Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Dec 28: The Oriya diaspora scattered across the world should come forward to champion the cause of their home state, exhorted Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on the concluding day of the Global Orissa Conclave at KIIT University here, Sunday.
“There are many Oriya people living abroad who are bringing fame to the state through their efforts. They should do something for their home state,” the Chief Minister said while attending the ‘Orissa Without Borders’ Global Orissa Conclave.
“Orissa is a rich repository of art, literature and culture. Traditional maritime trading was an integral part of people’s lives in the past which also strengthened the state’s economy. The state government is striving hard to make Orissa economically strong and culturally vibrant,” Patnaik said.
The CM stressed the need for the Oriya diaspora to make a collective endeavour in order to ensure Orissa’s growth.
Justice Bimal Prasad Das, former Judge of Orissa High Court and a member of the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal called for redefining Oriya identity and lauded the excellence that was being exhibited by Oriya people across the globe.
Kshirod Kumar Jena, convener of the conference and chief coordinator of Aseema Orissa that also organised it, said the conference provided a platform to Oriyas living across the world for sharing and nurturing of ideas.
Nihar Ranjan Samantara, another delegate, elaborated on the growth trajectory of the state for the last two decades and said the momentum needs to be furthered for proclaiming the march of the Oriya people towards a glorious future.
The conclave was inaugurated Sunday morning in the presence of eminent dignitaries Justice Arijit Pasayat, former judge of Supreme Court, Union minister for tribal affairs Jual Oram and industries, school and mass education minister Debi Prasad Mishra.
Earlier, two panel discussions on themes such as ‘Entrepreneurship Development’ and ‘Evolving of Brand Orissa’ were held to mark the conclave. Eminent panelists included global petrochemical expert Padma Shri RN Bastia, economist Dillip Rath and NTPC director (finance) Kulamani Biswal.
Among others, coordinator of the conclave Debadutt Singh Deo and secretariat director Pranab Kishore Pani were also present on the occasion.
