Personal touchOn the final day of his long and distinguished career, outgoing DGP Y B Khurania did something that instantly won over the media fraternity. Instead of leaving the attendance at his farewell media briefing to chance, he personally called journalists and invited them over. The press meet may have been routine, but the gesture was anything but. It was a fitting sign-off from an officer known for his professionalism, efficiency and accessibility. Khurania retired the way he served — quietly, gracefully and with a personal touch.Picture perfectSome photos capture a moment. Others launch a thousand forwards. A photograph of Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi and Odisha chief secretary Anu Garg descending from a Delhi-Bhubaneswar flight did exactly that. Sarangi’s social media post spoke of a pleasant conversation on personal and professional matters and wished the chief secretary success in serving Odisha. Fairly straightforward. Social media, however, rarely travels in a straight line. Within minutes, amateur political analysts were zooming in on the photograph, dissecting everything from timing to body language. It caused one observer to joke, “The flight landed on schedule, but Odisha’s speculation industry is still cruising at 30,000 feet.”Massage & messageDuring Shravan, kanwariyas trek long distances carrying sacred water for Lord Shiva, sustained along the way by volunteers offering food, water and sometimes even a soothing foot massage. This year, however, a different kind of seva stole the limelight. Videos of culture minister Suryabanshi Suraj, Pipili MLA Ashrit Pattanayak and Puri MP Sambit Patra washing and massaging the feet of pilgrims quickly made the rounds on social media. But it wasn’t just foot care that caught the attention. Amid the seva, the leaders were also seen chatting with devotees and seeking feedback on the govt’s performance.Rain & painBhubaneswar’s drainage master plan may be the city’s most frequent visitor. Every few years, it makes a grand entrance, promises to end waterlogging and then quietly disappears before reaching the implementation stage. The latest chapter unfolded when BMC announced approval of a drainage master plan prepared by IIT Roorkee. Instead of applause, however, residents greeted the news with a sense of déjà vu. Many pointed out that this was the fourth or fifth such announcement aimed at solving the capital’s monsoon woes. When mayor Sulochana Das shared the update on social media, citizens responded with their trademark humour. Some suggested the civic body stop chasing drainage plans and start operating boat services, given that roads regularly resemble canals after a spell of rain. As one resident wryly remarked, “The drainage plan arrives on schedule every few years. Unfortunately, implementation seems to get washed away before the first drop of rain.”(Contributed by Team TOI)
