The eagerly awaited mass nesting event of Olive Ridley sea turtles, known as ‘arribada’, has finally commenced in Odisha’s Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary after a delay of more than a month, attributed to adverse weather conditions such as untimely rain and rough seas. Gahirmatha is renowned as the world’s largest rookery of these turtles. Reportedly, approximately 8,000 Olive Ridley Sea turtles have made their way ashore for mass nesting at Nasi-1 and Nasi-2 islands within the sanctuary, as confirmed by Bhitarkanika National Park DFO Sudarshan Gopinath Yadav. These islands, spanning a mere five kilometers, provide an ideal nesting habitat due to the absence of predators and human interference. To safeguard the turtles and their eggs, around 30 forest personnel are diligently patrolling the beach and surrounding waters.

Yadav further explained that the arribada phenomenon is expected to persist for approximately two weeks, during which time the turtle eggs will undergo an incubation period of 45 days before hatching. However, despite the substantial number of hatchlings that make their way into the sea, the survival rate to adulthood remains notably low, with only one out of every 1,000 hatchlings reaching maturity, as per official statistics. In the previous year, the Gahirmatha beach witnessed a significant turnout of Olive Ridley turtles, with a remarkable 5,12,175 individuals laying eggs between March 8 and March 13. This annual spectacle not only highlights the ecological significance of the region but also underscores the need for ongoing conservation efforts to ensure the continued survival of these endangered marine species.

A milestone achievement unfolds as the SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCB MCH) in Cuttack, Odisha, initiates the intricate process of liver transplantation, marking a significant advancement in the region’s healthcare landscape. The commencement of this highly complex treatment procedure is taking place within a specially designed modular operation theatre situated at the trauma building on the hospital premises. This state-of-the-art facility underscores the hospital’s commitment to providing advanced medical care to patients in need.

Hospital authorities have revealed that the registration of at least three individuals has already been completed for the liver transplant procedure, signaling the growing demand and necessity for such specialized treatments in the region.

The liver transplantation surgery, known for its intricacy and duration, is anticipated to span approximately 12 to 13 hours, emphasizing the meticulous planning and expertise required to execute such a procedure successfully. The medical team at SCB MCH, comprising skilled professionals and specialists, stands poised to undertake this challenging task with utmost precision and care.

Facilitating this groundbreaking initiative is an MOU signed between the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) in Hyderabad and SCB MCH, establishing a collaborative framework for liver transplantation processes. A joint team of medical experts from both institutions will collaborate closely to ensure the seamless execution of the transplant procedures, leveraging their collective knowledge and expertise in the field.

The partnership between AIG and SCB MCH represents a significant stride towards enhancing healthcare capabilities and expanding access to advanced medical treatments in Odisha. It underscores the commitment of both institutions to leveraging collaborative efforts for the benefit of patients, fostering innovation, and raising the standard of healthcare delivery in the region.

The Belgium Odia Association marked a significant milestone by organizing its inaugural Utkala Dibasa celebration and Holi festivities in Brussels. The event, attended by around 60 Odia families residing in Belgium, was inaugurated by Debasish Prusty, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy, who ceremonially lit lamps to commence the proceedings. The celebration featured a diverse array of cultural performances, showcasing the rich heritage of Odisha. Attendees were treated to traditional Odissi dance performances, renditions of popular Odia and Sambalpuri songs, and classic Odia cinema melodies, all infused with the unmistakable essence of Odisha. The event kicked off with a recital and dance rendition of Odisha’s anthem, ‘Bande Utkala Janani,’ setting the tone for a day filled with cultural immersion and camaraderie.

In addition to the cultural showcases, the event also included engaging activities such as children’s games and a fashion show, providing opportunities for participants of all ages to engage and enjoy the festivities. The Belgium Odia Association, established by a small group of Odia families in 2021, has since expanded its reach with a mission to foster unity among Odia families residing in Belgium. The association aims to celebrate and preserve Odia culture while living as Non-Resident Odias (NROs) in Belgium. Furthermore, it seeks to share the richness of Odisha’s cultural heritage with the broader Indian community, Belgians, and other expatriates in Belgium. The successful commemoration of Utkala Dibasa and Holi by the Belgium Odia Association not only signifies the cultural vibrancy of the Odia community but also serves as a testament to the spirit of unity and celebration among Odias living abroad.