Odisha Channel Bureau
BHUBANESWAR: Odisha as a State has immense resources and potential to grow and become a vibrant geography of the world. However, we need a concrete and strategic vision document to harness its fullest involving all stakeholders, highlighted thought leaders at the full day conclave titled ‘Odisha Ahead’, organised by ‘Invest Bhubaneswar’, here on Saturday.
Speaking at the occasion, Dharmendra Pradhan, union minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas said that water is one of the biggest resources of Odisha. Thus we should try to tap it. Similarly, the fate of Odisha can be turn around if we can focus on agriculture and agro-based products, he mentioned. He further referred that as the market of metals is facing a global challenge, we can explore plastic and other sectors to adopt futuristic business models.
Similarly, Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, veteran journalist and politician, said that only large scale industries will not bring holistic development to any state. Instead, we have to focus on agriculture and allied industries along with exploring other strengths like tourism and our cultural heritage.
“Odisha stands at a critical juncture today. But, we should not be cynical with shortcomings and should have enough hope when we look at Odisha in 2036. The state must achieve at least the today’s development level of the lowest ranked G8 country within 20 years from now and it could be a collective accomplishment for all of us”, mentioned Subroto Bagchi, Chairman, Odisha Skill Development Authority.
While Odisha is going to complete 100 years in 2036, the next two decades are crucial to curve out a vision to showcase the state where it should be in the global arena with all its resources and potential. On this context ‘Invest Bhubaneswar’ brought together many powerful Odia minds from across the lives and globe who shared their vision on the long-term and sustainable development of the state.
Among others, Guruprasad Mohapatra, Chairman, Airports Authority of India; Asoka Kumar Das, VC, Utkal University; Haraprasad Das, writer and critic; Ashok Basa, past President, Institution of Engineers (India); Pulin B. Nayak, former Director, Delhi School of Economics; Baijayant Panda, MP Lok Sabha; Sudarsan Pattnaik, Sand Artist; Prashanta Nanda, Film Actor and Director; Sruti Mohapatra, social activist; Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief Fintech Officer, Monetary Authority of Singapore; Aruna Mohanty, Odissi dancer; Panchami Manoo Ukil, wildlife enthusiast and Akshaya Parija, Ex-banker & entrepreneur and Santrupt B. Misra, CEO, Carbon Black Business and Director, Group Human Resources of the Aditya Birla Management Corporation.
At opening of the conclave Debashis Patnaik, Convenor ‘Invest Bhubaneswar’ briefed the audience on the objectives of the program. The valuable insights emerged in the conclave will be compiled as a vision document to rekindle the pace of growth and progress of the state, he informed. The conclave was attended by leading entrepreneurs, professionals of various fields and students of various disciplines.
