ODISHA

Odisha is an Indian state located in Eastern India. It is the 8th largest state by area, and the 11th largest by population. The state has the third largest population of Scheduled Tribes in India.[14] It neighbours the states of West Bengal and Jharkhand to the north, Chhattisgarh to the west, Andhra Pradesh to the south, and a very negligible border with Telangana to the southwest. Odisha has a coastline of 485 kilometres (301 mi) along the Bay of Bengal. The region is also known as Utkala and is mentioned in India's national anthem, "Jana Gana Mana". The language of Odisha is Odia, which is one of the Classical Languages of India. The ancient kingdom of Kalinga, which was invaded by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka (which was again won back from them by king Kharavela) in 261 BCE resulting in the Kalinga War, coincides with the borders of modern-day Odisha. The modern boundaries of Odisha were demarcated by the British Indian government when Orissa Province was established on 1 April 1936, consisting of the Odia-speaking districts of Bihar and Orissa Province. The first of April is celebrated as Utkala Dibasa.[19] Cuttack was made the capital of the region by Anantavarman Chodaganga in c. 1135, after which the city was used as the capital by many rulers, through the British era until 1948. Thereafter, Bhubaneswar became the capital of Odisha. The economy of Odisha is the 16th-largest state economy in India with ₹5.33 lakh crore (US$75 billion) in gross domestic product and a per capita GDP of ₹116,614 (US$1,600) .Odisha ranks 32nd among Indian states in human development index

Odisha (formerly known as Orissa) is one of the 28 states in the Republic of India. Odisha is located in the eastern part of the Indian peninsula and the Bay of Bengal lies to its East while Chhattisgarh shares its border in the west and north-west. The state also shares geographic boundaries with West Bengal in the north-east, Jharkhand in the north and Andhra Pradesh in the south. The state is spread over an area of 155,707 km2 and extends for 1030 km from north to south and 500 kilometres from east to west. Its coastline is 480 km long. The state is divided into 30 districts which are further subdivided into 314 blocks. Physiographically, Odisha consists of coastal plains, central plateaus, central hilly regions, flood plains, and uplands. About a third of the state has a green cover. Mahanadi is the largest river of the state and its catchment area covers 42% of the state. There are several other significant rivers that flow through the state such as the Subarnarekha, the Brahmani, the Baitarani, and the Vansadhara. Chilika Lake, located on the east coast of the state is one of the world's largest brackish water lagoons. Besides that there are several other lakes in the state such as Anshupa, Tampara, and Kanjia. Geologically the state is home to some of the oldest rocks of the world. Odisha also consists of two cratons (e.g. North Odisha Craton and Western Odisha Craton), which are sedimentary formations from the Cretaceous period. They are found in many places and are home to coal deposits. The coasts are made up predominantly of deltaic sediments of Mahanadi, Brahmani, Baitarani, Subarnarekha rivers of Quaternary age.

The Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) established under the Orissa State Road Transport Corporation Act. (1950), commenced its business of passenger transport services from 15 May 1974. In 1948, the State Govt. took over operation of bus services run by erstwhile princely states under State Transport Services (STS) of Transport Department. In 1950, the Central Act, R.T.C. Act was enacted (Act No. 64 of 1950) which required creation of Road Transport Corporations under respective State Governments. The OSRTC was created w.e.f. 15.5.1974 and the assets and employees of State Transport Services were transferred to the O.S.R.T.C. The Corporation started functioning with Share Capital Contribution from the State Govt. and the Central Govt. in the ration of 2 : 1. The O.R.T. Company, operating mostly in the southern parts of the state merged with the OSRTC in 1990 along with all its assets, liabilities and employees. Odisha State Road Transport Corporation or OSRTC is the state owned road transport corporation in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. It is acknowledged for its distinguished service for safe and lowest cost of operation with a fleet of 462 buses.

Odisha the cultural state of India is the land of Paddy Fields, highest Tribal communities, golden Beaches, century old Temples, wild Parks along with many more attractions. Odisha, the state with a glorious history, is filled with nature and adventure. Inhabited by tribal people, the not-so-developed state of Odisha must be visited to have the experience of the myriad wonders it has in store for everybody. Also known as the soul of India, Odisha is a place where you can relax on the beaches, visit the famous temples and explore the beauty and bounty of nature and wildlife. You can also find various monuments which gloriously stand to remind you of the history of the land. The name Odisha is derived from Sanskrit word “Odra Vishaya” or “Odra Desa”. The ancient province of “Odra desa” or “Or-desa” was limited to the valley of the Mahanadi and to the lower course of the Subarnarekha River. It comprised the whole of the present districts of Cuttack and Sambalpur and a portion of Midnapore. It was bounded on the West by Gondwana, on the North by the wild hill states of Jashpur and Singhbhum, on the East by the sea and on the South by Ganjam. The Odisha state, which was once a land of Kings and Kingdoms, now boasts of being rich source of natural resources. Its People, Temple Architecture, Classical Dance, Religions, Fairs and Festivals, unique Handlooms and Handicrafts, green Woodlands, Rock Caves, charming Blue Hills have always attracted Historians, Tourists and Travelers from all over the world. Its rich history, revolutionary Freedom movement, fascinatingly sculptured Temples and Monuments, Tribal life characterized by Dance, Music, Rituals, Hunting, Gaiety and Wild ways have become important topics of research for great historians and scholars. Odisha's Art and Culture, Fairs and Festivals, Dances and Music are a treat for the tourists who love to see colours and wish to enjoy life to the fullest. Visit the soul state of India and come back with a bag full of memories that will remain etched in your mind for a long time.