Orissadiary.com picture of BJP dharana for an IIT in Orissa in front of Governor's house

From Orissadiary.com.

Sambada: BJP does dharana in front of the Rajbhawan

Orissadiary's coverage of the rally

Mass rally by Agami Odisha for establishment of IIT in Orissa

Sunday, April 08, 2007

Bhubaneswar: Intellectuals, artists, students, lawyers, sports person, politicians from Orissa under the banner of Agami Odisha and held a rally outside Raj Bhavan here on Sunday demanding establishment of an Indian Institute of Technology in Orissa.

Criticising the UPA Government at the Centre for neglecting the cause of the State, they also demanded upgradation of the University College of Engineering (UCE) at Burla as an Indian Institute of Engineering, Science & Technology (IIEST). In a memorandum, the members of Agami Odisha urged President APJ Abdul Kalam to intervene in the matter to ensure development of educational and scientific infrastructure in the State.

Participating in the rally, Biju Janata Dal leader and Rajya Sabha MP Baijayanta Panda announced that Agami Odisha will organise similar rallies in different corners of the State to highlight the two demands. Among others who took part in the rally, include Lok Sabha MP from Kendrapara Archana Nayak, well-known singer Prafulla Kar and several eminent educationists and social activists. The office-bearers of Agami Odisha - D K Ray (president), Lalit Pattnaik (working president), Sudarshan Das (vice-president), Santosh Tripathy (secretary) and Supriti Mishra (treasurer) - were present.

Agami Odisha has decided to organise a similar rally in New Delhi later this month to highlight the demands for establishment of IIT in Orissa.

Pragativadi: Rally for promised IITs

Rally for promised IITs
Bhubaneswar: Voicing their demand for setting up an IIT and IIST for Orissa, the city denizens comprising academicians, social activists, scientists, lawyers and a few politicians and students on Sunday took out a protest rally in the city.

The rally, organized by Agamee Odisha, a social organization, later marched towards Raj Bhawan raising slogans and carrying placards demanding the establishment of these institutions in the state. They came down heavily on the centre for betraying the people of Orissa by promising an IIT and then backing out.

They pledged protest from all levels including the Parliament. BJD Rajya Sabha member Baijayant Panda who was one of the protestors said that the MPs would stage a dharna in front of Parliament on May 15. Stating while the Centre has sanctioned Rs 4,000 crore for an IIT each for Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Rajsthan, Panda said that although the Union minister of state minister for HRD M Fatmi had assured the Orissa government on August 28 last year, the assurance has remained on paper and the Centre in this process has duped the state.

Santosh Tripathy's impression on the rally

Dear friends,

Warm greetings from Agamee Odisha and congratulations for making the intellectuals' rally yesterday a grand success.

8th April 2007 will be remembered as a historic day for each Oriya because 500 intellectuals and students walked on the street from AG Square to Raj Bhavan to demand for a new IIT in Orissa and upgrading University Engineering College, Burla to Indian Institute of Engineering, Science and Technology (IIEST).

Agamee Odisha invited all Oriyas acros parties/associations, intellectuals, students, teachers, professionals and others to join the rally. As one of the organizers I am overwhelmed with the participation. Two prominent MPs Mr. Baijayant Panda and Ms. Archana Nayak walked in the rally all through
with us. Eminent personalities like Mr. Prafulla Kar, singer & columnist, Dr. Bimalendu Mohanty & Narendra Mishra, ex-Vice-Chancellors of Utkal University of Culture, Dr. Bhagaban Prakash, ex-adviser, UNDP, Er. Ashok Rath, ex-executive Director, NALCO, Er. Nandanandan Das, ex-Chief Engineer, Mr. Nadia Chand Kanungo,noted environmentalist, Professor P.K. Sarkar, Dr D.R. Pattnaik, Dr. S. Jally, Dr. A. Behera, Dr. M. K. Sadhual & Dr. M. S. Dash of Utkal University, Dr.S. K. Mohanty, Dr. S. K. Uttaray, Dr. B. Parasar & Dr. S. S. Mohapatra of Orissa University of Ag. & Technology, Dr. Gopabandhu Mohanty & Dr. K. Mohanty of Utkal University of Culture, Mr. Ajit Dash & his lawyer friends, Dr. Amiya Mohanty of All India Federation of University & College Teachers' Associations, Prasant Samantray, Prasant Rout, Rana Pratap Patra, Santosh Bej, Sunil Sarangi, Santamati Dash & Rashmi Ranjan Sahoo, the student leaders & 70 students of Utkal University, Er. Ashes Padhi, Secy. UCE Alumni Association, Er, SSS Panda, Er. Jagannath Mohanty & 20 members of UCE alumni Association, nearly 80 students of UCE, Burla, Mr. Prasant Paikray, social activist, Budhia Singh, the child marathon runner & 15 others from his school, 10 teachers from private engineering & management colleges along with others participated in the said rally.

