New Delhi: After two stunning weeks, the India International Trade Fair (IITF-2023) concludes on a high note on November 27 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Odisha Pavilion, which was the centre of attraction from day one, maintained its silver streak by regaining the covetous gold medal as “Excellence in Display” in the category of State Pavilion.
Director Information and Public Relations, Saroj Kumar Samal received the award in presence of Pavilion Director Suryaranjan Mohanty and Additional Director Santosh Das along with other officials of the I&PR Department on behalf of Odisha.
Congratulating the people on this occasion, the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in a tweet said “Showcasing the spirit of ‘Unity through Trade’, the Odisha Pavilion highlighted the State’s commitment to women empowerment & their participation in economic prosperity and exhibited a wide range of tribal art, artifacts & products”.
Conceptualized on the state’s ancient maritime trade culture, the Pavilion, with 24 stalls, including famous handloom outlets and government departments, promoted the rich cultural heritage, handicrafts and handlooms of Odisha. The focus was to ensure a strong representation of tribal groups, especially the work of women artisans, in line with the Mission Shakti initiative. On the other hand, the maritime boat at the centre of the arena perfectly complemented all 24 stalls.
IITF-2023, which began on November 14 on the “VasudhaivaKutumbakam” theme, successfully concluded this Monday. In this crowd-pulling fair, 28 states and 8 union territories participated along with corporations from India and overseas countries like Afghanistan, Vietnam, Tunisia, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Iran, Bangladesh, Oman, Egypt, Nepal, Thailand, and UAE, exhibited their products and services in diverse fields.
This year, the Odisha Pavilion was inaugurated by Ashok Chandra Panda, Minister of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Public Enterprises and Science & Technology, Government of Odisha, in the august presence of Sanjay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary, Information & Public Relations and Ravi Kant Resident Commissioner, Government of Odisha and other dignitaries and officials.
