MCL to fund girls hostel at IIM Sambalpur

In a move aimed at strengthening campus infrastructure and promoting gender inclusivity, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) has signed an agreement with IIM Sambalpur to construct a 450-bed girls hostel.Under its CSR initiative, MCL will provide financial assistance of Rs 44.54 crore for the project. The MoU was signed between Jyotirmay Sinha, general manager (CSR), MCL, and Mahadeo Jaiswal, director of IIM Sambalpur.According to officials, the project will include three G+5 hostel buildings equipped with modern facilities such as lifts, solar water heating systems, CCTV surveillance, fire safety mechanisms, and air conditioning.Events at NIFT BhubaneswarNational Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Bhubaneswar hosted its annual cultural fest Spectrum 2026 – Naksh, on March 26 and 27 alongside Craft Bazar 2026 – Kalakriti, on March 27 and 28. NIFT director Vibhavari Kumar highlighted the need to integrate traditional craftsmanship with modern fashion education, underscoring the institute’s role in nurturing industry-ready professionals while preserving cultural identity.New office-bearers of BJB FriendsBJB Friends, the alumni association of BJB Autonomous College, has elected new office-bearers for 2026 to 2028 term. The oath-taking ceremony was presided over by Rita Das, principal of BJB Autonomous College and ex-officio president of the association. The newly elected body aims to streamline the association, undertake development initiatives for the college, expand its membership base both locally and internationally, and address the needs of the college.