The 29th Foundation Day of Maharaja Sri Ramachandra Bhanjadeo University (formerly North Odisha University) was celebrated with great enthusiasm and academic fervour at the University’s Conference Hall today. The programme was held under the chairmanship of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mahendra Kumar Mohanty.
Hon’ble Minister for Housing & Urban Development and Public Enterprises, Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and addressed the gathering comprising students, faculty members, researchers, alumni, staff and distinguished guests.
In his address, Dr. Mahapatra said that Maharaja Sri Ramachandra Bhanjadeo University has emerged as a premier centre of higher learning in North Odisha and is poised to play a pivotal role in the educational, social and economic development of Mayurbhanj district. He emphasised that the University’s growing contribution in the fields of quality education, research, innovation, skill development and community engagement would significantly strengthen the district’s overall progress.
Reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to higher education, the Minister assured that every possible support would be extended for the University’s continued growth and excellence. He further stated that, in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP), the University should continue to promote multidisciplinary education, innovation, research and human resource development, thereby ushering in a new era of academic excellence across North Odisha.
Eminent educationist and former Chairman of Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar Autonomous College, Prof. Raghunath Panda, delivered the Foundation Day Lecture. He highlighted the importance of value-based education, quality enhancement in higher education and the creation of a knowledge-driven society.
Member of Parliament from Mayurbhanj, Shri Naba Charan Majhi, Baripada MLA Shri Prakash Soren, and the heir to the Mayurbhanj Royal Family, Shri Praveen Chandra Bhanjdeo, attended the समारोह as Guests of Honour and conveyed their best wishes for the University’s continued advancement.
Welcoming the dignitaries, University Registrar Ms. Sumita Singh outlined the significance of the Foundation Day and presented the programme overview.
‘Bhumo Gaurav’ Awards Presented
On the occasion, the prestigious ‘Bhumo Gaurav’ Awards were conferred upon distinguished personalities for their outstanding contributions in various fields.
For 2025, the award was presented to Shri Sarat Chandra Nayak, Dr. Banja Mohanty, and Er. Rabinarayan Bhuyan.
For 2026, the awardees included Shri Paresh Chandra Sahu (Art & Culture), Shri Vivekananda Patnaik (Social Service), and Shri Harish Chandra Hota (Education).
Among the University’s non-teaching employees, Mrs. Sandeepta Rout, Junior Assistant, and Mrs. Kavita Panda, Peon, were honoured with the Best Employee Award–2026.
Meritorious Students and NSS Volunteers Felicitated
Several meritorious students received memorial awards for their outstanding academic achievements and excellence in co-curricular activities.
The Kumudini Memorial Award was presented to S.C. Anjali of the Department of Biological Sciences for securing the highest marks in the 2025 Postgraduate Examination in Biological Sciences.
Dr. Ashok Priyadarshi Memorial Award was conferred upon Vidusmita Ghosh of I.G. Women’s College, Udala, as the Best History Graduate of 2026.
The Prof. Deepak Sadangi Memorial Award for the Inter-University English Elocution Competition was presented to Lipsa Lopamudra Barik (First Prize), Sanghamitra Mohanty of Fakir Mohan University (Second Prize), and Shuvakankshini Tripathy of Maharaja Sri Ramachandra Bhanjadeo University (Third Prize).
Outstanding NSS Programme Officers and volunteers were also felicitated for their exemplary contribution to community service.
The Foundation Day celebrations witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty members, students, researchers, alumni and staff, making the occasion a memorable celebration of the University’s academic journey and achievements.
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