All posts by Neel Achary

Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Interacts with MY Bharat-NSS Volunteers During Independence Day Celebrations

New Delhi: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya interacted with MY Bharat-NSS volunteers during the Independence Day celebrations at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, appreciating their participation and contribution to the national event.

The MY Bharat-NSS volunteers attended the Independence Day programme as special guests, giving them an opportunity to witness the celebrations and interact directly with the Union Minister.

During the interaction, Dr. Mandaviya appreciated the volunteers for their involvement in social service and urged them to continue contributing to nation-building and civic engagement. He said the energy, commitment and innovative ideas of young people would be crucial to achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat and a developed, self-reliant India.

The interaction also allowed the volunteers to share their experiences, ideas and aspirations with the Minister. The engagement highlighted the importance of creating meaningful platforms for young people to participate in public life and take up leadership roles in community and nation-building initiatives.

Earlier in the day, MY Bharat-NSS volunteers and students from eight schools and educational institutions across Delhi participated in a large-scale human formation depicting ‘Vande Mataram’.

Around 500 students took part in the formation, presenting a display of patriotism, national unity and collective participation as part of the Independence Day celebrations.

The programme underlined the role of youth volunteers in national events while providing them with opportunities to engage in civic activities and contribute to the broader vision of youth-led nation building.

Government Unveils National Framework to Strengthen ITDAs and ITDPs

New framework focuses on institutional reform, convergence, digital governance and outcome-based monitoring for tribal development

New Delhi: Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri Jual Oram and Dr. R. Balasubramaniam, Member, NITI Aayog, on Saturday jointly released the National Framework for Strengthening of ITDAs and ITDPs and the Operational Guidelines for Strengthening of ITDAs and ITDPs, marking a major step towards strengthening last-mile delivery of tribal development programmes across the country.

The two publications are the outcome of a comprehensive, consultative and evidence-based national exercise aimed at improving the functioning of Integrated Tribal Development Agencies and Projects (ITDAs/ITDPs), which serve as key field-level institutions connecting government programmes with tribal communities.

The release ceremony was attended by Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Smt. Ranjana Chopra; Additional Secretary Shri Manish Thakur; and senior officials of the Ministry.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Jual Oram said ITDAs and ITDPs have historically played an important role in translating government initiatives into outcomes for tribal communities. Their significance, he noted, has increased with the expansion of interventions under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA) and PM-JANMAN.

Dr. R. Balasubramaniam said the principles of institutional ranking, real-time data-driven monitoring and convergence, which have helped improve outcomes in aspirational districts and blocks, have now been incorporated into the ITDA/ITDP reform architecture.

He said evidence-based administrative interventions can help transform regions that lag behind, and the new framework seeks to apply this approach to the tribal development ecosystem, with ITDAs serving as vehicles for achieving saturation of entitlements at the last mile.

The exercise was undertaken under the overall guidance of Secretary, Tribal Affairs, Smt. Ranjana Chopra, with a focus on moving beyond a uniform approach and developing context-specific and accountable field institutions.

The Ministry began the exercise in April 2026, covering 214 ITDAs/ITDPs across 17 States and Union Territories. The assessment involved Project Officers, State Tribal Welfare Departments and Tribal Research Institutes.

Unlike a desk-based assessment, the exercise incorporated State-level workshops, field visits and direct consultations with officials and institutions at the ground level. The process culminated in an Evidence-Weighted ITDA Diagnostic Scoring Framework, which assesses institutions across 15 parameters covering five institutional domains.

Structured consultation workshops were held across States and UTs during April and May 2026 under the leadership of Dr. Varnali Deka, Director, DAJGUA Division, and Shri Jafar Malik, Deputy Secretary, EMRS. The consultations enabled the Ministry to assess institutional capacity, identify challenges and document successful practices before validating the findings.

A major milestone in the exercise was the National Conclave on Strengthening of ITDAs and ITDPs, held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on June 3, 2026, in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu.

The newly released National Framework sets out the assessment methodology and broader strategic direction for institutional strengthening. The Operational Guidelines, meanwhile, translate the recommendations into actionable measures covering institutional restructuring, convergence of schemes, evidence-based planning, digital governance, outcome-based monitoring and capacity building.

