Times Business Awards Odisha 2026: Union Minister Pradhan Hails Wealth Creators, Vision For Self-Reliant State

Bhubaneswar: The state capital hosted a glittering celebration of business excellence on January 15, as industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers gathered to honour outstanding achievements across Odisha’s diverse sectors.

The Times Business Awards Odisha, an initiative by The Times of India in association with Odisha Bytes, spotlighted innovation, leadership, sustainability, and contributions to the state’s economic and social progress.

The evening commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, formally inaugurating the awards, recognising exceptional performance in various business and service sectors, evaluated through a rigorous and transparent process by an independent research agency.

In his address, Dharmendra spoke on Odisha’s transformation from a raw material supplier to a knowledge-driven and manufacturing-led economy. He praised the state’s youth, skilled workforce, and vast industrial potential as key drivers of future growth, noting that “wealth creators and job creators are playing a crucial role in shaping a confident and self-reliant Odisha”.

The Union Minister also extended Makara Sankranti greetings and underscored India’s rapid economic rise to the world’s fourth-largest economy, achieved largely in the last decade. He stressed the need for sustainable growth, balancing job creation with opportunities, and highlighted India’s young population, digital ecosystem, and climb in the Global Innovation Index. Specifically for Odisha, he described it as a state of “strong future, possibilities, and positivity,” rich in minerals, water, fertile land, and talent. He pointed to its emergence as India’s steel and aluminium hub, and its pivotal role in the Purvodaya initiative as the gateway for eastern India’s development through ports, pipelines, and logistics.

President, Utkal Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Prabodh Mohanty also highlighted Odisha’s steady progress and its aspiration to become one of India’s most developed states by 2036. He pointed to the state’s rich natural resources that continue to attract major investments, particularly in mining and metals, and noted that Odisha’s long coastline offers significant logistical and connectivity advantages.

Referring to the Government of Odisha’s progressive and industry-friendly policies, he said these are comparable to those of developed states. Emphasising the role of MSMEs, he stressed the need for continuous handholding to make them future-ready through access to new markets, global competitiveness and adoption of green technologies.

Zonal Manager, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, Jaydeep Gupte expressed appreciation for the association with the Times Business Awards Odisha, stating that the platform meaningfully recognises business excellence and innovation, while reflecting a shared commitment to celebrating leadership, entrepreneurship and Odisha’s growing role in India’s economic progress.

Bollywood actress and wellness icon Shilpa Shetty attended the event as a special guest, presenting awards and enhancing the evening’s glamour.

The ceremony concluded with a captivating performance by Indian Idol finalist Manisha Karmakar.

The Times Business Awards Odisha served as a significant platform for dialogue, collaboration and recognition, celebrating organisations and individuals who continue to drive Odisha’s dynamic business ecosystem and contribute to the state’s long-term economic growth.