Odisha Pavilion Bags Gold Medal At IITF-2023 In New Delhi

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha pavilion has bagged gold medal in the 42nd India International Trade Fair (IITF) in New Delhi.

The Odisha pavilion won the 1st position for Excellence in Display in the fair at Pragati Maidan in national capital. Director of Information and Public Relations department Saroj Kumar Samal received the award in presence of Pavilion Director Suryaranjan Mohanty and Additional Director Santosh Das along with other officials on behalf of Odisha.

Congratulating the people on the occasion, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in a tweet said, “Showcasing the spirit of ‘Unity through Trade’, the Odisha Pavilion highlighted the state’s commitment to women empowerment & their participation in economic prosperity and exhibited a wide range of tribal art, artefacts & products.”

Conceptualised on the state’s ancient maritime trade culture, the pavilion, with 24 stalls including handloom outlets and government departments, promoted the rich cultural heritage, handicrafts and handloom of Odisha. The focus was to ensure a strong representation of tribal groups, especially the work of women artisans, in line with the Mission Shakti initiative. The maritime boat at the centre of the arena complemented the stalls.

IITF-2023, which began on November 14 on the “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” theme, concluded on Monday. As many as 28 states and 8 Union Territories participated along with corporations from India and outside countries including Afghanistan, Vietnam, Tunisia, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Iran, Bangladesh, Oman, Egypt, Nepal, Thailand, and UAE with their products and services in diverse fields.

The Odisha Pavilion was inaugurated by Ashok Chandra Panda, Minister of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Public Enterprises and Science & Technology.