Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati inaugurated the Purvodaya Perspectives 2025 International Conference in Bhubaneswar on Saturday and emphasised that the rise of Eastern India will define the nation’s future growth trajectory.
Delivering the keynote address, the Governor asserted that Eastern India’s resurgence would ignite a new phase of development across the region, with Odisha playing a pivotal role. He described the conference as more than an academic or policy forum, calling it a reflection of India’s evolving aspirations, civilizational confidence, and collective commitment to unlocking the full potential of the East.
Recalling history, he noted that Eastern India once stood as a beacon of prosperity, celebrated for its thriving ports, trade networks, renowned educational centres, and spiritual communities. However, he added that historical challenges, prolonged neglect, and infrastructural barriers pushed the region behind.
Highlighting present progress, the Governor said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has reached a historic juncture. He explained that the launch of the Purvodaya Mission reflects the recognition that Eastern India’s rise is vital not only for the region but also for India’s overall progress and the vision of a developed nation by 2047.
Furthermore, he pointed out that the region has recently achieved rapid growth in connectivity, infrastructure, industry, energy, and human development, driven by significant investments in roads, railways, ports, airports, and digital networks.
Turning to Odisha’s role, the Governor underlined the state’s inherent strengths—its abundant natural resources, long coastline, skilled workforce, stable governance, and distinct cultural identity. He cited Odisha’s recent initiatives, such as entry into the semiconductor ecosystem, expansion of rail and port infrastructure, development of green hydrogen zones, and growth in tourism and heritage projects as key drivers of progress.
Referring to Odisha’s historic identity as Kalinga, he stressed the importance of reviving ancient maritime and cultural ties with Southeast Asia. He explained that this aligns with India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific partnerships. He expressed confidence that the conference would help shape practical policies to strengthen economic corridors linking Eastern India with Southeast Asia, thereby fostering sustainable and inclusive regional prosperity.
In addition, the event featured a video address by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, which participants described as inspirational. Nepal’s Ambassador Dr Shankar Prasad Sharma, Joint Secretary (Policy Planning & Research) of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Aparna Ray, and former Government of India Secretary and Energy Forum Trustee Siddharth Pradhan also delivered addresses.
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