Email from Vedanta Group

Disclaimer: Utkal Samaj Pune does not wish to get involved in any political dispute, however, since we believe that the development of Odisha is important, we get several emails from around the world on our state, that we believe need to known/published. Here is one of them from Vendanta Group:

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from Pavan Kaushik

to

bccutkalsamajpune@gmail.com

dateWed, Dec 9, 2009 at 5:20 PM

subjectFw: Foreign NGOs creating unrest in Lanjigarh

Dear Sir,

You may kindly like to go through the background below which is a serious matter as foreign NGOs are creating unrest in Lanjigarh and provoking people to talk against the government and the company. I would request if you could kindly depute some one to do this story please.. I have also mentioned the phone numbers of SP Kalahandi and also the COO of Vedanta in Lanjigarh for any reference or talking over phone please.

Ill be grateful if you could kindly take up this issue please.

Regards

Pavan Kaushik

Head - Corporate Communication

Vedanta Group

Phone: 9928844499

Foreign NGOs creating unrest in Lanjigarh

Recently the statement of Hon'ble Steel and Mines Minister of Orissa, Mr. Raghunath Mohanty, stating that 'Not a single tribal family would be displaced due to this mining project' and also that 'No Dongria Kondha tribe live at the proposed mining area of Lanjigarh located between Rayagada and Kalahandi districts' has been a lot unrest in the foreign NGOs who have been circulating a lot of false information about the entire mining activity in Orissa.

There has been a sudden movement of foreigners / foreign NGOs in Lanjigarh, Kalahandi district in the past few days. Strangely foreigners coming on tourist visa from countries like Italy, Germany, Australia, Denmark, UK etc. have become frequent and they are freely moving in the region. These people have been forcedly interacting with local tribals and disturbing their peace. A local NGO is supporting the visits. The local people have taken this very seriously and are opposing their entry into their region. The unrest has also got reported to local police authorities who are now looking into the matter of this sudden movement of foreign NGOs including Survival International. These foreign NGOs are provoking innocent tribals to defame the government and the company, Vedanta Group. This is being done to create misunderstanding and an environment of unrest before the visit of Central Team of MoEF that is scheduled to visit the Niyamgiri shortly.

The world is taking note of India starting bauxite mining after a gap of over 25 years. Once the bauxite mine at Niyamgiri starts, India will be placed as one of the largest aluminium producer in the world.

Niyamgiri range of hills has 250 sq. cm large foot print. The actual mineralization area in the proposed mining project is only 3.5% KM, that also having a depth of about 30 metres on the top. This truth has put a complete dent on the false information being circulated by these foreign NGOs that proposed mining will completely destroy the Niyamgiri mountain. Actually speaking, Bauxite extraction will actually benefit the environment, because it removes a hard rocky layer called laterite which would allow rain water to percolate deep inside the soil, increasing afforestation post-mining. Vedanta highlighted that with the use of best technology the plant is meeting all the required compliances in respect of air and water pollution, rather Lanjigarh Refinery is amongst the few in the world to have attained zero discharge status.

The Orissa government has constituted a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in the name of Lanjigarh Project Area Development Foundation (LDADF), with contribution of State Government as 25%, Orissa Mining Corporation as 26% and Sterlite Industries Ltd as 49%, as directed by the Supreme Court. The Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) - Southern Division is the Chairman of the Special Purpose Vehicle which on its first meeting itself decided to take up development projects worth Rs. 17.70 crore in the areas of health, education, road, infrastructure development that are required for the upliftment of Dongria and Kutia Kondha tribes, the Minister added.

Earlier, the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, while granting permission vide the judgement dated August 8, 2008, had looked all aspects including tribal development, wild life impact, environment impact, and sustainable development in the area connected with this project, taking into account all arguments, and came to the conclusion that starting mining operation at Niyamgiri Hills, subject to fulfilment of all statutory requirement, will definitely give a boost to the development of the entire area. Since mining is an important source of revenue generation, such projects should be encouraged along with principle of sustainable development so that these areas can be brought to the main line, the Hon'ble Court had observed.

The Hon'ble Supreme Court of India also observed that there is abject poverty in the area and the area is lacking with regards to health, education, infrastructure, communication, to name a few. On the recommendation of the apex court, the Company agreed for investing 5% of the profit or Rs. 10 crore, which ever is more, from this project, for the developmental works within 50 km of the project area.

