International Conference on Purvodaya Perspectives 2nd Edition Concludes Successfully in Bhubaneswar
By Our Correspondent
Bhubaneswar,Dec 17 : The two-day International Conference on Purvodaya Perspectives: Reclaiming India’s Maritime Heritage – Perspectives, Prospects, and Prognosis concluded today at the Taj Vivanta, Bhubaneswar, with a focus on innovative strategies for port-led development, the blue economy, and the cultural and strategic significance of India’s maritime heritage.
The final day of the conference opened with a session on Port-led Development and the Blue Economy, chaired by Shri P. L. Haranadh, Chairman of Paradip Port, and Shri Girish Thomas, General Manager at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, emphasized the importance of modernizing port infrastructure and fostering global connectivity. Shri Sanjay Gupta, Strategies Consultant, highlighted the need for sustainable practices in developing India’s maritime assets, while Shri SV Anchan, Chairman of Safe Sea Group, called for enhanced safety standards in maritime operations.
The subsequent session, Soft Drivers of Purvodaya, explored non-traditional factors driving maritime growth, such as cultural diplomacy and innovation. Chaired by Ambassador Ashok Das, IFS and Ms. Lily Wangchuk, founder of the Soksoom Centre for Wellbeing and Happiness in Bhutan. Shri Nick Brooker, Cofounder of IndoGenius, stressed the role of youth engagement and technology in reinvigorating India’s maritime legacy.
Making Purvodaya future ready chaired by Ms. Usha Padhee, IAS, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Transport and Housing & Urban development, Government of Odisha, emphasized the future practices of modernizing port infrastructure and fostering global connectivity. Dr.Bikas Ranjan Pattanaik from Winconsion University, America briefed about the Inland Water Development, Port Linkage and Steel Education, Dr.Pradipta Mohanty, Chairman, CII Odisha State Council and Chairman, SNM Group, Dr. Sameer Patil, Director, Centre for Security, Strategy and Technology Observer Research Foundation, called for enhanced safety standards in maritime operations.
The delegates and speakers were taken to Konark and explained Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.
Dr. Chandi Prasad Nanda, Director of Odisha Research Centre, explained the rich cultural heritage of the region in the final session, which explored non-traditional factors driving maritime growth, such as cultural diplomacy and innovation. Dr. Nanda, along with Ms. Pallavi Beriha, Research Scholar, stressed the role of youth engagement and technology in reinvigorating India’s maritime legacy. Their insights highlighted the importance of leveraging the past to inspire future growth and connect with global maritime networks.
A distinguished dignitaries, including Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, along with esteemed personalities such as Shri Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General of BIMSTEC, and Ms. Durapada Sapkota, Ministry Counsellor, Embassy of Nepal, New Delhi, enhanced the the efforts of TEF.
The Konark visit included an engaging discussion on Odisha’s rich art, culture, architecture, and its connectivity. The delegation greatly appreciated Odisha’s heritage through a tour of the Archaeological Museum and a special screening of a documentary on Odisha’s ancient history.
Key experts and dignitaries such as Dr. Smruti Pattanaik, Vice Admiral Rama Kant Pattanaik (Retd.), Shri Rajan Sudesh Ratna, Deputy Head and Senior Economic Affairs Officer, UN ESCAP South and South-West Asia Office, Dr. Temjenmeren Ao, Associate Fellow, MP-IDSA, Ms. Subhashini Abeysinghe, Research Director, Verité Research (Sri Lanka), and Shri R. Mukundan, Vice President of CII. The visit significantly highlighted and appreciated Odisha’s historical and cultural legacy while fostering dialogue on regional and international connectivity. Shri Kailash Dalabehera, executive director,TEF played a vital role in smooth conduct of the two day event.