On behalf of Agamee Odisha, Sj. Dhirendra Kumar Ray, Er. Lalit Mohan Pattnaik, Mrs. Kasturi Mohapatra, Er. Ajay Pattnaik, Mr. Madhusudan Das, Mr. Gadadhar Pradhan, Mr. Gauranga Mohapatra, Dr. Namita Pattnaik, Mrs. Supriti Mishra, Dr. Ambika Nanda and Student friends organized the rally.

The rally was started at 9.00A.M. and reached Raj Bhaban at 10.00 A. M. An eight member delegation led by Sj. D. K. Ray, President Agamee Odisha went to submit the memorandum.

The success of the rally is due to the coordinated efforts of those who believe in unity and dedication for the cause of Orissa. All the print media and electronic media also deserve our special thanks as they participated actively.

Agamee Odisha has plans to organize rallies at district headquarters in the third week and a Students' Convention in the first week of May. It will organize a Dharna on the Parliament Street on 15th May.

Again we appeal the people of Orissa to be united for the cause of the state and to make a better Orissa possible.

Santosh Tripathy
Agamee Odisha

New Indian Express: Citizens take to streets, demand IIT for State

Citizens take to streets, demand IIT for State
Monday April 9 2007 10:31 IST

BHUBANESWAR: Jolted by the Centre's move to deny Orissa an IIT, hundreds of people from various walks of life on Sunday took out a rally here protesting the decision. They submitted a memorandum to President APJ Abdul Kalam. It was organised by Agami Odisha, an apolitical platform of eminent scientists, educationists and social activists.

The Centre's move has not only saddened the people but has also robbed the State of its rightful claim, rued working president of the forum Lalit Pattnaik.

The Government had stated its intention to set up the next set of IITs in backward States and had picked Orissa as one of the prospective places. But it went back on its promise and instead gifted an IIT to Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan, however, got their due share, he remarked.

The decision not only created uproar in the State, but also created fear among the people that other schemes like upgrading UCE Burla into Indian Institute of Engineering, Science and Technology might never be realised.

While the Chief Minister shot off a protest letter to the Centre against the decision, many were surprised over its meek response in the following days.

Today when the Centre has sanctioned Rs 400 crore for the new IITs, Pattnaik said, Orissa should build up a mass movement to extract its claim.

We would transform this by creating awareness among the people in every nook and corner of the State, he said.

Sunday's rally coincided with the IIT entrance examination.

Across the country some 2.5 lakh appeared for the test, being held for the first time under the revised format.

odisha.com (in Oriya) on the rally

Lalit Patnaik's impression on the rally

Sudersan Das third from the left.




MP Baijayanta Panda holding the banner from the right.










Budhia singh leading the rally.





















BC Praharaj,Ashok Rath,SK Mohanty,Nadia Kanungo,Lalit Pattnaik,Prafulla Kar,Baijayant Panda,Nandanandan Das,DKRay


















MP Archana Nayak and Singer Prafulla Kar.










The rally was a grand success, because it has really evoked very positive response among BUDHIJIBI and Students. The Budhijibi assembled just in time i.e. 8.30 a.m sharp . The rally progressed by 9 a.m. Can you believe the punctuality of Budhijibi in Odisha.

