Odisha should pursue one of the sports and physical education university proposed by the 12th plan working group on Sports and Physical Education

The 12th plan working group report on Sports and Physical Education recommends the establishment of  four regional centres of LNUPE and 5 new sports and physical education universities or physical education colleges. Odisha must vigorously pursue the central government and the planning commission to get one of the proposed 5 sports and physical education universities.

In this regard, please send an email to the Odisha CM at cmo@ori.nic.in with content such as given below:

Dear Esteemed CM:

The 12th plan working group on Sports and Physical Education has recommended in their report at http://planningcommission.nic.in/aboutus/committee/wrkgrp12/hrd/wg_repsports.pdf that "for meeting the increasing demand of Physical Education Teachers and producing quality PETs, at least four regional centres of LNUPE and 5 new sports and physical education universities or physical education colleges should be opened during 12th
Plan. "

Kindly pursue with the central government regarding having one of these universities in Odisha.

Sincerely,

Following are some rationale behind pursuing a Sports and Physical Education University. Please have a look at it at your leisure. 

While promoting sports,  besides providing good facilities (hostels, stadiums, turfs), what is most important is that the athletes are provided with opportunities to pursue some recognized degree/diploma/certificate of study so that they have alternate avenues of employment. For example, consider the story in http://www.indiablooms.com/SportsVideoDetails/sportsVideoDetails180312f.php.

Following is an excerpt from that story.

Renowned national woman footballer Jhilli Munda, who has represented India at international and national events in several tournaments, is bearing the brunt of acute poverty and she is forced to roll beedis to earn her bread and butter. 

It is well known that among the athletes that join the sports hostels, only a few make it to the state and national teams and of them only a few get appropriate jobs. What happens to the rest? It is sad to read about Jhili Munda’s story above. The point is until and unless we make sure that kids pursuing a career as an athlete have a way to make a living we can not significantly improve the sports scenario in Odisha and India. Now how do we make sure that *all* kids pursuing a career as an athlete have a way to make a living. 

The way to do that is to provide them with some *relevant education* in parallel with their athletics training such that even if they do not make it to the top in sports, they can get a good job and make a living. What are some of the relevant educational avenues and programs?

Some of them are:

  • Physical training
  • Coaching in various sports
  • Physiotherapy
  • Sports medicine
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Sports Psychology
  • Sports Biomechanics
  • Sports Management and Mass Communication
  • Health Sciences & Yoga
  • Sports Massage
  • Grounds Management
  • Health and fitness management
  • Sports journalism
  • Sports photography and 
  • Sports commentary.

Some of these courses are offered at the three established institutions in India:

In the 2011-12 budget there was mention of the following *new* initiatives: 

  • Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development in Tamil Nadu: With a 2011-12 budget allocation of 10.8 crores (2010-11: 9.9 crores)
  • Laxmibai National Institute of Physical Education – NE area and Sikkim Initiative: With a 2011-12 budget allocation of 15 crores (2010-11: 3 crores)
In the 2012-13 budget (http://indiabudget.nic.in/ub2012-13/eb/sbe106.pdf ) there was the mention of the following *new* initiatives:

  • 7. Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Developmentin Tamil Nadu has a budget of 18.9 crores.
  • 28. National Institute of Sports Science and Sports Medicine 5 crores
  • 29. National Institute of Coaching Education 5 crores

Note that none of the above are in the eastern part of India and none are in the traditional tribal areas of India.

The 12th plan has a working group on Sports and Physical Education. They have a report at http://planningcommission.nic.in/aboutus/committee/wrkgrp12/hrd/wg_repsports.pdf .  In that report the following is mentioned.

5.15 It has been recommended that for meeting the increasing demand of Physical Education Teachers and producing quality PETs, at least four regional centres of LNUPE and 5 new sports and physical education universities or physical education colleges should be opened during 12th Plan. An outlay of Rs. 900 crore on this account during 12th Plan is projected.  
Thus we should vigorously pursue the establishment of  a National Sports Institute/University in Odisha that not only offers training in the sports Odisha excels in (Hockey – mens and womens, Football, Rowing, etc.) but also offers the above mentioned programs so that every athlete of Odisha is able to simultaneously pursue a certificate/diploma/degree in one of the above disciplines and is able to make a decent living.

