Odisha Day Celebrations at Embassy of India, Kuwait
- Details
- Category: Embassy News
- Published: Thursday, 26 May 2022 04:31
Remarks by Amb.Sibi George at the
Odisha Day Celebrations at Embassy of India, Kuwait
May 25, 2022
Distinguished Guests, Representatives from Media, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Evening,
Welcome to all to the Embassy.
I begin by thanking HH Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jabar Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait, HH Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jabar Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait for hosting the large Indian community in Kuwait.
Dear Friends,
I am so delighted to attend the Odisha Day celebrations that we organize today as part of our State Facilitation Program. In the last two years, despite the many challenges posed by the devastating Covid 19 pandemic, we have been celebrating India in Kuwait with at least one major event being held every week, and at least one online display every day on our social media platforms. The various platforms that we created such as Indian Business Network (IBN), Indian Cultural Network (ICN), Indian Professional Network (IPN) and Indian Readers Network (IRN) are all taking steady steps aimed at showcasing Indian culture, tourism, heritage, also deepening our economic engagement and highlighting our scientific achievements. Since last year, we have held multiple events under the banner Aatmanirbhar Bharat i.e. Self-Reliant India and conducted various State Facilitation events focusing on different states of India.
I am happy that most of the Indian associations and groups in Kuwait wholeheartedly participate in these events and also organized their own events. These all have contributed immensely in promoting India in Kuwait, building our relationship with this friendly country and also in maintaining the momentum in our efforts to support an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Our 3 Ts program, to enhance our engagement in Trade, Technology and Tourism is yielding positive results.
Today we are here to celebrate Odisha, a great State of India that needs no introduction. It is India’s best kept secret which is like a hidden gem for all visitors to India. It is a gifted serene landscape with uncrowded and unspoilt beaches. It’s a land steeped in history and mythology with its many ancient temples, tribal cultures, and abundance of natural beauty.
I had the opportunity to visit Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, a green and clean city with rich cultural life. I am told that it is one of the major cities that enables an authentic overview of the stages of development of temple architecture, where temple building activities of unique Odishan style existed and flourished over a few thousand years.
Dear Friends,
Odisha is also one of the fastest growing Sates of India with its economy registering a sharp recovery in 2021-22 with a growth rate of 10.1%. Odisha’s industries are based mainly on its natural resources which is more than 35% of country’s natural resources. The state has significant reserves of iron ore, bauxite, nickel, coal, etc. which makes it an attractive destination for mineral-based industries. In 2020-21, over 47% of mineral production in India was from the State of Odisha. Today, the State is on the cusp of an information and communication technology revolution. I see a great opportunity for our Kuwaiti business to deepen their engagement with Odisha. I invite our Kuwaiti business partners to explore Odisha and also include it in their tourism itinerary. Odisha indeed is a very good destination for our 3 Ts engagement, Trade, Technology and Tourism.
I am happy to welcome today the vibrant members of the Indian community who are here in Kuwait from the State of Odisha. I thank the members of the community who have put together a cultural evening for us today. I congratulate the artists who are performing for us today. I congratulate the winners of various competitions who are felicitated today in this function. I thank the Kuwait Odisha Association for their initiative in celebrating the Odisha day. Once again Greetings of Odisha Day to all.
Thank you and good evening.