But it happened( Not a political rally). Around 200 to 250 Budhijibi were present during the start and procession reached Governor's house by 9.30 a.m. by then there were around 400 people. The Police officer said the appointment was at 11 a.m. and why you are early.

A meeting was conducted and people addresed and were introduced to different personalities and each other. TV interview took place. The youth were allowed to speak more. The Memorandum was handed over to Secy to Governor as he could not return from Andhra but however another
meeting promised

The purpose has been achieved. OTV and national NDTV have already covered our IIT demand in it's prime broadcast at 8 p.m. Let
us hope best from the print media tomorrow. You will be able to know from the print media in detail. Please find some pic. attached.

Yours,
Lalit pattnaik

Hindustan Times: Child prodigy Budhia rallies for IIT in Orissa

Himansu S Sahoo

Bhubaneswar, April 08, 2007

Child prodigy Budhia Singh was seen in a new avatar on Sunday. The five-year-old wonder kid led the protest march organised by a group of civil society organisations and MPs over the shifting of a greenfield IIT from Orissa to Andhra Pradesh. Holding a placard and using his lung powers to the maximum, Budhia emerged as the latest icon to hold several disparate groups together. He appeared to be well conversant with the IIT issue also.

Budhia told HT, "Being one of the poorest states of India so far as the infrastructure in higher education is concerned, Orissa should get the priority in the establishment of an IIT. As the IIT would be of great use for our future, many more children of my age should also come forward and join hands for the demand."

Earlier, on certain public campaigns against AIDS, Dowry Tortures and on issues of Child Labour, Budhia had taken to the streets of Bhubaneswar participating in rallies and demonstrations. But he got a chance to rub shoulders with some important MPs and Oriya cine stars for the first time.

Rajya Sabha member Baijayant Panda and Lok Sabha member Archana Nayak, eminent Oriya cinestars and singers like Prafulla Kar and a number of other personalities from different fields participated in the protest march. A delegation of the protestors submitted a memorandum to President APJ Abdul Kalam through Orissa Governor Rameshwar Thakur to immediately intervene and ensure development of educational and scientific infrastructure in Orissa. A demand was also made to upgrade the University College of Engineering (UCE) at Burla to an Indian Institute of Engineering, Science & Technology (IIEST).

DK Ray, president of Aagami Odisha, an NGO which organized Sunday's protests, criticized the UPA government at Centre for "neglecting the development of Orissa" and said, the move to ignore the state's demand would be strongly protested by a social coalition formed by the organization, comprising eminent personalities in all fields.

Later this month Aagami Odisha would organize a rally in New Delhi over the IIT demand, in which Budhia Singh may take part along with other personalities, Ray informed.

Statesman: Rally for promised IITs

Rally for promised IITs

Statesman News Service
BHUBANESWAR, April 8: It was not a massive rally by political party congregation standards. But for once, the numbers did not matter, it was the members who mattered the most and they were eminent personalities from all walks of life ~ academicians, social activists, scientists, lawyers and a few politicians. They were all demanding an IIT and an IIST for Orissa.

Students had also joined the rally which marched towards Raj Bhavan square raising slogans and carrying placards demanding the establishment of these institutions in the state. They alleged that the centre had betrayed the people of Orissa by promising an IIT and then backing out.

They pledged protest from all levels including the Parliament. BJD MP Mr BJ Panda said MPs will stage a dharna in front of Parliament on 15 May. An IIT each for Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Rajsthan had been sanctioned with an investment of Rs 4,000 crore. Orissa, although was promised two IITs by central minister for HRD Mr M Fatmi on 28 August 2006 at Patna, has been duped, they said. The protestors demanded the establishment of an IIT and Improvement of UCE, Burla to IIEST. “Agamee Odisha” , a social organisation had taken the lead in organising the protest and mobilising support.

Tathya.in: ‘Chacha Kalam’ plz listen

Bhubaneswar:8/April/2007

Like any other children in the country child prodigy Budhia Singh has great faith on the President A P J Abdul Kalam.

So on Sunday morning Budhia leaving his daily marathon practice marched to Raj Bhawan to send his missive to his beloved ‘Chacha Kalam’ for a noble cause.

