New Delhi: From the heart of New Delhi, a luminous chapter in India’s global exchange unfolded on November 14, 2025, as the 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF) commenced its grand spectacle for exhibitors at the majestic Bharat Mandapam.
The spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat’ animates this 14-day trade extravaganza, drawing delegates and curious souls from every corner of the earth to immerse themselves in the deep currents of India’s socio-economic evolution and the dazzling kaleidoscope of its culture.
A moment of profound cultural resonance marked the beginning of Odisha’s odyssey at the fair, as the State’s Deputy Chief Minister, Shrimati Pravati Parida, unveiled the Odisha Pavilion. This space, a veritable sanctuary of heritage, promises to be one of the magnetic focal points of IITF 2025.
The ceremony itself was graced by a distinguished assembly, including Special Resident Commissioner Shrimati Ritu Arora, Additional Resident Commissioner Shrimati Sucharita Sarangi, Director I&PR Shri Anuj Kumar Das Pattanaik, Director (Technical) Shri Gurbir Singh, and Pavilion Director Shri Aswini Kumar Bhoi, alongside other venerated officials.
Nestled within Hall No. 4, on the First Floor of Bharat Mandapam, the Odisha Mandap is no mere exhibition; it is an evocative saga woven from the threads of the State’s indigenous art, timeless culture, ancient heritage, and its burgeoning developmental metamorphosis. The design itself is an immersive tapestry, reflecting both the sacred, age-old traditions and the spirited, modern aspirations of the land.
During the inauguration, Deputy CM Shrimati Parida lauded the pavilion’s aesthetic brilliance, expressing a heartfelt conviction that it would indeed captivate all who cross its threshold. “The pavilion beautifully mirrors Odisha’s strides in agriculture, the spiritual allure of its tourism, the sanctity of its heritage, the dynamism of its industries, and the flourishing of its trade,” she remarked, emphasizing that the display of exquisite art and crafts, spiritual journeys, handloom mastery, and authentic indigenous products will undoubtedly enthrall visitors. She further illuminated that Odisha stands as a beacon of women’s empowerment, a truth powerfully attested by the extensive participation of women in this grand trade event.
Within this cultural haven, twenty-eight thematic stalls, representing various arms of the State government, stand as testament to Odisha’s achievements and boundless potential. A treasure trove of rural sustenance is on display, from aromatic coffee and organic spices to delicate bamboo jewellery and wholesome organic fare, all lovingly crafted by the women of the Subhadra Shakti initiative.