Considering that Sundergarh and Rourkela area is the hotbed of Odisha athletics (mainly Hockey) and it is a tribal district, it would be good to locate the proposed National Sports Institute/University in Sundergarh/Rourkela. It may have branches in Kendrapada and Bhubaneswar to cater to the women footballers of Kendrapada and other sports persons in Bhubaneswar/Cuttack. Moreover the university in Sundergarh/Rourkela can also cater to athletes in Jharkhand.

 
The recent election of Mr. Dilip Tirkey as a Rajya Sabha MP can be seen/argued as an indication that the Odisha government is serious about promoting sports in a wholesome way, with particular attention to adivasis.

May 1st, 2012

List of recognized teacher education institutes in Odisha: From ERCNCTE site

The following is from the ERCNCTE (Eastern Region Committee, National Council of Teacher Education), Bhubaneswar site at http://www.ercncte.org/. (The head office of NCTE is in Delhi and its four regional centers are at Bhubaneswar, Bangalore, Bhopal and Jaipur.)

Pre-School

1

Orissa University of Agriculture & Technology, College of Home Science, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Orissa-751003

University Department

Board of Secondary Education

Pre-school Teacher Education

50

2

DAV Institute of Teacher Education (Pre-school), Sector-VI, CDA, Bidanasi, Cuttack, Orissa –753014

Private

BSE

Pre-School Teacher Education

50

3

DIET, Sundargarh, At/P.O. Sankara, Dist. Sundargarh, Orissa-770020

Government

BSE

Pre-school Teacher Education

50

4

DIET, Kalahandi, Bhawanipatna, Naktiguda, P.O. Bhawanipatna, Dist. Kalahandi, Orissa – 766001

Government

BSE

Pre-school Teacher Education

50

5

DIET, Dhenkanal, At/P.O./Dist. Dhenkanal, Orissa-759001

Government

BSE

Pre-school Teacher Education

50

6

DIET, Keonjhar, At. Old Town of Keonjhar, P.O. Keonjhar Bazar, Dist. Keonjhar, Orissa-758002

