Odisha News Today

New Delhi, Aug 2: Addressing India's Gen Z on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described them as the country's "Amrit Peedhi" and underscored the need for their energy and innovation to drive India towards the vision of Viksit Bharat.He stated that the commitment of the new generations towards eradicating the problem of drug addiction from society has reaffirmed his belief that the youth of India is "aware, socially conscious, and serious about their duties".Speaking to the youth during the launch of the 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyaan', PM Modi said, "In the next 20-25 years, you will give a direction to your lives. You will be the ones who will take India towards the resolution of Viksit Bharat till 2047, and you will be the ones sitting at the top of the peak, fully savouring the fruits of that achievement. The country needs your energy, creative imagination and talent. Hence, for the country and your own lives, keep yourselves away from drugs." "When a young person falls prey to drug addiction, it is not just that individual who loses; a dream is lost," he said, adding that in such a situation, "the national strength also weakens and hostile countries conspire to leave no stone unturned to drag our youth into the trap of addiction". "Profiting from supplying drugs and aiming to destroy a nation like ours is also part of their terror agenda. Hence, we need to save every youth from addiction. You need to protect your potential by staying away from drugs," PM Modi added."Drugs give you a high for a while, but they destroy your family," he said. The Prime Minister stressed that the next 100 Sundays will mark 100 strong steps towards a drug-free India. He also mentioned that the activities under this initiative will include sports events, walkathons, meditation sessions, cultural programmes, awareness campaigns, etc.Also Read: 'I Want to Forgive Those Who Abused Me': PM Modi on Jantar Mantar Protests; Urges Compassion for Students"As an MP from Kashi, I am happy that last year, this project was launched from the holy land of Kashi as a pilot project. Therefore, in addition to scientific clarity, it also possesses spiritual energy, the blessings of saints, and cultural heritage. It also embodies the cultural dedication that has rejected addiction for centuries. This is why the country's 125 spiritual organisations are working tirelessly to serve millions of citizens," he mentioned, adding that all these institutions adopted the Kashi Declaration -- a 5-year roadmap for a drug-free India adopted in July 2025, at the Youth Spiritual Summit in Varanasi. "All of you have strengthened my belief that the youth of India is aware, socially conscious, and serious about their duties," he added. Highlighting the importance of rehabilitation, PM Modi said, "Do not hide it behind the pressure of social reputation. Those who need help should seek support. Talk openly with them, take the help of experts, and make efforts to free your child from addiction with the support of medical professionals. We should also create a culture of open communication with children within the family so that we can hold their hands before they get trapped in such a situation." Urging parents and teachers to stay vigilant, he said, "You will notice warning signs if you pay a little attention. There may be changes in their behaviour. They may seem withdrawn, start hiding their face, remain locked in their rooms, return home late at night or demand unnecessary amounts of money. These are some indications that something may be wrong. I would also like to appeal to our professor friends in colleges and universities: Along with academic studies, please speak to students about the dangers of drugs."(IANS)

Bhubaneswar, Aug 2: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi directed the suspension of Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Sangram Keshari Behera, an accused in the Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra death case.Behera, who is currently serving as Director (Commercial) of the Odisha Forest Development Corporation (OFDC), was recently remanded to judicial custody after surrendering before a court in connection with the case.CM Orders SuspensionThe Chief Minister's directive comes days after Behera surrendered before the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) Court in Paralakhemundi and was sent to judicial custody.The state government is expected to issue the formal suspension order following the Chief Minister's direction.Bail Pleas RejectedOn July 27, Behera, the former Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Gajapati, surrendered before the SDJM Court through his counsel.His bail application was first rejected by the SDJM Court. He subsequently approached the District and Sessions Court, which also dismissed his plea, following which he was remanded to judicial custody.Senior Forest Officer Held Key PostsBefore his current posting, Behera served as Principal of the Forest Ranger College in Anugola from January 2023 to April 2026.He was appointed Director (Commercial) of the Odisha Forest Development Corporation in May 2026.Also Read: Accused Sangram Behera Surrenders Before Trial Court in ACF Soumyaranjan Mahapatra Death CaseCase Dates Back To 2021The case pertains to the death of Assistant Conservator of Forests Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra, who suffered severe burn injuries at his official residence in Paralakhemundi on July 12, 2021.He was shifted to a private hospital in Kataka, where he succumbed to his injuries the following day.Family Alleges MurderOn July 14, 2021, Soumya Ranjan's family lodged a complaint alleging that he had been murdered.The complaint named then Gajapati DFO Sangram Keshari Behera, Soumya Ranjan's wife Bidyabharati, and cook Manmath Kumbha as accused.