Author name: Ojpt Staff Writer

Date: 22 August 2026Location: Manapur Gram Panchayat Office, Badamba, Cuttack DistrictOrganized by: Odisha Juba Prashikshyan Trust (OJPT) The Odisha Juba Prashikshyan Trust (OJPT) organized a Holistic Development Program at the Manapur Gram Panchayat Office on 22 August 2026, with the aim of creating sustainable opportunities in livelihoods, agriculture, skill development, and nutrition. The program was attended by over 60 participants, including Self-Help Group members, local women, adolescent girls, and farmers. The gathering was led by Mr. Sudhanshu Sekhar, NGO Coordinator, OJPT, and Retd. Lt. Mukteswar Behera, OS, OJPT, with the support of the Hon’ble Sarpanch, Mr. Bibhuti Bhushan Sahoo, and MBK Mrs. Rebati Sahoo. The program outlined four key development initiatives. Under Art & Craft Skill Development, 20 selected beneficiaries will receive specialized training. A Tailoring Centre will also be established to train 20 local girls in producing uniforms, aprons, and other garments, while creating a sustainable livelihood opportunity through a Producer Group and relevant government schemes. For local farmers, OJPT proposed the formation of a Farmers Producer Organization (FPO) to improve market access, reduce dependence on middlemen, and increase agricultural income. Farmers will also be connected with KVK and OUAT for technical guidance and modern agricultural practices. The program further emphasized nutrition and anemia reduction through the development of Poshan Vatikas (kitchen gardens). Selected vulnerable women with available backyard land will receive quality seeds and technical guidance to grow nutritious produce for household consumption and potential supplementary income. As the next step, OJPT will conduct a Need Assessment and Baseline Survey, beginning with Manapur village and subsequently covering the other villages under the Gram Panchayat. The findings will guide the phased implementation of the proposed initiatives. The program marks an important step toward building a more skilled, self-reliant, economically empowered, and nutritionally secure community in Manapur through collaboration between OJPT, the Gram Panchayat, local communities, and government institutions.

The Odisha Juba Prashikshyan Trust (OJPT) felicitated its successful Agniveer candidates at a special ceremony held on August 26, celebrating a remarkable 100% success rate among students of its first batch of 2026 who appeared for Phase-I of the Agniveer Army Examination. At this felicitation ceremony, esteemed guests including Retired IAS Officer Shri Santosh Kumar Satapathy, Ex-Member of the State Women Commission, Odisha, Smt. Namrata Chadha, Director, IIG Varsity, Shri Adit Jena, Former NCC Group Commander and Senior Army Officer, Colonel Satyabrata Swain, along with other distinguished guests, were present. At the ceremony, in the presence of students, parents, trainers, and well-wishers, the distinguished guests appreciated the hard work, discipline, and dedication of the successful candidates. All the candidates of OJPT’s Odisha Youth Training Academy’s first batch of 2026, who appeared in the first phase of the Agniveer examination, have successfully qualified. Shri Surendra Kumar Swain, Chairman, OJPT, congratulated the successful candidates and appreciated the dedication of the students, parents and faculty members. He highlighted the importance of discipline, perseverance and quality training in preparing young people for a career in the Armed Forces and service to the nation. As per confirmed sources, around 300 students have secured Government jobs or been inducted into various uniformed services during the past 18 months. In addition, 30 students have joined the Armed Forces as Officers. These achievements underline OJPT’s continued efforts towards providing quality training and guidance to Odisha’s youth aspiring for careers in the Armed Forces, other uniformed services and Government organisations. Beyond its focus on employment-oriented training, OJPT is also actively involved in various social service initiatives across Odisha, particularly in the areas of women empowerment, youth employment and community development. Through these initiatives, OJPT works towards creating opportunities, enhancing skills and promoting greater self-reliance among young people and women across the state. Shri Surendra Kumar Swain expressed his gratitude to all those who have extended their encouragement and support to initiatives aimed at youth empowerment, employment and social development in Odisha. He reiterated OJPT’s commitment to expanding its training, mentorship and social service initiatives and enabling more young people to build meaningful careers and contribute to the nation. The felicitation ceremony concluded with appreciation for the successful candidates and an inspiring message to the next generation of aspirants to remain focused, disciplined and committed to their goals. “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” – Albert Einstein 🌟 OJPT Trust remains dedicated to nurturing empowered educators, embracing innovation, and building a progressive learning environment for the future. 📚✨

  Date: 22 August 2026Location: Manapur, Badamba Block, Cuttack District The Odisha Juba Prashikshyan Trust (OJPT) conducted a field visit to the Primary and Upper Primary Schools in Manapur to understand the educational challenges faced by local students and explore possible areas of support. The OJPT team, led by Mr. Sudhanshu Sekhar, NGO Coordinator, and Retd. Lt. Mukteswar Behera, OS, interacted with school heads, teachers, and students. Together, the two schools serve 168 students from Manapur and nearby villages including Haritha, Kadana, and Govindpur. The assessment highlighted several challenges, including declining enrollment, inadequate classroom furniture, poor road connectivity, limited teaching staff, and nutritional constraints under the current Mid-Day Meal allocation. Students in the lower primary classes, in particular, face a shortage of basic seating and classroom facilities. To address these concerns, OJPT proposed several initiatives, including the development of Nutri-Gardens (Poshan Vatikas) in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Cuttack, along with WASH and WiNS programs, health check-up and deworming camps, and greater community participation through Parent-Teacher Meetings. The visit provided valuable insights into the schools’ immediate needs and opportunities for improvement. The findings will be presented at OJPT headquarters to develop a structured plan for future support and resource allocation. Through continued collaboration with schools, communities, and local stakeholders, OJPT aims to contribute toward healthier, better-equipped, and more supportive learning environments for children in Manapur.