Government

BSE

Pre-school Teacher Education

50

7

DIET, Khurda, At/P.O./Dist. Khurda, Orissa-752055

Government

BSE

Pre-school Teacher Education

50

8

DIET, Sambalpur, Ainthapali, Budharaja, Dist – Sambalpur, Orissa – 768004

Government

BSE

Pre-school Teacher Education

50

9

DIET, Naguan, Via – Jajpur Road, Dist – Jajpur, Orissa – 755019

Government

BSE

Pre-school Teacher Education

50

Elementary

1

DIET, Kalahandi, Bhawanipatna, Orissa– 766001

Government

Board of Secondary Education

CT

50

2

DIET, Remuna, Khirochoragopinath Balasore, Orissa- 756018

Government

BSE

CT

50

3

DIET, Sankara, Sundergarh,Orissa – 770020 

Government

BSE

CT

50

4

DIET, Khalikote, Ganjam, Orissa – 761030

Government

BSE

CT

50

5

DIET, Sambalpur, Orissa- 768004

Government

BSE

CT

50

6

DIET, Khurda, Orissa – 752055

Government

BSE

CT

50

7

DIET, Keonjhar, Orissa- 758001

Government

BSE

CT

50

8

DIET, Jaypore, Koraput, Orissa – 764001

Government

BSE

CT

50

9

DIET, Dolipur, Nagua, Jajpur, Orissa– 755019

Government

BSE

CT

50

10

DIET, Dhenkanal, Orissa- 759001

Government

BSE

CT

50

11

DIET, Baripada, Mayurbhanj, Orissa– 757001

Government

BSE

CT

50

12

DIET, Phulbani, Tikabali, Orissa– 762010

Government

BSE

CT

50

13

DIET, Balangir, Orissa-767001

Government

BSE

CT

50

14

Govt. Secondary Training School, Sakhigopal, Puri, Orissa-752014

Government

BSE

CT

50

15

Govt. Secondary Training School, Bargarh, Orissa – 768028

Government

BSE

CT

50

16

Govt. Secondary Training School, Bhanjanagar, Ganjam, Orissa – 761126

Government

BSE

CT

50

17

Govt. Secondary Training School, Paralakhemundi, Gajapati, Orissa – 761200

Government

BSE

CT

50

18

Govt. Secondary Training School, Dharmagarh, Kalahandi, Orissa – 766015

Government

BSE

CT

50

19

Govt. Secondary Training School, Nawarangpur, Mirganguda, Orissa

Government

BSE

CT

50

20

Govt. Secondary Training School, Polsara, Ganjam, Orissa – 761105

Government

BSE

CT

50

21

Govt. Secondary Training School, Sonepur, Subarnapur, Orissa – 767017

Government

BSE

CT

50

22

Govt. Secondary Training School, Kuanramunda, Sundargarh, Orissa – 770039

Government

BSE

CT

50

23

Govt. Secondary Training School, Bissam Cuttack, Rayagada, Koraput, Orissa – 765022

Government

BSE

CT

50

24

Govt. Secondary Training School, Nayagarh, Rajsunakhala, Orissa

Government

BSE

CT

50

25

Govt. Secondary Training School, Patnagarh, Balangir, Orissa – 767025

Government

BSE

CT

50

26

Govt. Secondary Training School, Bagudi, Balasore, Orissa – 756045

Government

BSE

CT

50

27

Govt. Secondary Training School, Agarpara, Bhadrak, Orissa

Government

BSE

CT

50

28

Govt. Secondary Training School, Chhendipada, Angul, Orissa – 759124

Government

BSE

CT

50

29

Govt. Secondary Training School, Jagatsinghpur, Orissa – 754032

Government

BSE

CT

50

30

Govt. Secondary Training School, Pipli, Puri, Orissa – 752104

Government

BSE

CT

50

31

Govt. Secondary Training School, Kendrapara, Orissa – 754211

Government

BSE

CT

50

32

Govt. Secondary Training School, Ragadi, Banki, Cuttack, Orissa – 754008

Government

BSE

CT

50

33

Govt. Secondary Training School, Gunupur, Rayagada, Orissa – 765022

Government

BSE

CT

50

34

Govt. Secondary Training School, Tangi, Khurda, Orissa – 751001

Government

BSE

CT

50

35

Govt. Secondary Training School (Women), Bhubaneswar, Unit VI, Khurda, Orissa – 751001

Government

BSE

CT

50

36

Govt. Secondary Training School, Boudh, Orissa – 762014

Government

BSE

CT

50

37

Govt. Secondary Training School, Jharsuguda, Panchapara, Orissa – 768204

Government

BSE

CT

50

38

Govt. Secondary Training School, Fakirpur, Keonjhar, Orissa – 758002

Government

BSE

CT

50

39

Govt. Secondary Training School, Kishorenagar, Angul, Orissa – 759122

Government

BSE

CT

50

40

Govt. Secondary Training School, Titlagarh, Balangir, Orissa – 767033

Government

BSE

CT

50

41

Govt. Secondary Training School, Langaleswar, Balasore, Orissa

Government

BSE

CT

50

42

Govt. Secondary Training School, Kundukela, Sundergarh, Orissa – 770019

Government

BSE

CT

50

43

Govt. Secondary Training School, Nimapara, Puri, Orissa – 752106

Government

BSE

CT

50

44

Govt. Secondary Training School, Remuli, Keonjhar, Orissa – 758047

Government

BSE

CT

50

45

Govt. Secondary Training School, Umerkote, Nawarangapur, Orissa – 764073

Government

BSE

CT

50

46

Govt. Secondary Training School, Balia, Bhagabatpur, Kendrapara, Orissa – 754234

Government

BSE

CT

50

47

Govt. Secondary Training School, Deogarh, Purnagarh, Orissa – 768119

Government

BSE

CT

50

48

Govt. Secondary Training School, Pahimahura, Barikpur Bazar, Bhadrak, Orissa – 756122