Vedanta has been saying this all along that bauxite is a hard rock that exists above 900 metres from the surface and therefore the Niyamgiri hills are neither crop nor inhabitants-friendly.

The bauxite-alumina project at Lanjigarh in Kalahandi district in Orissa would initiate investment of over Rs. 10,000 crore by Vedanta. Over 5000 local people have worked to build the Lanjigarh Plant. Kalahandi district of Orissa is one of the most backward district in India and the project is expected to change the profile of the entire district bringing considerable direct and indirect employment, infrastructure development, community development, social-economic development and empowerment.

Mines are generally located in the remote areas and development of such projects not only bring prosperity of that area but also add considerable value to the State's exchequer.

India is a mineral rich country and at par with countries like Canada, Australia, South Africa and Brazil. The minerals have contributed significantly to the GDP's of these countries and have become alternative source of revenue to the government. The same model should work for India as well.

Regards

Pavan Kaushik

Head - Corporate Communication

Vedanta Group

Phone: +91 9928844499

You can speak to the following two people on the above:-

1. Chief Operating Officer of Lanjigarh, Dr. Mukesh Kumar. His mobile number is +91 9937251216.

2. SP Kalahandi is Mr. Manohar Das - +91 9437158022, 06670230207, 06670230216

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This e-mail contains information which is confidential and/or legally privileged.If you are not the intended recipient , you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying,distribution or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please destroy it and notify us by reply e-mail or by telephone.Internet E-mail messages may be subject to delays, non-delivery and unauthorised alterations and we shall not be responsible for the consequence(s) in such event(s). All reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure no viruses are present in this E-mail. We cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage arising from the use of this E-mail or attachments and recommend that you subject these to your virus checking procedures prior to use.

Saraswati Puja 2010 - Jan 20

Saraswati Puja held on January 20th 2010 by Utkal Samaj was a grand success.

The puja was held at Junior Staff club hall, at Khadki. Here are some photos of the event.

MoM Baner Meeting Dec 21 2009

Minutes of meetings - Baner meeting Dec 21 2009

1. Introduction of members: Memebers introduced themselves
2. Sidheswar Jena requested that the Utkal Samaj monetary collection should be systematic and should be audited so that prospective members should feel
that the organization is serious and dedicated towards the cause of Jagannath Temple. He was assured by Mr Sisir Mohapatra that all donations are handled
professionally and aslo said that the first few months would be not be very systematic due to the nature/size and maturity of the organization. Shri Jena also stressed that the "next step" should be the focus.
3. Amulya Kumar Bal and Dr Tripathy requested members to continue to donate to the Rs 500 per month scheme
4. The next meeting was decided to be held in Suturwadi in Rabinarayan Panda's house.

MoM - Utkal Samaj - Nov 01 -Draft

THIS IS DRAFT and is UNDER REVIEW

MoM - Utkal Samaj - Nov 01

Location: Viman Nagar
Attended by (List imcomplete):
1. Krishna Rath
2. Subodh Sarangi
3. Sisir Mohapatra
4. Durgeswar Bahalia
5. Srdhar Sahoo
6. A Samal
7. Sarat Kumar Swain
8. Ashish Rajan Mishra
9. Muralidhar Mahapatra

Topics:
1. Introduction: Memebers introduced themseleves.

2. Mr SK Swain mentioned that he met a few Oriya members from Anudh and they were willing to participate in the construction of Jagannath temple. He proposed to have the next meeting in Aundh.

3. Mr A Mohanty gave an overview of the contrsuction activities. The work has been stalled due to machine malfunction. Mr Swain reassured that the machine would be replaced soon or repaired soon, however, it is as per the needs of the doner of the machine.
Rs 1 lakh has already been dispatched to the stone work.

Mr M Mahapatra opened the forum to share his thoughts on how both Utkal Samaj and Jagannath temple can co-exist. He suggested that Odiyas are reluctant to pay for both Samaj and the temple, as they dont see any need to pay extra - most of the Odiyas he discussed with are with the opinion to focus on the temple. He suggested that the Utkal Samaj membership should be brought down to Rs 100/- to increase Samaj members which in turn would spread the cause of the construction of the temple. He was supported by Mr A Samal.