OJPT successfully concluded the Seventh Day of the Bhajan Sandhya Program at the sacred Kakhadi Gundicha Temple, bringing together devotees, community members, and distinguished guests in a spiritually uplifting celebration. The devotional gathering was marked by soulful bhajans, prayers, and cultural participation, creating an atmosphere of faith, harmony, and collective devotion. The event witnessed enthusiastic involvement from women, youth, and local residents, while eminent personalities appreciated the initiative for its role in preserving Odisha’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. Their encouraging words highlighted the importance of such programs in strengthening community bonds and inspiring future generations to stay connected with their traditions. The Bhajan Sandhya reflected OJPT’s continued commitment to promoting spiritual values, cultural preservation, and social unity through meaningful community initiatives. By organizing devotional and cultural events, OJPT strives to foster peace, compassion, and a sense of togetherness while encouraging individuals to embrace the timeless values that enrich society. “Devotion unites hearts, preserves traditions, and inspires a life of peace and purpose.” 🙏✨ OJPT remains dedicated to preserving cultural heritage, promoting spiritual well-being, and serving society through impactful community and devotional initiatives. 🌼🎶

OJPT proudly inaugurated its Skill Development Centre to provide accessible vocational training and livelihood opportunities for rural women. The centre has been established as a platform where participants can develop practical skills, receive hands-on training, and gain the support needed to transform their talents into sustainable sources of income. This milestone reflects OJPT’s vision of building self-reliant communities through education, skill enhancement, and entrepreneurship. By creating a dedicated learning space, OJPT aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and confidence needed to achieve long-term economic independence. “Skills create opportunities, and opportunities create a better tomorrow.” OJPT continues to invest in community-driven initiatives that promote empowerment, innovation, and sustainable rural development. 💙🌱

OJPT organized a Skill Development & Women Empowerment Program to promote self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods among rural women. The initiative introduced participants to art and craft-based income-generating opportunities while providing free skill training, raw materials, and assured market linkage through a buy-back model. The program encouraged women to develop entrepreneurial skills and become financially independent. The initiative reflects OJPT’s commitment to empowering women through skill development and economic inclusion. By creating opportunities for learning, employment, and entrepreneurship, OJPT aims to strengthen rural communities and improve the quality of life for women and their families. “Empowered women build stronger families, resilient communities, and a brighter future.” OJPT continues to create opportunities that inspire confidence, self-reliance, and sustainable community development. 💙🌿

OJPT Trust organized an Anti-Drug Awareness Program to educate and empower young people about the harmful effects of substance abuse and the importance of making healthy life choices. The program featured informative sessions, awareness talks, and interactive discussions that highlighted the physical, mental, and social consequences of drug addiction. Participants were encouraged to adopt positive habits, build resilience, and contribute to creating a safer and healthier community. The initiative reflected OJPT’s commitment to youth welfare and social responsibility. By spreading awareness and fostering informed decision-making, the Trust aims to protect young minds from the dangers of substance abuse and inspire them to lead productive, purposeful lives. “Say no to drugs, choose health, and build a brighter future.” OJPT Trust continues to champion awareness initiatives that promote well-being, responsibility, and positive social change. 💙🌱

OJPT Trust organized an Anti-Drug Awareness Program to educate and empower young people about the harmful effects of substance abuse and the importance of making healthy life choices. The program featured informative sessions, awareness talks, and interactive discussions that highlighted the physical, mental, and social consequences of drug addiction. Participants were encouraged to adopt positive habits, build resilience, and contribute to creating a safer and healthier community. The initiative reflected OJPT’s commitment to youth welfare and social responsibility. By spreading awareness and fostering informed decision-making, the Trust aims to protect young minds from the dangers of substance abuse and inspire them to lead productive, purposeful lives. “Say no to drugs, choose health, and build a brighter future.” OJPT Trust continues to champion awareness initiatives that promote well-being, responsibility, and positive social change. 💙🌱

OJPT Trust organized an Anti-Drug Awareness Program to educate and empower young people about the harmful effects of substance abuse and the importance of making healthy life choices. The program featured informative sessions, awareness talks, and interactive discussions that highlighted the physical, mental, and social consequences of drug addiction. Participants were encouraged to adopt positive habits, build resilience, and contribute to creating a safer and healthier community. The initiative reflected OJPT’s commitment to youth welfare and social responsibility. By spreading awareness and fostering informed decision-making, the Trust aims to protect young minds from the dangers of substance abuse and inspire them to lead productive, purposeful lives. “Say no to drugs, choose health, and build a brighter future.” OJPT Trust continues to champion awareness initiatives that promote well-being, responsibility, and positive social change. 💙🌱

OJPT Trust organized an Anti-Drug Awareness Program to educate and empower young people about the harmful effects of substance abuse and the importance of making healthy life choices. The program featured informative sessions, awareness talks, and interactive discussions that highlighted the physical, mental, and social consequences of drug addiction. Participants were encouraged to adopt positive habits, build resilience, and contribute to creating a safer and healthier community. The initiative reflected OJPT’s commitment to youth welfare and social responsibility. By spreading awareness and fostering informed decision-making, the Trust aims to protect young minds from the dangers of substance abuse and inspire them to lead productive, purposeful lives. “Say no to drugs, choose health, and build a brighter future.” OJPT Trust continues to champion awareness initiatives that promote well-being, responsibility, and positive social change. 💙🌱