OdishaPlus Bureau
The Odisha Pavilion at India International Trade Fair 2023 (IITF) bagged the prestigious 1st prize (Gold) for Excellence in Display at Pragati Maidan, 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 bagging the coveted gold medal as “Excellence in Display” in the category of State Pavilion. Director of Information and Public Relations Dept Saroj Kumar Samal received the award in presence of Pavilion Director Suryaranjan Mohanty and Additional Director Santosh Das along with other officials of the Dept on behalf of Odisha.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik 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, artefacts & 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 “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” 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 (IAS, Principal Secretary, Information & Public Relations Department, Government of Odisha) and Ravi Kant (IPS, Resident Commissioner, Government of Odisha) and other dignitaries and officials.