Government

BSE

CT

50

49

Govt. Secondary Training School, Puri, Orissa – 752001

Government

BSE

CT

50

50

Govt. Secondary Training School for Women, Berhampur, Ganjam, Orissa – 760001

Government

BSE

CT

50

51

Govt. Secondary Training School, Nawapara, Orissa– 766105

Government

BSE

CT

50

52

Govt. Secondary Training School, Baripada, Mayurbhanj, Orissa – 757001

Government

BSE

CT

50

53

Govt. Secondary Training School, Gorumahisani, Mayurbhanj, Orissa – 757042

Government

BSE

CT

50

54

Govt. Secondary Training School, Kusalda, Mayurbhanj, Orissa – 757085

Government

BSE

CT

50

55

Govt. Secondary Training School (Urdu), Shaikh Bazar, Tulasipur, Cuttack, Orissa – 766015

Government

BSE

CT

50

56

Govt. Secondary Training School, Tudigadia, Sore, Balasore, Orissa – 756 045

Government

BSE

CT

50

57

Radhanath Secondary Training School, Chandini Chowk, Cuttack, Orissa-753002

Government

BSE

CT

50

58

Govt. Secondary Training School, Bhalulata, Sundergarh, Orissa

Government

BSE

CT

40

59

Govt. Secondary Training School, Bolangir, Orissa-767001

Government

BSE

CT

50

60

Govt. Secondary Training School, Athagarh, Cuttack, Orissa – 754002

Government

BSE

CT

50

61

Govt. Secondary Training School, Chitrakonda, Malkanagiri, Orissa – 764052

Government

BSE

CT

50

62

Govt. Secondary Training School, Chikiti, Ganjam-761010, Orissa

Government

BSE

CT

50

63

Govt. Secondary Training School, Narshingpur, Cuttack, Orissa

Government

BSE

CT

50

64

Thompson Womens’ Secondary Training School, Madhusudan Road, GPO Buxi-Bazar, Cuttack, Orissa,     Pin –753030

Private (aided)

BSE

CT

50

65

PAN School of Education, Bankoi, Khurda, Orissa

Government

BSE

CT

50

66

Govt. DAV Secondary Training School, Kalinga, Vill- Kalinga, Po- Kalinga, Dist- Kandhamal, Orissa (ETE) (Govt.) (Board of Secondary Education Orissa) Code No.APE00956

Government

BSE

ETE

50

Secondary

1

Radhanath Institute of Advanced Study in Education, Cuttack, Orissa-753002 

Government

Utkal University

B.ED.

128

2

Dibakar Patnaik Institute of Advanced Study in Education, Berhampur, Ganjam, Orissa- 760003

Government

Berhampur
University

B.ED.

60

3

Dr. Parsuram Mishra Institute of Advanced Study in Education, Sambalpur, Orissa-751007

Government

Sambalpur
University

B.ED.

100

4

Nalini Devi Womens’ College of Teacher Education, Unit – III, Kharvela Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Orissa-769010

Government

Utkal University

B.ED.

200

5

Naba Krushna Choudhury College of Teacher Education, Angul, Orissa-759122

Government

Utkal University

B.ED.

100

6

DAV College of Teacher Education, Koraput, Orissa-764020

Government

Berhampur University

B.ED

80

7

Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja College of Teacher Education, Bhanjanagar, Ganjam, Orissa – 761126

Government

Berhampur University

B.ED.

72

8

College of Teacher Education Balangir, Orissa – 767001

Government

Sambalpur
University

B.ED.

100

9

College of Teacher Education, Balasore, Orissa-756001

Government

Fakir Mohan University

B.ED.

100

10

Kalahandi Training College, Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi, Orissa-766001

Government

Sambalpur University

B.ED.