And he has all faith on 'Chacha Prez', said Budhia.

He joined the elite bandwagon of Orissa to seek indulgence of the President of India to use his good offices for the cause of educational and scientific infrastructure of the state.

A five year old slogan shouting Budhia with a placard in his hand demanding an IIT for the state was the star attraction of the Agami Odisha rally, which was organized to draw attention of the callous central leadership.

In a memorandum presented to the Raj Bhawan officials in absence of the Governor, intelligentsias of the state demanded establishment of an IIT in Orissa and up grading UCE Burla to the status of Indian Institute of Engineering, Science and Technology (IIEST).

Agami Odisha, an apolitical platform of eminent scientists, educationists, social activists and people from various walks of life is championing the cause of the state on various developmental issues.

As establishment of an IIT has become an emotive issue for the people of the state, the leading civil society organization took the lead in generating public opinion for a reasonable cause.

While BJD MP Baijayant Panda joining the march criticized the callous attitude of the UPA government, play back singer Prafulla Kar sang a different tune.

Kar blamed the Members of Parliament (MP) from Orissa, who are equally dormant over raising the issue of IIT.

How ever noted environmentalist Nadia Chand Kanungo charged the Centre of “virtually looting” the state in the name of mineral development and demanded a White Paper on the export of minerals from the state during last 15 years, echoing the demand for an IIT.

While thanking the President Dr.Kalam for his initiative to set up a NISER in Orissa the assembly of intelligentsia appealed him to lend his support for an IIT and declaration of UCE, Burla as ITSER.

Announcing the next course of action Agami Odisha President Dhirendra Kumar Ray said on May 15, we will be demonstrating before the Parliament to ventilate our grievances.

Kalinga Times: Agami Odisha members demand IIT for Orissa

KalingaTimes Correspondent Bhubaneswar: A large number of people from various walks of life came under the banner of social organisation Agami Odisha and held a rally outside Raj Bhavan here on Sunday demanding establishment of an Indian Institute of Technology in Orissa. Criticising the United Progressive Alliance Government at the Centre

for neglecting the cause of the State, they also demanded upgradation of the University College of Engineering (UCE) at Burla as an Indian Institute of Engineering, Science & Technology (IIEST). Orissa, being one of the poorest states in terms of infrastructure in education and technology, needs establishment of an IIT more than any other state, the activists said. In a memorandum, the members of Agami Odisha urged President APJ Abdul Kalam to intervene in the matter to ensure development of educational and scientific infrastructure in the State. Mentioning that the demands for an ITT and declaration of the UCE at Burla as an IIEST were `extremely reasonable', the activists appealed to the President to lend support to the cause. Participating in the rally, Biju Janata Dal leader and Rajya Sabha MP Baijayanta Panda announced that Agami Odisha will organise similar rallies in different corners of the State to highlight the two demands. Among others who took part in the rally, include Lok Sabha MP from Kendrapara Archana Nayak, well-known singer Prafulla Kar and several eminent educationists and social activists. The office-bearers of Agami Odisha - D K Ray (president), Lalit Pattnaik (working president), Sudarshan Das (vice-president), Santosh Tripathy (secretary) and Supriti Mishra (treasurer) - were present. Agami Odisha, which has started forming a Social Force comprising those concerned for the State's development, has decided to organise a similar rally in New Delhi later this month to highlight the demands.

8th April morning 8.30 am: IIT rally message by Lalit Patnaik

ARE YOU A SWABHIMANI ODIA

One IIT each for Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Rajsthan has been sanctioned with an investment of Rs.4000 crores. Orissa, although promised two IIT by Central Minister for HRD Mr. M Fatmi on 28th August 2006 at Patna, has been befooled with none.

* Orissa being one of the poorest states in terms of
infrastructure in education and technology needs establishment of IIT more than any other state.

* Orissa having richest Mineral deposit needs an IIT to provide knowledge and technology base for best utilization of it's resources.
* Let us not be blamed by our grand children that we
have overslept when their future was being dismissed.

