Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday described Odisha as a land of endless possibilities and at the centre of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Purvodaya’.
“Odisha is not just about its glorious past and natural beauty,-it is a land of limitless opportunities, for the future. Today, Odisha stands, as one of the most investor-friendly states in India. Our rich mineral resources, drive key industries, while our IT, agro processing, and renewable energy sectors are rapidly growing,” he said while addressing the formal inaugural ceremony of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas at Janata Maidan here
The CM said that Odisha is building on its maritime legacy, by developing ports, and shipping corridors, to connect with South-East Asia, enabling faster trade, and reducing logistics costs for global businesses.
“With world-class infrastructure, investor-friendly policies, and a young, skilled workforce, Odisha is the perfect destination, for businesses and entrepreneurs,” he asserted.
He further stated that the state has created a niche for itself, for climate resilient agriculture, and skilling of its youth. “The world-class sports infrastructure, that we have created, is testament to our commitment to excellence,” he said.
Stating that the golden period of Odisha’s journey of development has already started, he urged the delegates to explore these opportunities, and contribute to its growth, and prosperity. “As members of the global Indian diaspora, you are our ambassadors to the world. I invite you, to join hands with us in shaping a bright future for Odisha, and India as well. Together, we can realise, the Viksit Bharat, by 2047, the vision of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he added.
‘Holistic hub of diversified cultures’
The CM also mentioned about different places of religious and architectural significance in the state. “Odisha is the home of Jagannath culture, a state, where devotion and diversity blend seamlessly. From the architectural magnificence, of the Sun Temple in Konark, to the spiritual grandeur of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, our land is a testament to timeless traditions,” he said.
He also spoke about Odissi, one of the oldest classical dance forms of India, the intricate art of Pattachitra, and handloom fabrics of Sambalpur. “Beyond its heritage, Odisha is a treasure trove of natural beauty. Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, the Chilika lake, the serene beaches of Puri, Chandipur and Gopalpur, the lush green forests of Similipal, the hills of Koraput, and waterfalls of Keonjhar, offer a glimpse of nature’s magnificence,” he said.
He urged the visiting delegates to explore nature’s secrets in Odisha, and take a bit of Odisha, along with them.
The celebrations of 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) kicked off on Wednesday. Around 6,000 non-resident Indians (NRIs)– including business leaders, academicians, economists and philosophers, from 75 countries–are expected to participate in the convention being organised in Bhubaneswar over the next three days.