For the first time, States will have access to a common institutional assessment methodology through which individual ITDAs can identify gaps and prepare Performance Improvement Roadmaps tailored to their local requirements.

Shri Oram emphasised that the exercise should not be viewed merely as a mechanism for ranking institutions. Instead, its objective is to establish a culture of continuous institutional improvement.

He urged States to conduct State-level reviews involving all ITDA/ITDP Project Officers, prepare institution-specific action plans and introduce quarterly monitoring of institutional performance, drawing on the monitoring approach followed under the Aspirational Districts Programme and Aspirational Blocks Programme.

The Minister also called for measures to strengthen the ITDA/ITDP ecosystem, including improving fund-flow mechanisms and examining the possibility of directly transferring funds to ITDAs. He also stressed the need to increase technical manpower to improve project execution.

Regular meetings of Governing Councils, with active participation from Panchayati Raj Institution representatives and senior State leadership, were also recommended to strengthen convergence, accountability and implementation.

The two publications are expected to provide States with a structured roadmap for transforming ITDAs and ITDPs into more responsive, data-driven and outcome-oriented institutions capable of delivering tribal welfare and development programmes more effectively at the grassroots level.

Tributes Paid to Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Death Anniversary

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 16 (UDN): Tributes were paid to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary, remembering him as a distinguished nationalist, visionary statesman and exceptional orator who made significant contributions to India’s development and democratic traditions.

 Pic credit : x.com/MohanMOdisha

Vajpayee’s life and political legacy continue to inspire citizens across the country. His tenure in public life was marked by a strong emphasis on good governance, national development and India’s global stature.

His visionary outlook, unwavering faith in democratic values and commitment to inclusive development remain important chapters in India’s political history.

Vajpayee was also remembered for his exceptional dedication to public service and nation-building. His approach to politics and governance continues to be regarded as a source of inspiration for generations.

On the occasion, tributes highlighted his contribution to national unity, democratic values and the country’s development, with his ideals continuing to inspire the younger generation.

His enduring commitment to nation-building and public service remains deeply etched in the collective memory of the country.

Koraput Polytechnic Signs Two MoUs to Boost Industry-Ready Skills in Emerging Technologies

Koraput, Aug. 16 (UDN): The skilling ecosystem in Odisha’s Koraput district is set for a major boost with the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening technical education and equipping students with industry-relevant skills.

Today, I witnessed the signing of two important MoUs to strengthen Koraput district’s skilling ecosystem. 

➜ Government Polytechnic, Koraput and Skyy Skill Academy Private Limited, Hyderabad signing an MoU to promote curriculum design, EV & battery manufacturing, summer… pic.twitter.com/6KXXu4TFWJ

— Sampad Swain (@SampadSwainBJP) August 15, 2026

The agreements were signed by Government Polytechnic, Koraput with two technology and skill-development organisations, focusing on emerging technologies, practical training, internships and improved employment opportunities.

Focus on EV and Battery Technology

Under the first MoU, Government Polytechnic, Koraput partnered with Skyy Skill Academy Private Limited, Hyderabad.

The collaboration will focus on areas such as curriculum development, electric vehicle (EV) technology, battery manufacturing, summer internships and short-term courses.

The partnership will also promote industry-oriented skill development and strengthen technical education by giving students greater exposure to technologies and practices used in the rapidly evolving EV and manufacturing sectors.

AI, Robotics and Industry 4.0

The second MoU was signed between Government Polytechnic, Koraput and Tech Communication Computer Academy Private Limited, Bhubaneswar.

The partnership will focus on developing student capabilities in Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, Industry 4.0, digital technologies and IT-enabled services.

Through specialised training and practical exposure, students are expected to gain a better understanding of emerging technologies and their applications across different industries.

Bridging Education and Industry

The two collaborations are aimed at narrowing the gap between classroom-based technical education and the changing requirements of industry.

The partnerships are expected to provide students with opportunities for hands-on learning, internships, research and exposure to emerging technologies, while helping them develop skills aligned with current and future employment needs.

With industry-oriented training becoming increasingly important in technical education, the MoUs could help students from Koraput build stronger professional capabilities and improve their prospects for employment in technology-driven sectors.

