Odisha Parba: A Showcase of Tradition and Transformation
The Odisha Parba itself stands as a microcosm of the state’s heritage and aspirations. Over three days, attendees experienced the vibrant culture of Odisha through art, music, and traditional performances. The event also featured a national seminar, where experts and professionals deliberated on Odisha’s development path in the context of India’s growth story.
Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Dharmendra Pradhan, along with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, participated in the event, further cementing the state’s importance on the national stage.
The vibrant cultural and historical legacy of Odisha took center stage at the Odisha Parba 2024, held in New Delhi. More than just a festival, the event served as a platform for celebrating the rich traditions of the state while addressing its transformative development journey. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address at the event underscored his government’s commitment to prioritizing eastern India’s growth, reframing it from a once “backward” region to the “growth engine” of the nation.
This flagship event, organized by the Delhi-based Odia Samaj, blended culture, history, and policy in its narrative, resonating with the aspirations of Odisha and eastern India as a whole.
Odisha’s Journey: From “Backwater” to Growth Hub
Prime Minister Modi, in his speech, drew attention to the stark contrast in how Odisha and eastern India were historically perceived versus their present trajectory. Once dismissed as a “backward region,” Modi emphasized that his administration views this region as vital to India’s progress.
Financial Investment and Budgetary Support
PM Modi noted that the central government has tripled its budget allocation for Odisha compared to a decade ago. A further 30% increase was introduced this year, illustrating the government’s focused investment in infrastructure, industry, and social development.
Ease of Doing Business in Odisha
Acknowledging Odisha’s evolving economic landscape, Modi highlighted his administration’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment. He mentioned ₹45,000 crore in investments approved within 100 days of forming a government in the state, a testament to Odisha’s growing potential as a business hub.
Cultural Pride: Odisha’s Rich Legacy
The Prime Minister also used the occasion to celebrate Odisha’s enduring contributions to India’s cultural fabric. Describing the state as a “land of saints and scholars,” Modi praised the role of Odia intellectuals in propagating religious texts and connecting the masses to the country’s spiritual heritage.
Iconic Temples in Focus
Two iconic sites—the Sun Temple of Konark and the Jagannath Temple in Puri—were central to his speech. Modi recalled showcasing the Sun Temple during the G20 Summit, elevating its profile on the global stage. Additionally, he expressed joy over the opening of all four doors and the Ratna Bhandar of the Jagannath Temple, signaling greater accessibility and spiritual unity.
Odisha’s Role in National Leadership
PM Modi lauded Odisha for producing leaders of exceptional caliber, including President Droupadi Murmu, a figure he described as a source of inspiration and pride for the nation. Murmu, hailing from the tribal community, exemplifies the aspirations of marginalized sections and underscores the central government’s focus on inclusive development.
Modi highlighted that numerous initiatives worth crores have been launched under Murmu’s leadership to uplift tribal communities. From education to economic empowerment, these programs align with the government’s broader vision for equitable growth.
Eastern India: A New Growth Frontier
Broadening his perspective, Modi reiterated his vision of eastern India as the country’s growth engine. He spoke about efforts to transform not only Odisha but the broader northeast and eastern regions. By focusing on infrastructure, industry, and social welfare, Modi aims to bring these regions on par with India’s traditionally developed western and southern states.
Preparing for 2036
Modi’s speech also looked ahead to Odisha’s centenary celebrations in 2036. He expressed hope that the current pace of development would continue, making the state a symbol of cultural richness and economic prosperity by its 100th anniversary.
A Vision for Inclusive Growth
Odisha Parba 2024 was more than a celebration; it was a reflection of a state reclaiming its narrative. Underlining the government’s commitment to development and cultural preservation, PM Modi’s message resonated with optimism.
Odisha’s transformation from a “backward” state to a growth engine signifies a shift in how eastern India is perceived. By integrating cultural heritage with developmental aspirations, the state stands poised to lead in India’s growth story.
This synergy between tradition and progress is essential for building an inclusive India—one where every region, regardless of its historical labels, becomes a contributor to the nation’s success. As Odisha marches towards its centennial, the lessons from Odisha Parba offer a blueprint for blending heritage with modernity, an approach that could inspire the rest of the nation.
(With inputs from agencies)