Dr Tripathy proposed to have every member in the room share their thoughts:
1. Dr Tripathy gave his thoughts: He clarified that that the Utkal Samaj has ben created as highest body within which there can be many projects such as the temple. He suggested that the membership fees for Utkal Samaj be Rs 500/- and other members suggested that this should be a life member - ie any member is a life member and not to have any annual or Life membership.
Dr Tripathy also clarified that there will be no regional Utkal Samaj - there would be only regional coordinators or representatives who would need to co-ordinate work in the respective areas assigned to them

Mr Biswal proposed that there much be at least 5 representatives from each region

Mr Mohnaty suggested that the representatives will attend any meeting and let the others know about the meeting, and also hold meetings to gather the views of the people.

Mr Mishra liked the idea of the Rs 500 per month for the running expenses of the temple, however, he said that the members must also give a thought to the regualrity of the collection

Mr SK Swain assured the members that the money collected will not be misused. Currently, the money will be put in Utkal Samaj account and once the Jagannath temple account is made, that account will be used for accepting donnations.

Mr Sisir Mohapatra told the audience that the website having an ECS facility is being planned and a feasibility study is currently underway. He also said that the account statements cannot be shown on the website due to regulations. The webiste will serve as a media/markerting tool.

Mr R Mahapatra- focus should be on Jagannath Temple. The membership drive needs to be better. Any amount donated for the temple should be accepted. There should be transperacny and goverance espcily on the money being collected as people should not lose their faith in the system.

Mr Bahalia supported the representative idea.

Mr S Sahoo - He said that the wesbite contrsuction is getting nearer to completion. He suggested that the responsibilities and Account should be made clear, there is practically no action seen after several meetings. He suggest that once the Jagannath temple trust is made, all Utkal Samaj members must be made members of the temple.

Mr Samal stressed that the income-expenditure reports need to be discussed in detail. He supported the continuation of the Rs 500 collection scheme.

Mr A Mohanty requested for better and newer receipts books, he is currently collecting money and writing them in a notebook.

Mr S Sarangi stressed that the larger donnations could be received from people who are already runing religious sessions/activities.

Mr A Dash expressed his concern over the temple trust registration begin so slow and suggested that new receipts books be published as soon as possible.

Mr L Panda shared his thoughts on his experience in the Bangalore Jagannath temple and said that donnations in kind can be accepted - example if a person wishes to contribute 2 bags of cement. He also stressed on an effective collection mechanism.

Mr G Panda requested the project to be taken just like a professional project and to have a master plan which would be broken down into smaller pieces. He also said that clear responsibilities should be given to people.

Mr K Rath said that he has nothing to add, however would share his comments in the next meeting.

It was decided that the following members would be representatiing the "Dhanori" region as defined in the previous meeting.:
Mr M Mahapatra
Mr A Samal
Mr BK Gouda
Mr A Sahu

The Viman Nagar area has been decided as Viman Nagar, Chandan Nagar, Kharadi, Wadgaonsheri, Somnath Nagar, Ganesh Nagar.
The representaives would be Mr LK Sahoo, Mr BB Mohanty, Mr GB Giri.

The next meeting would be in Nov-15 at Aundh.

Meetings of Meetings - 18- Oct- 2009

Above are two pictures of the meeting: The display of the hand painting of the much awaited Jagannath temple! The painting tool the artists 15 days to create.

Utkal Samaj Meeting: 18-Oct-2009

Venue: Dhanori,

Mr M. Mahapatra's house

Attended by:

1. Mr Triluchan Biswal

2. Mr L K Sahoo

3. Mr K C Das

4. Mr A K Mohanty

5. Mr TK Pradhan

6 Mr S R Sunkara

7. Mr B Sahoo

8. Mr C Barik

9 Mr A C Sahoo

10. Mr A K Bal

11. Dr L K Tripathy

12 Mr BK Gouda

13 Mr A K Samal

14 Mr B Biswal

15 Mr P K Dash

16 Mr A Sahu

17 Mr D Das

18 Mr B K Jena

19. Mr K Rath

Events:

1. Participants introduced themselves

2. Dr LK Tripathy gave a presentation of last week's meeting.

3. Updates on Utkal Samaj activities- Temple progress: By A K Bal.

A K Bal said that the purpose of having meetings at various places was to gather more members for Utkal Samaj and to create division/branches of Utkal Samaj which would help the growth of the larger cause of Odiya's in Pune. He thanked the participation of the Air Force community in the various functions held in the past, including the Sri Jagannath Temple pujas. He highlighted that earth escavation work in the Temple land is done free of cost as was with the Architects. He urged Odiyas to come forward and help in increasing the membership for Utkal Samaj as well as contribute to the construction of the temple. He requested the audience to share their views on the Rs 500 per month Scheme . Dr LK Tripathy opened the floor for discussion.

