Baripada/Bhubaneswar: The 29th Foundation Day of Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University – MSCB 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 Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mahendra Kumar Mohanty.
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 stated 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 contributions 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 the advancement of higher education, the Minister assured that all 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 Naba Charan Majhi, Baripada MLA Prakash Soren, and heir to the Mayurbhanj Royal Family, Shri Praveen Chandra Bhanjdeo, attended the ceremony as Guests of Honour and conveyed their best wishes for the University’s continued progress.
Welcoming the dignitaries, University Registrar Sumita Singh highlighted the significance of the Foundation Day and presented an overview of the programme.
On the occasion, the prestigious ‘Bhumo Gaurav’ Awards were conferred upon distinguished personalities for their outstanding contributions in various fields.
For 2025, the awards were presented to Sarat Chandra Nayak, Dr. Banja Mohanty, and Er. Rabinarayan Bhuyan.
For 2026, the awardees included Paresh Chandra Sahu (Art & Culture), Vivekananda Patnaik (Social Service), and Harish Chandra Hota (Education).
Among the University’s non-teaching employees, Sandeepta Rout, Junior Assistant, and Kavita Panda, Peon, were honoured with the Best Employee Award–2026.
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.
The Dr. Ashok Priyadarshi Memorial Award was conferred upon Vidusmita Ghosh of I.G. Women’s College, Udala, for being adjudged 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 contributions 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, achievements, and future aspirations.
