Bhubaneswar, 28 January 2025- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated the ‘Utkarsh Odisha, Make in Odisha Conclave’ in Bhubaneswar. He inaugurated the business summit in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Manjhi and Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati at Janata Maidan. The Prime Minister also inaugurated the ‘Make in Odisha’ exhibition, which showcases the state’s achievements in developing a vibrant industrial environment. Around 7,500 business representatives, including big industrialists, are expected to participate in this two-day conference.
Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal, Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla and Jindal Steel and Power Chairman Naveen Jindal were present at the inaugural ceremony. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav also attended the program. The conference will serve as a platform for industry leaders, investors and policy makers to discuss the opportunities offered by Odisha as a preferred investment destination.
During this, PM Modi also addressed the conference. He said, ‘I have been told that this is the biggest business summit ever held in Odisha. Compared to earlier, 5-6 times more investors are participating in this business summit. I congratulate the Government of Odisha and the people of Odisha for this.’
Two big pillars of India’s economy
He said that there are two big pillars of India’s economy. Our innovative service sector and India’s quality products… The country’s rapid progress is not possible only by exporting raw materials. That’s why we are changing the entire eco-system. We are working with a new vision. Amidst the efforts of the government, I also have some requests to you. In the rapidly changing world, you are seeing challenges related to the global supply chain. India cannot rely much on a scattered supply chain and import-based supply chain. We also have to create a strong supply chain in India which is least affected by global fluctuations. This is a big responsibility of the government as well as the industry. Therefore, whatever sector you are in, help the MSMEs related to it.
Odisha has a big role in this
He said that I consider eastern India to be the growth engine of the country’s development and Odisha has a big role in it. History is a witness that when India had a major share in global growth, then eastern India had a major contribution. Eastern India had big industrial hubs, ports, trade hubs of the country. Odisha also had a big share in this. Odisha used to be the main center of trade in South East Asia. The ancient ports here used to be the gateways of India in a way.
India’s aspiration is our strength
PM Modi said that today India is walking on such a path of development, which is getting strength from the aspirations of crores of people. Not only artificial intelligence, but India’s aspiration is our strength. I am confident that Odisha will very soon reach such heights of development that no one has even imagined of reaching. I am happy that the entire team of Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi is engaged in accelerating the development of Odisha.
A symbol of optimism and originality of new India
He said, ‘Odisha is extraordinary. Odisha is a symbol of optimism and originality of new India. Odisha also has opportunities and the people here have always shown passion to do the best.’ On making India a wedding destination hub, PM Modi said that today India’s focus is – Wed in India. Today India’s mantra is – Heal in India. For this, the nature of Odisha, the natural beauty here is very helpful.
Resolve to build a ‘prosperous Odisha’
PM Modi said that Odisha has a big role in the creation of a developed India. The people of Odisha have resolved to build a ‘prosperous Odisha’. Every possible support is being received from the central government for the accomplishment of this resolution.
‘The condition and direction of Odisha’s development will change’
Earlier, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said that this is your (Prime Minister Modi’s) fifth visit to Odisha in the last 7 months and you always bring gifts for the state. This time you have brought such a big gift that in a few months, the condition and direction of Odisha’s development will change. Today a strong structure is going to be built on the foundation of ‘Purvodaya’ that you had laid 7 months ago.