcare sector. In a free-wheeling interview, she talks to us about her formative years and the switch from the hospitality industry to the healthcare sector. Over the years, the Showcase Odisha Awards have become a keenly-awaited event. The 9th edition of this initiative to celebrate the exceptional achievements of Odias in India and abroad was held in Hyderabad recently. We bring you a report on the event which honoured individuals from diverse backgrounds, ranging from sports to the corporate world. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental issue in children. It is in this sphere that the Zain Foundation Trust has been trying to make a difference, by creating awareness and working towards building a more inclusive community. We bring you more about this in the City Health section. City Lights brings you excerpts from a recent episode of ‘Our Change Leaders’ where My City Links hosted senior Indian Police Service officer Manoj Chhabra. He opens up about his entry into the service and his experience of serving in various parts of Odisha. City Culture zooms in on the Indian Documentary Film Festival, an initiative by the Film Society of Bhubaneswar, which has developed a healthy repertoire of events and screenings for cinema lovers. In Screen Shots, we shift our focus to ‘Pushkara’, the Odia film that has been receiving rave reviews from the critics and the audience alike. My City Links catches up with lead actor Sabyasachi Mishra and director Subhransu Das to find out what went into the making of the film and the reasons behind its phenomenal success.

2022 began as a year of hope, one that promised to put the bitter memories of the past few pandemic years behind us. It has lived up to these expectations. From art and culture to sports and entrepreneurship, 2022 saw Odisha celebrate special occasions that provided some truly special memories to cherish. The world of films was also buzzing with activity during the year as Ollywood went back to doing what it does best - entertaining people. Our Cover Story brings you snapshots of the year that was. The New Year is also about making resolutions galore! Some are easily forgotten in days while others remain firmly etched in the mind to follow all through the year. In City Lights, we list a few simple tips on how to embrace a healthier life in 2023. Odisha is joining the world in driving into a better future and green kilometres are piling up as Electric Vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular. The state government's EV policy is providing a much-needed fillip to the segment when it comes to two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and light motor vehicles. A special feature explores the green road ahead. Social reformer, gender equality advocate, or changemaker … call her what you may. Anushree Dash has put in a lot of hard work and sacrifice to reach where she is today. Our CityZen for this edition, Dash talks to us about the social organisation she runs and how she goes about helping people, particularly those from tribal and rural areas. From watching plays during his engineering days in Bhubaneswar, Dipanwit Dashmohapatra is now enjoying all the accolades coming his way after back-to-back critical successes as the lead actor in films. In Screenshots, he opens up about his roles in films as well as his role models. If there was one single event that kept the world glued to their mobile and TV screens, it was the FIFA World Cup 2022. Despite some controversies, the tournament hosted by Qatar lived up to its expectations, with Lionel Messi's Argentina ending up with their third title. Mention rap and you end up thinking of the scores of singers who have made their mark across the world. The trend has also caught up closer home in recent years. In City Lights, we profile some artists who are putting Odisha on the global rap map. Happy reading and Happy New Year!

2022 began as a year of hope, one that promised to put the bitter memories of the past few pandemic years behind us. It has lived up to these expectations. From art and culture to sports and entrepreneurship, 2022 saw Odisha celebrate special occasions that provided some truly special memories to cherish. The world of films was also buzzing with activity during the year as Ollywood went back to doing what it does best - entertaining people. Our Cover Story brings you snapshots of the year that was. The New Year is also about making resolutions galore! Some are easily forgotten in days while others remain firmly etched in the mind to follow all through the year. In City Lights, we list a few simple tips on how to embrace a healthier life in 2023. Odisha is joining the world in driving into a better future and green kilometres are piling up as Electric Vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular. The state government's EV policy is providing a much-needed fillip to the segment when it comes to two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and light motor vehicles. A special feature explores the green road ahead. Social reformer, gender equality advocate, or changemaker … call her what you may. Anushree Dash has put in a lot of hard work and sacrifice to reach where she is today. Our CityZen for this edition, Dash talks to us about the social organisation she runs and how she goes about helping people, particularly those from tribal and rural areas. From watching plays during his engineering days in Bhubaneswar, Dipanwit Dashmohapatra is now enjoying all the accolades coming his way after back-to-back critical successes as the lead actor in films. In Screenshots, he opens up about his roles in films as well as his role models. If there was one single event that kept the world glued to their mobile and TV screens, it was the FIFA World Cup 2022. Despite some controversies, the tournament hosted by Qatar lived up to its expectations, with Lionel Messi's Argentina ending up with their third title. Mention rap and you end up thinking of the scores of singers who have made their mark across the world. The trend has also caught up closer home in recent years. In City Lights, we profile some artists who are putting Odisha on the global rap map. Happy reading and Happy New Year!

