Inauguration of the 2nd Edition of the International Conference on Purvodaya Perspectives: Reclaiming India’s Maritime Heritage
By Our Correspondent
Bhubaneswar, Dec 15 : The second edition of the International Conference on Purvodaya Perspectives: Reclaiming India’s Maritime Heritage – Perspectives, Prospects, and Prognosis was inaugurated on 14th December at the Taj Vivanta, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Organized by The Energy Forum (TEF) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the two-day conference is poised to explore India’s rich maritime legacy and its potential in shaping future strategies for sustainable development.
The inauguration commenced with a warm welcome extended by Shri Sidhartha Pradhan, Retd Secretary to the Government of India and Trustee, The Energy Forum, followed by a series of inspiring addresses from esteemed dignitaries. Notable speakers included Hon’ble Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, Minister of Odia Language, Literature & Culture Government of Odisha, Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary East, Ministry of External Affairs.
Highlighting the conference’s objectives, Shri Sidhartha Pradhan emphasized, “Purvodaya’s maritime heritage represents a legacy of knowledge, culture, and connectivity that has profound relevance for contemporary maritime strategies. This platform is a unique opportunity to bring together leaders and experts to reimagine India’s role in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Talking about the importance of the conference, Mr. Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, stated, “This conference, the second by the Energy Foundation following the success of last year’s inaugural event, highlights the shared maritime heritage between India, especially Odisha, and Southeast Asia. Odisha’s rich history, operational port, and strong industrial base position it to lead in maritime trade, exploration, and collaboration, fostering stronger ties in transport, energy, and tourism.”
Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, Minister of Culture, Government of Odisha, delighted with the conference, stated, “The Energy Forum, CII, has done an excellent job in organizing this conference. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his recent address, highlighted Odisha as a rising epicenter of growth and development. Odisha’s progress serves as an example not only for India but also for the world. The state is advancing significantly in areas such as ports, industries, and tourism.”
Shri Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General of BIMSTEC, underlined the importance of multilateral collaborations in leveraging the maritime domain for economic and strategic purposes. Also Ms. Durapada Sapkota, Ministry Counsellor, Embassy of Nepal, New Delhi heighlighted Indo-Nepal and other regional issues. Smt. Anu Garg, Development Commissioner cum Additional Chief Secretary of Odisha, also shared her insights on Odisha’s historical maritime prominence and its role in India’s maritime aspirations.
The inaugural session set the tone for the event with its focus on the Indo-Pacific security and economic framework, maritime security, and the importance of regional organizations like BIMSTEC, ASEAN, and IORA. Shri Rajan Sudesh Ratna, Deputy Head and Senior Economic Affairs Officer, United Nations ESCAP South and South-West Asia Office, Dr Temjenmeren Ao, Associate Fellow, South-East Asia and Oceania Centre, MP-IDSA, Ms Subhashini Abeysinghe, Research Director, Verité Research (Sri Lanka) and Shri R. Mukundan, Vice President of CII, expressed their commitment to fostering regional cooperation and sustainable growth through strategic dialogues.
The event also featured cultural performances and networking opportunities, celebrating India’s maritime traditions while fostering global engagement.
The conference will continue tomorrow with discussions on port-led development, the blue economy, and a roundtable on heritage and connectivity, promising actionable insights and collaborative pathways for the future.