1) We demand establishment of an IIT and up gradation of UCE, Burla to
IIEST in Orissa.
2) Join for Orissa in our demand on 8th April 2007
morning at 8.30 am in AG square, Bhubaneswar.

Request made by
DK Ray(President),Lalit Pattnaik(Working President), Suderson Das(Vice-President), Supriti Mishra ( Treasurer) & General secretary, Dr Santosh Tripathy of AGAMEE ODISHA.

*Intellectuals of Agamee Odisha in various field have given the "call of the
hour". Join the movement and create a Social Force of " Swabhimani Odia" for all time to come and for all issues of Orissa.

From Social, Cultural & Educational field
* Shree Prafulla Kar (Singer) &
* Padma Shree Devi Prasanna Pattnaik, Renowned linguist.
* Padma Bibhusan Trilochan Pradhan, Ex VC Utkal University
* Narendra Mishra, Ex VC,Cultural university
* Dr. Bimalendu Mohanty, Ex- VC, Culture University.
* Dr. Bijaya Mishra, Ex- Principal Ramadevi College.
* Dr Adyuta Patra, Ex-Professor OUAT.
* Dr Padmaja Mishra, Professor Utkal university.
* Kali Prasad Mishra, Chief Commissioner Scouts.
* Jagadananda, CYSD
* Dr.Kasturi Mohapatra, VP Indian council of Child welfare.
* Dr. Santosh Tripathy (Utkal University), Gen.Secy Agamee
Odisha.
* Dr. Pratap Rath, Professor Utkal University.
* Dr Ambika Nanda, Action AID.
* Dr. Namita Pattnaik, Maharshi College.
* Mrs Nibedita Scadar, Women activist.
* Dr Dipti Ranjan Pattnaik, Reader Utkal University.
* Dr Manoj Kar, Social Activist
* Mrs Supriti Mishra, Social Activist, Tresurer Agamee Odisha.
* Suderson Das, Director KIIT, VC Agamee Odisha.
* Prasant Paikray, Social activist.
* Madhusudan das, President NYP
* Nirakar Beura, Social activist.
* Gadadhar Pradhan Social activist.
* Pradeep Pradhan Social activist.
* Pradeep Nayak, Social activist.

Lawers & Doctors,
* Ajit Das, Ex-President bar council, bbsr
* Ashim Amitav Das, Secy. Bar council of Orissa.
* Natabar Mohanty, Advocate
* Dr RSS Murty, Heart specialist.
* Dr. Madhusudan Mishra, President Medical association.
* Dr. Siba Prasad Tripathy, Skin specialist

From Administrative Field
* Shree Dhiren Kumar Ray, Ex DG(IT) & Chairman ( OERC), President
Agamee Odisha.
* Sudhansu Bhusan Mishra, Ex Chief Secy.
* Sahadeb Sahu, Ex Chief Secy.
* Jatish Chandra Mohanty, Ex- Principal Secy (AP)
* Nadia Bihari Kanungo, Ex- Conservator of Forest.
Engineers & Industrialist
* Nandanadan Das, Ex Secy. Works
* Sangram mishra, Ex-Director NALCO
* Ashok Rath, Ex-executive Director NALCO
* BC Praharaaj, Ex- Chief engineer.
* Bibhuti Mohanty, Ex- President Vani Vihar & Industrialist
* Lalit Mohan Pattnaik, Ex-President Off Assn.NALCO, VC Alumni
UCE, bbsr chapter, Working President Agamee Odisha.
* Ajay Pattnaik, Industrialist.
* Bimal Mishra, Industrialist.
* Ashesh Padhi, General Secy Alumni UCE, Burla.
* Satya siva sunder Panda, Secy Alumni UCE, , bbsr chapter
* Jagannath Mohanty, Secy Alumni UCE, bbsr chapter.
*Prabodh Mishra, Tresurer Alumni UCE,bbsr chapter
* Sury Rath, Ex-R&D engineer & secretary NYP.
* Baidyanath, Ex-engineer MNC & Social activist.
* PK Dalbehera.