Mr C Barik asked if the amount of Rs 500 was fixed, as his concern was that there maybe people who may not be able to afford that much money and may not contribute. Mr AK Bal and Mr PK Dash stressed that the Amount is immaterial, however, what is important is the "Recurring" deposit.

Mr BK Gauda supported the scheme saying that the scheme is good however the amount should depend on the person's monetary capacity.

Temple Progress: Mr AK Bal narrated the incidents behind the decision of constructing the temples in stone - as per the wishes of the main donators. Mr Bal also shared that during his visit to Puri, he met a group that would help in the stone work. They have already sent in the temple drawing which was displayed to the audience.

Mr PK Dash urged the audience that this temple is for all Odiyas and not any personal property and asked the audience on how each can contribute. Mr A Sahu asked for a clarification on the money that would be collected for the Utkal Samaj memebership and asked if this money woud be used for the temple. Mr Bal and Dr Tripathy replied that the membership fees would be put in Fixed Deposit and the interest earned would be used for holding Utkal Samaj functions.

Mr AK Bal and Mr AK Dash proposed that Dhanori and surrounding areas should have a local Utkal Samaj whose representative would help facilitate the growth of Utkal Samaj. This was accepted by all the members present. It was decided that Mr Ajaya Kumar Samal and Mr Murlidhar Mahapatra would lead the Lohegaon sector - This sector would include areas of Dhanori, Lohegaon, Vishrantwadi, Tingre Nagar, Sant Nagar and Gurudwar Nagar.

Dr LK Tripathy handed over 17 membership forms to Mr Samal.

The form for the Sri Jagannath Trust was submitted on Oct-14th. It will take about a month of the formalities to get completed.

The following people have in principle agreed to become member of Utkal Samaj, Pune for the Lohegaon sector:

1. Mr K C Das

2. Mr B Biswal

3. Mr T Biswal

4. Mr BK Gaud

5. Mr S Sunkara

6. Mr A Sahu

7. Mr BK Jena

8. Mr DN Das

9. MrMurlidhar Mahapatra

10. Mr B P Sahoo

11. Mr S Sahu

12. Mr D Routary.

The venue of the next meeting will be in Vinman Nagar in Mr L K Sahoo's house. For exact venue please email utkalsamajpune@gmail.com The details are not published on the internet for privacy issues.

Utkal Samaj Minutes of Meeting - Oct 04 2009

Utkal Samaj Minutes of Meeting - Oct 04 2009

Location: Ordinance Factory Hospital, Khadki

1. Introductions: The participants introduced themeseleves.

2. Shri Amulya Kumar Bal, president, Utkal Samaj gave updates of the temple

construction progress. He stressed that the registration of trust was

important and most of the other tasks needed for the construction of the

temple depended on the registration of the trust.

He has said that the following activities need to happen as soon as possible

• Drawing of the construction
• Water and electricity at the site
• Selection of Supervisor.
• Preparation of brochure

He said that the monthly expenditure of Rs 10 Lakhs will need to be funded

for activties to happen smoothly.

3. Dr P K Rath suggested if it was possible to have the temporary temple built first

and then have the rest of the temples built. Shri Bal replied that there was a provision

for a temporray temple, however, it would also be best to have the Ganesh Temple

built, as was followed in Chennai model.

Follow ups for the next meeting:

1. Trust registration - Status update - Dr LK Tripathy

2. Bank account for Jagannath Temple: Shri AK Bal to open/lead the account opening

3. Everyone in the meeting to contribute to the Rs 500 per month scheme and also

bring a list of other Oriya memebers who would contribute to the scheme.

4. The next meeting would be on Sunday, 18th Oct - the Venue will be finalized by

Shri AK Dash.

GO Green Drive

The Go Green drive held jointly by Utkal Samaj with Rotary Club, Hadapsar was held on September 20 2009. The purpose of the drive was to plant trees on the Shree Shree Jagannath temple site. The planting of trees had to carefully planned, as each tree was selected for a particular temple. The long term benefit of increased water level by planting trees, along with the beautification of the land, seemed to drive everyone to participate. The plantation was followed by a delicious Lunch.



Utkal Samaj THANKS the Rotary club of Hadapsar to spend the Sunday morning by the whole hearted participating in kind and spirit for the "Go Green Drive".