50

11

Rourkela College of Educational Training, Rourkela, Sundargarh, Orissa-769010

Government

Sambalpur University

B.ED.

50

12

Anandpur Anchalika Training College, Fakirpur, Keonjhar, Orissa – 758022

Government

North Orissa University

B.ED.

50

13

Utkal Mani Gopabandhu B.Ed. College, Takatpur, Baripada, Mayurbhanj, Orissa – 757 001

Government

North Orissa University

B.ED.

50

14

Regional Institute of Education, Bhubaneswar, Sachivalaya Marg, Bhubaneswar, Orissa-751 022

NCERT

Utkal University

INTEGRATED

100

2 YR B.ED

100

15

Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan (Deemed University),Sri Sadashiva Campus, Puri, Orissa – 752001

Deemed University

Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan

SHIKSHA SHASTRI
(B.ED.)

100

16

Hindi Teacher’s Training Institute, Block No.-29, Old Secretariate, Dist.-Cuttack, Orissa-753001

Government

Utkal University

B.H.ED.

100

17

Government Teacher’s Training College, Phulbani, Vill/PO-Phulbani, Plot No.– 397,184,380,156, Dist- Kandhamal, Orissa-762001

Government

Berhampur University

B.Ed.

100

Master of Education

1

Radhanath Institute of Advanced Study in Education, Cuttack, Orissa-753002 

Government

Utkal University

M.ED.

24

2

Dibakar Patnaik Institute of Advanced Study in Education, Berhampur, Ganjam, Orissa- 760003

Government

Berhampur
University

M.ED.

24

3

Dr. Parsuram Mishra Institute of Advanced Study in Education, Sambalpur, Orissa-751007

Government

Sambalpur
University

M.ED.

24

4

Nalini Devi Womens’ College of Teacher Education, Unit – III, Kharvela Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Orissa-769010

Government

Utkal University

M.ED.

24

5

Regional Institute of Education, Bhubaneswar, Sachivalaya Marg, Bhubaneswar, Orissa-751 022

NCERT

Utkal University

M.ED. ELE

32

6

Nabakrushna Choudhury College of Teacher Education, Angul, Orissa- 759122

Government

Utkal University

M.E.D.

25

Master of Physical Education

1

Govt. College of Physical Education, Kalinga Stadium, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar, Orissa-751 012 

Government

Utkal University

M.P.ED.

12

2

Baliapal College of Physical Education, Baliapal, Balasore, Orissa, -756026

Private

Fakir Mohan University

M.P.ED.

30

Certificate in Physical Education

1

Prasannamani College of Physical Education & Yoga, Tigiria, Cuttack, Orissa – 754 030

Private

BSE

C.P.ED.

80

2

Baliapal College of Physical Education, Vill- Baliapal, Po- Baliapal, Dist-Balasore, Orissa- 756026

Private

BSE

C.P.ED.

50

Bachelor of Physical Education

1

Govt. College of Physical Education, Kulundi, Sambalpur, Orissa

Government

Sambalpur University

B.P.ED.

30

2

Baliapal College of Physical Education, Baliapal, Balasore,
Orissa -756026 

Private

Fakir Mohan University

B.P.ED.

60

3

Govt. College of Physical Education, Kalinga Stadium, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar, Orissa-751012 

Government

Utkal University

B.P.ED.

64

OTHER

1

English Language Teaching Institute, (PGDET), Plot No.2/8, 2/9, Maitri Vihar, Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar, Orissa

Government

Utkal University

PGDET

32

2

Centre for Advanced Study in Psychology, Utkal University, Vani Vihar,Bhubaneswar, Orissa -751004

University Department

Utkal University

PGDECE
(Innovative)

16

7 comments May 4th, 2010

Making Rourkela a Tier II city of India – HRD and other development of Rourkela (work in progress)

Update: See also https://www.orissalinks.com/orissagrowth/archives/4308.