National & State Political Leaders
* Sibaji Pattnaik, Ex-MP.
* Archana Nayak, MP.
* Dharmendra Pradhan, MP.
* Baijayant Panda, MP.
* Rudranarayan Pani, MP.
* Mohan Jena, MP.
* Kharavela Swain, MP.
* Arun Sahu, MLA.
* Raja Swain, MLA.
* Atanu Sabysachi, MLA
* Priyadarshi Mishra.

Student Leaders
* Devi Prasad Parija.
* Amiya Pandav
* Pranab Prakash Sahu, Ex-President Vani Vihar.
* Prasanta samantray.
* Manaranjan Mohapatra.
* Tejeswar Parida.
* Srimanta Mohapatra.
* Smruti sagar Mohanty.
* Bibhuti Bhusan Nayak.
* Bibhuti Bhusan Mandal.
* Sudhir kumar swain
* Sanjay kumar malik
* Ranjan kumar mohanty
* Biswapratap mallick
* Rajakishor soren
* Purusottam pradhan

Note:- The names are many but we have not been able to write all names due to shortage of time and space. Please forget and forgive for any unknown mistakes.

Lalit Pattnaik
(M)-9338232298

Dharitri's Front Page Picture : Protest by ABVP on Shifting of IIT from Orissa

Pioneer: ABVP gheraos Raj Bhawan, opposes IIT shifting

ABVP gheraos Raj Bhawan, opposes IIT shifting

Pioneer News Service | Bhubaneswar

Stepping up its agitation against the shifting up the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) from the State, the ABVP on Wednesday gheraoed the Raj Bhawan here and sought the direct intervention of Governor Rameshwar Thakur in the issue.

The ABVP activist staged a day-long dharna in front of the Raj Bhawan, during which they had a scuffle with the police. About 100 demonstrators were arrested by the police when they tried to enter the Raj Bhawan forcibly.

The ABVP leaders submitted a memorandum to the Governor, urging his direct intervention in the issue. The Congress-led UPA Government had earlier promised location of National Institute of Sciences ( NIS) in Orissa, but subsequently it was shifted elsewhere. This time the proposed IIT has also been shifted from the State. In fact, two IITs were promised to Orissa, but not even one is being located in the State, ABVP State general secretary Nirmal Sarangi said, adding that such a move is purely politically motivated, as the Centre wants to satisfy the UPA allies.

"We have urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, President APJ Abdul Kalam and Congress President Sonia Gandhi to look into the matter seriously and take into account Orissa's interest," Sarangi said.

Despite Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development Fatmi's promise in August last year, Orissa has been ignored in the matter of location of an IIT, ABVP activists pointed out.

"Union Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh is anti-Orissa and the UPA Government is more worried for the States which are governed by the Congress," ABVP national executive member Mahesh Mishra alleged. He warned that unless the Union Government's decision is reversed, ABVP would intensify its agitation.

The agitation over the IIT issue is likely to gather further momentum as Agami Odisha will hold a preparatory meeting on February 26 to decide its further course of action on the issue. Persons associated with different organisations are expected to participate in the meeting.

Kalinga Times: ABVP demands IIT for Orissa

(Update: Also reported in Hindu)

ABVP demands IIT for Orissa

KalingaTimes Correspondent Bhubaneswar: Orissa unit of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad staged a demonstration outside Raj Bhawan here on Wednesday to register their protest against the United Progressive Alliance Government's move to shift the proposed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) from the State. Angry activists of the organisation broke the police cordon and staged a sit-in outside the main gate of Raj Bhavan demanding that the Centre should set up an IIT in the State. Raising slogans against the Centre, the youths blamed the Centre for neglecting the State. In a memorandum submitted to the Centre, the ABVP demanded that the Union Human Resource Development Ministry should reconsider its decision to set an IIT in Orissa as was decided by it earlier. The organisation announced that it would intensify its agitation to highlight the demand for setting up of an IIT in Orissa if the Centre did not take any decision in favour of the State soon. A full-fledged IIT was needed for the State as it was attracting huge investments in the recent years and many companies had started process to set up industries in various sectors. Institutions such as IIT were necessary to ensure economic development in the State in the years to come, the ABVP leaders said.