Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025: Expats are poised to propel Odisha forward!

Amid the vibrant discussions around the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in Bhubaneswar on Friday, attention sharply focused on Odisha's potential for enhancing tourism and driving economic growth. The Non-Resident Indian (NRI) community, particularly those with roots in Odisha but settled across the globe, have stepped forward with insights.

Many NRIs are keen to invest in Odisha's future, advocating for initiatives like 'Utkarsh Odisha-Make in Odisha' and 'Brand Odisha'. These would emphasise infrastructure and tourism as pivotal areas for development.

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Originating from countries like the UK and the US, these NRIs have contributed their successes to tackling a vital question: how can Odisha advance?

“Bare need of Odisha is job creation. Software created in Bhubaneswar has been successfully implemented in the US, Europe, and Japan. Odia Puas have made it possible that those are being appreciated all over the world,” an NRI from the US Dhirendra Kar said.

“However, we have got no appreciation, support, and initiative from the State government in the nearly past 20 years,” Dhirendra Kar expressed.

The NRI entrepreneurs have pinpointed capital investment and job creation as imperative for Odisha's progress. The State government's dedication and collaborative spirit receive praise and serve as encouraging signals for prospective investors.

Integration of a single-window system has been recommended to reduce the bureaucratic hurdles.

“We don’t want anything free from the Government. Rather, we are around 20 different companies from various countries and are presently based in the US are keen to immediately set up our units in Odisha. The State government should provide us with necessary facilities through a single-window system,” another NRI from the US Manoranjan Panigrahi stated.

“This will certainly help generate a large number of job opportunities,” Panigrahi added.

Tourism presents immense opportunities for Odisha, as highlighted by these expatriates. They propose boosting Buddhist tourism to attract potential visitors from China, Thailand, Japan, and Korea.

In addition, the idea of royal cruises over routes chartered by the historic Odia mariners known as 'Sadhab Puas' has gained traction.

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Suggestions also target the Puri and Konark beaches as potential 'Disney Sea '-style attractions, provided requisite infrastructure such as roads and modern hospitality facilities are developed in Odisha. Calls for dedicated tourism corridors and enhanced international connectivity resonate strongly.

Odisha's rich cultural heritage, from the intricate silver filigree of Cuttack to the renowned Sambalpuri sarees, remains a focal point for NRIs. They stress the importance of fostering these traditional crafts and extending the global reach of 'Made in Odisha' products.

Expanding the international presence of the State's unique artistry is pivotal to reviving fading arts.