Rourkela is the second largest metropolitan area of Orissa with an official metropolitan population of 550,668 but perhaps much more (at least 700 K) if one takes into account nearby places like Biramitrapur and Rajgangpur. It is probably the most cosmopolitan area of Orissa. Because of its steel plant it has world-wide name recognition. It has a lot of young talents; I am told that Rourkela youngsters have done much better in entrance exams like IIT JEE than from other parts of Orissa. Rourkela and the Sundergarh district have produced many national hockey players (both male and female), some of whom have gone on to captain the Indian national side.

Being an important station in the Mumbai-Howrah line, Rourkela is very well connected to both. The National Institute of Technology at Rourkela is often ranked among the top 5 NITs of the country; in recent years it has done much better and is in the process of starting a business program. Rourkela also has two private engineering colleges and at least one more is in the works. Rourkela has at least two good magament schools: Rourkela Institute of Management Studies (sometimes ranked nationally) and Indian Institute of Production Management, Kansbahal.  

Overall, Rourkela has the potential to be a Tier II city of India at the level of Vizag, Chandigarh, etc. But unfortunately, that has not happened so far and active organized efforts need to  be made to achieve that.

So here I will list some of the things that should be pursued so that Rourkela becomes a Tier II city of India.

Knowledge and HRD aspects:

  • Metropolitan University: Rourkela is perhaps the largest metropolitan area of the country, or may be the whole world which does not have a general university. This needs to be rectified at the earliest. IMHO, the best model to follow would be of Delhi University. So a Rourkela Metropolitan University should be established  with graduate programs as well as with a few constituent colleges spread (offering Bachelors as well as Masters degrees) across the metropolitan area, but with no affiliated colleges. The exisiting government colleges in Rourkela (Govt. College, Rourkela; SG Women’s, Rourkela and Rourkela College) would be made constituents of this university.
  • Medical College: Although a WODC sponsored PPP-based medical college is in the works, we must continue pursuing an ESIC medical college here. SAIL, which is making a medical college in Bokaro, should also be pushed to establish a medical college here.
  • BPUT: BPUT must become fully operational from Rourkela.It  needs to have real departments and centers and offer its own courses. It should be expanded to have programs in Science and Humanities.
  • Research Centers: The state should pursue one of the central government departments such as CSIR, DAE, Sc & Tech, etc. to open a research center in Rourkela.
  • Centrally funded University: At some point a centrally funded university should be pursued for Rourkela.
  • More private institutions: Rourkela has the population base and the amenities that metropolitan areas offer to have more private institutions such as engineering colleges, management institutions etc. A multi-pronged apporoach should be taken.
    • Local big industries should be cajoled to participate in this. For example, SAIL is also planning an engineering college in Bokaro. They should be pushed to have one in Rourkela.
    • Local people should also open private institutions on their own.
    • Educational foundations inside and outside state that have developed good private institutions should be approached and invited to open institutions in Rourkela. Inside Orissa, institutions like Silicon and NIST should be approached. 
  • STP: The STP at Rourkela should be expanded.
  • IT/BPO: Because of the cosmopolitan nature of Rourkela, it would be a good place for BPO and call center operations. This should be pursued.
  • Sports Institute/University: Sundergrah district is considered by many to be the Hockey cradle of India, both in men’s and women’s hockey. It has produced both Men’s and Women’s hockey team captains in Dilip Tirkey and Jyoti Sunita Kullu. Orissa government should pursue to establish a National Sports Institute (of the kind in Patiala) in Rourkela. It should include programs in physical training, coach training, official training etc. This would specially contribute  in the enhancing the employment opportunities for Adivasis who constitute 50.74% of Sundergarh’s population.

Connectivity Aspects:

  • Rail Connectivity -Trains: While the connectivity to Mumbai and Kolkata is marvelous, connectivity to other places needs improvement. Dilip has a good list of new trains needed for Rourkela at http://rourkelarail.wetpaint.com/page/DEMANDS. This list is:
    • Rourkela-Bhubaneswar Intercity Express( Day Time)
    • Rourkela-Berhampur Gajapati Express
    • Rourkela-Secundarabad/Hyderabad Express
    • Trains to New Delhi from Bhubaneswar via Rourkela OR Rourkela-Nizamuddin/New Delhi Express (Any extension of Ranchi-Hatia or Tatanagar trains will also work)
    • Trains to Patna and Eastern U.P.
  • Rail Connectivity-Others: The Talcher-Bimlagarh line must be fast-tracked.
  • Roads: The 4-laning of the state highway 10 connecting Sambalpur and Rourkela must be expedited.
  • Air Connectivity: Rourkela airport must be made functional with commercial flights at the earliest.

