Shri. Pritiranjan Gharai

Ex- Minister of Rural Development, Skill Development & Technical Education

I would like to commend Odisha Rising Foundation for its commendable efforts in advancing the cause of PWDs, STEM education, and empowering rural youth in our state. The dedication demonstrated by the Foundation in fostering educational growth, especially through initiatives like the Navdarshan and Sampoorna, is truly inspiring. These programs are creating a lasting impact on the lives of children, especially those with special educational needs, and promoting a culture of learning and innovation in rural Odisha. On behalf of the Government of Odisha, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the entire team of Odisha Rising Foundation. Your work is playing a pivotal role in shaping a more skilled, educated, and inclusive society. I wish you continued success in your noble mission to uplift the youth and marginalized communities of our state.

Shri. Ashok Chandra Panda

I am glad to launch Navadarshan project in Odisha which I believe will be a landmark project in changing the lives of ID children in Odisha. I congratulate Odisha Rising Foundation and V-Guard Industries Ltd for their innovative project in addressing the real cause of disability in Odisha. Collaborative action is the need of the hour and through PPP model we can achieve many more milestones. I appreciate ORF team for thinking about the lives of our mentally challenged children and their family. We will support this cause and assure you full cooperation in scaling up this project to every district of Odisha

Shri. Pratyush Kumar Panda

I have known Akhaya Sagar for the past 10 years, since his time in Bangalore. I have been associated with his organization, the Odisha Rising Foundation (ORF), for the last four years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I helped them acquire OCs to be deployed in community hospitals. I am thrilled to see the growth of ORF and would like to congratulate the entire team for their remarkable achievements and the impact they have made in Odisha. They are deeply focused on serving the poor and marginalized communities of Odisha. They address the immediate needs of the community and execute innovative projects to empower and streamline their progress. They have a strong understanding of CSR reports, FUR, and impact. We are currently collaborating with them on a STEM project aimed at bridging the digital gap among school children in Government Schools. We are highly satisfied with our partnership so far and look forward to creating more impactful projects together in Odisha.

Shri Susanta Kumar Chopdar

I deeply appreciate the work of the Odisha Rising Foundation (ORF) in Kalahandi district, especially in implementing the STEM project across 15 selected schools from three blocks—Bhawanipatna, Kesinga, and Karlamunda. This project has been a transformative experience for the children, bridging technology gaps and fostering a strong interest in STEM among rural Kalahandi's tribal children. The activities conducted by ORF align with the State Government's 5T School Transformation Initiative. The meticulous planning and execution of the project are evident, demonstrating their innovative approach. It addresses the need for technology intervention, empowering both teachers and students to perform better. The commitment shown by ORF in executing the Virtual Learning Program and building partnerships with local education authorities is commendable. Their efforts in shaping Kalahandi's education landscape are truly inspiring. I wish them the best in the successful execution and reporting of this project.

Smt. Bratati Harichandan,IAS (Retd.)

State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Government of Odisha

The work of Odisha Rising Foundation aligns closely with our collective efforts to create policies that empower PWDs and ensure their seamless integration into all facets of society. I applaud the dedication of your team and wish you continued success in your vital mission to create a more inclusive and equitable Odisha. Odisha Rising Foundation's initiatives exemplify the kind of holistic strategy that addresses not only immediate challenges but also long-term sustainability for the individuals and communities it serves. By providing accessible and inclusive education, the Foundation is creating pathways for PWDs to participate fully in society, thereby empowering them to lead lives of dignity and self-reliance.