Fakir Mohan University (FMU) in Balasore has announced its intention to create a Quantum Technology Hub to foster interdisciplinary research in the realm of quantum science and technology, in line with the National Quantum Mission. This proposal was put forth by Vice-Chancellor Santosh Kumar Tripathy after engaging in discussions with Odisha’s governor and chancellor, Hari Babu Kambhampati.
The university is also looking to collaborate with experts in the field, including Prasanta Kumar Panigrahi from Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, while seeking additional support under the National Quantum Mission. Tripathy emphasized that this hub would facilitate the development of a world-class research ecosystem that integrates various disciplines, including physics, biology, artificial intelligence, and computer science, positioning Odisha to play a significant role in India’s aspirations in quantum technology.
This initiative follows a recent faculty development program organized by the university’s physics department and Human Resource Development Centre, focused on the fundamentals of quantum science and technology. Santosh Kumar Agarwalla, chairman of the PG Council, underscored the importance of academia-industry partnerships under the Make in India initiative to expedite the advancement of indigenous quantum technologies.
In related news, KIIT-DU recently celebrated the 12th National Handloom Day with the event KAANCHI 2026, aimed at promoting traditional handloom practices and encouraging the use of indigenous textiles. The chief guest, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Cooperation and Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts, Pradeep Bal Samanta, noted the day’s significance in fostering the handloom sector and promoting eco-friendly clothing, while motivating younger generations to incorporate handloom products into their daily lives. He referred to weavers as the backbone of the sector, reiterating the state government’s commitment to their welfare.
KIIT founder Achyuta Samanta remarked on Odisha’s unique contribution to India’s textile heritage, mentioning that approximately 15,000 handloom sarees are distributed yearly to KIIT visitors to support weavers and stimulate market demand.
Moreover, IIT Bhubaneswar, in collaboration with the Odisha CSR Forum, conducted a two-day management development program titled ‘Human Capital to Social Capital: Building Inclusive, Sustainable and Purpose-Driven Organizations’ on August 7 and 8. Former NLC India chairman and managing director Sarat Kumar Acharya served as the chief guest during the inaugural session, which was chaired by IIT Bhubaneswar director Shreepad Karmalkar. BK Mishra, convener of the Odisha CSR Forum, emphasized the necessity of enhancing collaboration among academia, industry, and policymaking.
Acharya advocated for leveraging India’s demographic dividend through skill development, value-based education, and responsible citizenship, urging CSR efforts to shift focus from charity to sustainable livelihoods and employability. Karmalkar highlighted the institute’s commitment to collaborative learning, feedback-oriented governance, the 100-Cube startup initiative, and the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan.
Lastly, experts participating in a seminar at the Central University of Odisha (CUO), Sunabeda, asserted the irreplaceable nature of grassroots journalism, human sensitivity, and ethical reporting in maintaining democracy and public trust amidst the rise of AI and social media. The three-day national seminar-cum-workshop, ‘Journalism at the Grassroots: Trends and Challenges in Media Reporting in the Age of AI and Social Media,’ took place from August 3 to 5. Former CUO vice-chancellor N C Panda emphasized the importance of accuracy and credibility, while T Srinivasan, vice-chancellor of the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh, noted that while AI can support newsrooms, it cannot substitute for human judgment. Former vice-chancellor Baldeo Bhai Sharma discussed the influence of algorithms on journalism. On Odia Journalism Day, journalists shared their field experiences, and JMC students engaged in grassroots reporting by visiting Ramnaguda village.