Metro area:

  • A larger metropolitan area for Rourkela that includes Kansbahal and Rajgangpur in the west and Biramitrapur in the North must be formally established.
  • The state government should pursue Rourkela to be included in JNNURM.

(The above is from Google Maps.)

(The above is from "sarini: Occasional papers, No. 4, Adivasis of Rourkela")

Work in Progress…

43 comments November 15th, 2009

Admission ad for Baliapal College of Physical Education: Samaja

I know of three school of physical education in Orissa. They are:

The web page of Baliapal College of Physical Education is http://www.bcpeindia.org.in/. Following is their ad for admission.

April 19th, 2008

KISS students represent India in a under-14 International school rugby tournament

Following are excerpts from a report in The Hindu:

… Surmounting heavy odds, the well-trained rugby team of the Bhubaneswar-based Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) was now ready to take on the world, representing India at an under-14 international school rugby tournament in London.

For the products of the country’s largest school for tribal communities, rugby was just the right tool to unleash their collective talent. Hitherto dismissed to their miserable tribal hinterland, the students had a mission: to prove their mettle to a world cynically ignorant of the tribal life, their dreams and ambitions.

KISS, a sister concern of the KIIT Deemed University, had picked them out of their poverty-stricken families to offer an education, to get them a slice of mainstream life. Nurtured in the residential campus since age six, the team members were now prepared to announce their arrival. London beckoned, so did recognition and fame.

The training

 Behind their collective exuberance was a well-tuned method. Thirty students had been selected from a first list of 56, who underwent rigorous training by a World Rugby Association coach.

The 30 proved their worth at a tournament in Kolkata on July 16, watched closely by their sponsors, the Kolkata Jungle Crows.

The final 12 now await the flight for the big fight on September 24, but not before some fine-tuning by an English coach, Paul Walsh, and two coaches from the Kolkata Rugby Association.

“We are confident of beating the other teams.” This remark by the KISS Rugby team captain to a visiting media team from Bangalore, had a solidity built on months of disciplined training. “From 6 a.m. to 7.30 a.m., 4 p.m. to 6.30 p.m., we are at it every day,” explained the team’s school coach, Manash Jena.

The team

 Tag Rugby was the team’s first brush with the game, 18 months ago. Graduating to full rugby in quick time, the team captained by Bikash Chandra Murmu practised hard. Any tribe-based differences forgotten, the students were now part of one team. It had Chitta Ranjan Mumu and Babula Malka, Raj Kishore Murmu and Bukai Hansda, Niranjan Biswal, Hadi Dhangada Majhi, Sahadev Majhi, Gauranga Jamuda, Narsingh Kerai, Barial Beshra and Ganesh Hembram. Represented were the tribes Banda, Santal, Bathudi, Kandha and Kolha, whose people were otherwise dismissed to the poor rural backyard of Orissa.

The vision

 Tribal people make up 23.13 per cent of Orissa’s population. It needed a body as systematic as KISS to pull them out of obscurity and neglect.

It was eventually left to philanthropist and Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) founder Achyutananda Samanta to make that critical difference through KISS. …

2 comments August 15th, 2007

Institutions with Nontraditional programs – a dated list

Following is a list of institutions with non-traditional programs that I compiled earlier. They are categorized as follows: Arts and Crafts, Design, Teachers training, Diploma in Engineering, ITIs, Film and TV, Homeopathy and Ayurveda, Hotel management, Journalism, Law, Library Science, Performance arts, Physical Education, Sanskrit and Social work.

Continue Reading 6 comments June 8th, 2007


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