DLF celebrates the 80th Independence Day with the ‘Freedom Run’ at DLF Midtown, Moti Nagar

Over 500  residents participated in DLF’s Freedom Run at DLF Midtown, Moti Nagar, New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 16: DLF organized its flagship community event, the “Freedom Run,” at DLF Midtown to commemorate the 80th Independence Day. The community run commenced at 7:00 am, starting from DLF Midtown Plaza, Shivaji Marg. Over 500 residents enthusiastically participated in the race, embracing the spirit of unity and health. Following the community run, the celebration continued with the hoisting of the national flag and a series of engaging activities that truly captured the essence of the occasion.

For many years, DLF has been organizing the ‘Freedom Run’ as its flagship initiative on Independence Day. It started at DLF5 in Gurugram and is now being held at various other locations, including DLF Midtown. Besides celebrating the spirit of Independence, this community event aims to inspire and encourage physical well-being among the residents.

A resident of DLF ONE Midtown shared her thoughts on the event, saying, “The Freedom Run is a special occasion for our community to come together and celebrate Independence Day. It was wonderful to see residents of different age groups participate and enjoy the event together. Along with celebrating our freedom, the run also encourages us to stay active and healthy, while creating a stronger sense of community.”

The remarkable turnout for the ‘Freedom Run’ highlighted the collective spirit of the community as residents ran, walked, and jogged side by side. With the motto “Viksit Bharat,” they pledged to continue honouring the legacy of those who fought for the country’s freedom, striving tirelessly to propel the nation toward new heights of progress and prosperity.

Akan Hyderabad Marks Independence Day with ‘Akan Aahvaanam 2026’, Advancing Inclusion Through Purposeful Hospitality

HYDERABAD, INDIA, August 16, 2026: Akan Hyderabad marked Independence Day with the latest edition of its annual flagship initiative, Akan Aahvaanam 2026, bringing together policymakers, artists, hospitality leaders and guests for an afternoon centred on inclusion, empathy and purposeful hospitality.

The event was attended by Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana; actress Dhaassyam Geetha Bhascker, Dr. Zelalem Birhanu Taffesse, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Hyderabad, Journalists Anjali, Swapna, actor Kadambari Kiran, Temple Architect Anand Sai, among others, who joined the gathering to support the cause of accessibility and social inclusion.

Akan Aahvaanam 2026 followed a unique “Pay-As-You-Please” format, where guests enjoyed a curated aritaku bhojanam and live acoustic performances without fixed prices. Every contribution collected during the event was directed towards social initiatives through The Good Talk Factory Foundation, supporting public accessibility upgrades across Hyderabad, family-centric autism support programmes and skill-development workshops for neurodivergent youth.

Aahvaanam, which translates to “Invitation,” was conceived as a platform to transform hospitality into meaningful social action. Since its inception, the initiative has aligned Independence Day celebrations with causes that create lasting community impact.

Nihal Reddy, Managing Director of Akan shares his gratitude, “Akan is happy to be a part of such missions and initiatives that matter. Emphasis on the environment should be safe. Every child has not only a right but given the right opportunity then they can grow to the greatest place.”

Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana,who spent time with the intellectually challenged children showcasing their talents, says “On Independence Day, we often measure our progress through GDP, incomes and economic growth. But true independence also means creating a level playing field for everyone, particularly those who face disadvantages. Akan Aahvaanam 2026 is a reminder that progress is meaningful only when it reaches everyone. We need to be more sensitive to the challenges faced by intellectually challenged individuals and create a society that accommodates and includes them.” 

Actress Dhaassyam Geetha Bhascker says, “Independence is truly meaningful when every individual has the opportunity to participate, contribute and feel included. Aahvaanam is an important step towards creating greater awareness and reminding society that inclusion is not an option, but a responsibility we all share.”

She added, “Every individual experiences the world differently, and we need to take the time to understand those differences with empathy and sensitivity. Events like Aahvaanam help us listen, learn and create spaces where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can feel seen, respected and valued.”

Reflecting the mission of Akan Aahvaanam 2026, Akan incorporated inclusive features within the venue, including full wheelchair accessibility, a designated quiet and low-sensory seating area, and sensory-friendly service hours, enabling guests of different abilities to participate comfortably. The proceeds of the event will support  The Good Talk Factory initiatives, over 500 guests enjoyed the meal and contributed to the cause.