The cheers have faded and the fans have long returned home but the memories linger on, such was the scale of the sporting extravaganza that unfolded through January. With Odisha hosting back-to-back FIH Men's Hockey World Cups in 2018 and 2023, the state has firmly established itself on the sports map of the world. The 2023 Men's Hockey World Cup was not limited to the stadiums in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela where all the matches were played. The excitement and the celebrations spilled over onto the streets of cities and villages all over Odisha. Our Cover Story brings you a recap of all the action and excitement. Our City Zen for this edition is Sarthak Pradhan, who was awarded a gold medal during Utkal University's recent convocation ceremony. While he works in the private sector, he is also an author and columnist. He opens up about his journey so far. The recent outbreak of flu across the state sparked fears due to similarities with the symptoms of a Covid-19 infection. While the flu has become a common enough occurrence during the winters, this time, the fever lasted longer. We look for some explanations in the City Health section. This edition salutes women who have broken the glass ceiling and made a mark in a field which has traditionally been considered to be a stronghold of men. These are scientists who are excelling in research, innovation, and exploration. Read all about them in City Beat. The City Lights section brings you highlights from a five-day fashion and lifestyle extravaganza that was headlined by top names from the world of fashion, entertainment, and sports. Our City Biz section focuses on what is fast emerging as the latest obsession around the world. We are talking about Web 3.0, and its use of components of Metaverse technology like Blockchain and Non-fungible Tokens (NFTs). The past year can be considered a watershed year for Odia cinema. Several Ollywood films enjoyed theatrical success - a rarity in recent times - while a few offbeat films also managed to draw the audience to the theatres. In Screen Shots, we explore if this marks the beginning of a new era for Odia cinema.

Another year has come to an end, leaving behind a kaleidoscope of memories. For Odisha, 2023 was an eventful year when it came to governance, development, sports, and business. Our Cover Story for this edition brings you snapshots of the year’s significant policy decisions, major achievements in sports, landmarks from the corporate & business world, and important happenings in the Odia entertainment industry. Located in close proximity to buildings that seat the ‘who’s-who’ of Odisha’s power establishment, the Bhubaneswar Club has over the years evolved as an enduring symbol of socializing and celebration. With a history of 74 years, the club not only boasts of a rich legacy but also stands tall as a symbol of contemporary urban life. In City Tales, we walk you through all that the club stands for. Bhubaneswar was recently witness to a memorable congregation of vintage motor vehicles that reflected the glory, beauty, and craftsmanship of an era gone by. The inaugural Odisha Concours D’Elegance saw the participation of 50 eye-catching vintage cars from all over the country. Read all about this one-of-a-kind event in City Lights. A New Year brings with it new beginnings as well as new resolutions that are meant to set the tone for the next 12 months. City Lights brings to you a special feature tracing the origins of New Year resolutions and speaking to people from different walks of life to figure out the practice means to them. December 1, 2023 will be remembered for a film that not only created a storm at the box office but also sparked off an intense debate that shows no signs of dying down soon. ‘Animal’, the multi-lingual blockbuster, has received flak for normalizing misogyny and its controversial portrayal of gender dynamics. In Screen Shots, we talk to some prominent names from the Odia entertainment industry on the ongoing debate that has brought with it its own share of polarization and toxicity. Another issue that has become a matter of debate in recent days is that of paid menstrual leave for women. The issue has taken centre stage once again after Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani expressed her opposition to the concept on the grounds that it could lead to discrimination against women in the workforce. In City Beat, we reach out to people for their views on the subject

In A Distant Land, Apprehensions About The Future Of Their Homeland The past few weeks saw an unraveling in Afghanistan that was as striking for the speed at which it took place as the overnight transformation in the mood of the people of the war-torn country. The emotions captured among Afghans within the country and other parts of the world have ranged from anger to fear to despair as the Taliban entrenched themselves. In our Cover Story, we catch up with some Afghan nationals who came to Bhubaneswar for higher studies to secure a better future for themselves and their families. They have watched the happenings unfold from a distance, but the impact has been devastating. As one of the students, Ehsanullah puts it, they don’t know what the future holds. But they still dare to dream. In CityZen, we feature Madhusmita Nayak and her inspiring story as she goes about breaking the proverbial glass ceiling. She talks about her days as a student and the support from her parents that saw her move to the UAE for what would eventually become an inspiring career. The column also profiles Odia-origin boy Krish, who is playing one of the lead roles in the BBC series Silverpoint. Fond of acting since his school days, he impressed his teachers enough for them to suggest that he take up professional acting. Krish and his mother open up about his journey so far. Often, one’s passion can be poles apart from their chosen profession. Perhaps nobody exemplifies this better than Manas Ranjan Samal. An officer of the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS), Samal is passionate about philately, or collecting stamps. Twenty-one years after he chose this hobby, he is still going strong.He is our third CityZen for this edition. Amidst all the restrictions it brought upon us, one positive habit that Covid reinforced is that of reading. In a special feature, we speak to a few book enthusiasts on how reading helped the ride over what has been one of the most challenging periods in recent history. One of the joys of driving across India is discovering the colourful messages and slogans that adorn trucks. A home away from home for those who drive these heavy vehicles, these. have been described as moving works of art. Breastfeeding is important for the good health of mothers as well as new borns but it is an area that is also surrounded by misinformation. We bust some common myths through a Q&A article in our Health section