Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal called upon the youths to be proud of their motherland and its culture.
Speaking at “Mo Utkal Divas” function, organised by the Young Indians (Yi) Bhubaneswar Chapter, an integral part of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Bhubaneswar, the Governor said, “Youth is a divine gift. They are the symbol of progress, goodness, genericity, sweetness, aspiration and many more. They can make naturals to unnatural and unnatural to natural. It’s good to see youths are celebrating Utkal Divas.”
Stating that Odisha has an old rich heritage, he said, “We should feel proud of our land, its culture and its food.”
Yi Bhubaneswar in collaboration with Ministry of Sports & Youth affairs also organised a youth conclave on the day. Tushar Kanti Behera, Minister E & IT, Sports & Youth Affairs; Vishal Dalmia, Chairperson, Yi Bhubaneswar Chapter and Rajiv Bhatnagar, Executive Director, Projects, AM/NS India also spoke on the occasion.
Sonal More, Co-Chair, Yi Bhubaneswar Chapter said, “The youth conclave saw parallel events like inter college “Ideathon & Just Pitch” competition where students presented business ideas/model in areas of entrepreneurship, innovation an Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)”.
Odisha Cultural Dance show by the students of Odisha School of Dance, panel discussion on “History of Rising Odisha” by eminent speakers and “Thought Leadership” panel discussion among industry leaders were other highlights of the event.
The winners of “Ideathon-Ideaz & Just Pitch” competition were felicitated at the function. Utkal Samman was awarded to eminent persons who are an inspiration to those who want to make a positive impact on community.
The awards were given in 12 categories of nation building. Following is the details of the awards:
- Education: Dr Silpi Sahoo- In memory of Bijaya Kumar Sahoo for developing & inspiring the youth
- Innovation: Anant Das- Automated Sweet Making Machine
- Rural Initiatives: Kalinga Kusum Foundation- Impactful work on socio economic & legal empowerment & help to edges of society specially women children & tribals.
- Health: Dr Omkar Hota- Exemplary commitment to walking the extra mile to bring health facilities to people in remote villages of Malkangiri. Also, inspiration behind movie Daman.
- Sports: Jayanti Behera- World Youth Champion, Track & Field Paralympic Athlete
- Climate Change: Neelima Mishra- 1st sole participant for Climate Force Arctic Expedition 2019 & impactful contribution to climate change awareness
- Road Safety: Sagarika Nath, IPS- For her ground breaking impact &contribution to traffic management system & Road Safety measures
- Accessibility: Sannyashai Behera, OAS- Exemplary work as Disability Right Activist, 1st visually impaired OAS of Odisha state.
- Art & Culture: Pratik Pattnaik- Documentation of Odisha Culture and start, Impactful Youth.
- Culinary Art Master: Chef Abinas Nayak- Making Odisha go global with his culinary cuisine, Winner of Master Chef Season 6
- Entrepreneurship: Amarendra Sahu- Odia Entrepreneur Nationally-Cofounder of India’s Largest Home rental.
- Agriculture: Swabhiman Farmer Producer Company Limited- Malkangiri National Award winner Ground breaking impactful work for irrigation & integrated farming.
