Inaugural Program of the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) organized by CDOE, MSCBU, Baripada, Mayurbhanj, Odisha on 29.07.2026

Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University, Baripada, Mayurbhanj, Odisha, as Participating Institute (PI) under Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA), a flagship programme of the Ministry of Education, GoI was organized an Inaugural cum "Awareness & Sensitization Program on Pathways to Sustainable Village Development" by the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) of MSCB University, Baripada, on 29 July 2026 (Wednesday) at the 1000-Seated Annexure Hall of the University.on 29.07.2026, sponsored under PM-USHA, with more than 150 participation from village PRIs representatives, PEOs (Panchayat Executive Officers), CRPs, SHG Members, and Anganwadi Workers from the five adopted villages, student volunteers, faculty members, researchers, District Administration Officials, and other stakeholders. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mahendra Kumar Mohanty, who presided over the program, stated that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 encourages higher educational institutions to strengthen their engagement with society. In this context, he emphasized that the University remains committed to promoting sustainable and inclusive development in its adopted villages through education, research and extension activities. The programme commenced with an introduction to the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan by Prof. Sukanta Kumar Nayak, UBA Coordinator-PI, MSCB University, who explained the vision, objectives, and significance of the scheme. This was followed by a presentation on the five adopted villages Laxmiposi, Hadhadi, Nadigan, Budhikhamari, and Balipal by Dr. Sujoy Kundu, UBA Co-Coordinator-PI, MSCB University, and highlighted the University's commitment to establish rural technology and development through active community engagement. The inaugural programme was graced through online by Prof. Pradeep Singh, Keynote Speaker, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, National Coordinating Institute (NCI), IIT Delhi, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, GoI. The programme also featured an address through online by Resource Person, Prof. Rabindra Kumar Behera, Regional Coordinator, UBA–Regional Coordinating Institute (RCI), NIT Rourkela. A T-shirt distribution ceremony was organised for the student volunteers, who were assigned to conduct the household survey in the adopted villages. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing sincere gratitude to the Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor for his visionary leadership and continuous support in promoting quality education, community engagement, and rural development through the initiatives of Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja De o University.