New Delhi, Mar 14: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday said the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ can be realised only when individual states progress and prosper, stressing the importance of collective efforts toward regional development.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of Odisha Parba 2026 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here, Pradhan said the coming decade would be crucial for Odisha as the state moves towards celebrating the centenary of its formation in 2036.
“If the 45 million people of Odisha take a collective resolve, the state can emerge as a developed and empowered region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ will be realised only when states like Odisha also progress and prosper,” he said.
Pradhan also described Odisha Parba as an important platform for the Odia community and a celebration of cultural identity in the national capital.
“Odisha Parba is not merely a cultural event; it is a celebration of the identity of the Odia community living in the National Capital Region. It is a platform where Odia brothers and sisters from across the country come together to share their culture, traditions and pride,” he said.
Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who also addressed the gathering, said festivals like Odisha Parba reflect the depth and continuity of India’s civilisational traditions.
“These celebrations tell the story of a nation that for thousands of years has embraced diversity, preserved traditions and carried forward art forms from one generation to the next,” he said.
Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood said cultural traditions remain the soul of the nation and appreciated the efforts behind organising the festival.
Organised by Odia Samaj, the three-day festival will continue until March 15 and features classical, folk and tribal performances including Chhau, Bagha Nacha and Sambalpuri dance, along with stalls offering regional Odia cuisine.
The festival also includes ‘Pratibha Utsava,’ a talent platform for emerging artists, and seminars titled “Talk Today, Transform Tomorrow,” focusing on Odisha’s development and innovation.
Held under the theme “Prakruti & Sanskruti,” Odisha Parba 2026 celebrates the relationship between nature and culture that forms the core of Odisha’s identity.
