Odisha Dibas celebrated in Dubai to mark operation of direct flight services between Odisha and Dubai

Dubai/ Bhubaneswar: Commemorating the launch of direct flight operations between Bhubaneswar and Dubai, a special cultural evening ‘Odisha Dibas’ was held at hotel Le Meridien in Dubai today. Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik virtually addressed the gathering of more than 1000 participants which included Odia Diaspora in UAE, Middle East and dignitaries.

The event kicked off with mesmerising cultural performances by local troupes form Odisha arranged by Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture while the guests were welcomed. The main event was launched with the video of Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik’s announcement of flight commencement followed by showcasing of the people boarding the inaugural flight and take off.

Congratulating the State Government on this landmark step towards improving Odisha’s global connectivity, Consulate General of India in Dubai Dr. Aman Puri spoke about how the commencement of direct connectivity between the global city, Dubai and Odisha will create unparalleled opportunities for the State and will connect the State to the world. He expressed confidence that the Odia Diaspora and the Indian Diaspora in UAE and Middle East will take advantage of this direct connectivity to visit and explore ‘India’s Best Kept Secret.
Minister Sri Ashok chandra Panda and Development Commissioner Smt. Anu Garg also spoke on the occasion.

Secretary to Chief Minister Shri V.K Pandian interacted with the delegates in an engaging session and outlined Government of Odisha’s transformation agenda that relies on Technology, Teamwork, Timeliness and Transparency leading to Transformation. He spoke about how the State has leveraged its natural resources, strategic location and infrastructure to create a conducive environment for business, trade, tourism and entrepreneurship to flourish. He called upon the Odia Diaspora in middle east to explore the various opportunities that the State offers and join the growth bandwagon.

Highlighting the State Government’s efforts towards improving the diaspora connect, the welcome address was earlier given by Director Odisha Parivar Shri Dilip Routray while the vote of thanks was delivered by Director Tourism Shri Sachin R. Jadhav.

During the event Odisha Parivar showcased a video outlining the activities and initiatives taken by the State Government over the years to bring Odia diaspora together across the globe. The event concluded with a starry performance by Odisha-born Bollywood singer Rituraj followed by dinner with menu celebrating Odia cuisine.

Earlier during the day, the delegates from Odisha, who had reached the night before on the maiden flight, were taken on a familiarisation trip to various landmark destinations in Dubai to analyse the country’s culture and submit a report highlighting their experience with notes on improving visitor experience in Odisha.