HIGH COMMISSION OF INDIA
PORT OF SPAIN

Press Release
High Commission of India in collaboration with the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation hosts ‘Incredible Odisha’ (on the eve of UtkalaDivas) event

The High Commission of India in collaboration with the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation hosted ‘Incredible Odisha’ event on Thursday 31st March, 2022 at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation, Mt. Hope.

2. The event began with a key note address by His Excellency Mr. Arun Kumar Sahu, High Commissioner of India to T & T. The event was addressed by feature speaker Hon. Vandana Mohit, Member of Parliament for Chaguanas East. A presentation was given by Prof. Bidyadhar Sa, Deputy Dean, Quality Assurance & Accreditation Director, Center of Medical Sciences Education, UWI, St. Augustine. This was followed by remarks from Ms. AngenieSookdeo, 58th KIP Partner State Odisha. The event also hadcultural performances by the MGICC Vocalteacher, MGICC Dance Teacher and students as well as artists of Nrityanjali Theatre of T & T.

3. Addressing the Incredible Odisha event, His Excellency Mr. Arun Kumar Sahu, High Commissioner of India to Trinidad and Tobago outlinedthat on the eve of the Odisha day which is celebrated on 1st Aprilthis event is held in T&T to showcase the strength and beauty of Odisha, one of the 28 provinces of India. High Commissioner stated that States or provinces in India are linguistic entities, and they represent a unique sub-culture of their own. India is a country of culture within cultures. Odisha was the first linguistic state created on 1st April 1936, even before India's independence. The people of this province speak Odia, which is written in Brahmi script and it is one of the six classical languages of India.

High Commissioner went on to say thatOdisha is one of the eastern provinces of India, having a coastline of 485 kilometres at the Bay of Bengal. Its 47 million demography has astounding ethnic diversity. So is its topography. While the east has the sea, the west is mountainous. The South links to the Godavari basin, and the north to Kolkata, the eastern megapolis of India. Capital Bhubaneswar is the fastest growing cosmopolitan, smart city in India. It is also the temple city of the world, having more than 100 temples. Odisha has the lowest rate of unemployment in India. In addition, he said that 22% of its population represents 62 different tribes or indigenous people. This makes the State culture diverse and rich. While the Jagannath temple in Puri is one of the four divine abodes of the Almighty, according to Hindu believers, the mother goddess Samaleswari is believed to be the protector of the people of western Odisha. Sarees from Sambalpur are world-famous.

High Commissioner mentioned that Odisha is the repository of 25% of India's mineral resources. It has the highest percentage of chromite, nickel, bauxite, manganese and iron ore deposits in India. It is served by two important ports, Paradeep and Dhamara. It has a highway network of 10,000 kilometres and a railway network of 2,000 kilometres. The Government of Odisha has introduced a first of its kind single-window portal called Government of Odisha Single Window for Investor Facilitation and tracking (GOSWIFT) to facilitate the timely completion of industrial projects. High Commissioner also highlighted that Odisha is an Education hub. It has one central university, 18 state universities, four private institutes, 227 engineering colleges, 100 industrial training institutes, 66 management colleges, five architecture colleges and 32 pharmaceutical institutes. It has the All-India Institute of Medical Science and Institute of Physics in Bhubaneswar and the Indian Institute of Management at Sambalpur. It is a state which is mainly trilingual.

In his closing remarks, High Commissioner mentioned that Odisha is also the hub of field hockey, and it hosted the 2018 Men’s Hockey World Cup. The State has groomed many renowned players who represent India internationally in Hockey which is the National Game of India.

4. Hon. Vandana Mohit, Member of Parliament for Chaguanas East gave greetings at this event. Ms. Mohit stated that India is a country which connects closely to heartsof Trinbagonians and has similarities which is shown in T&T society. She highlighted her experiences when she visited India and mentioned that we all can learn from the rich cultural heritage that India has which we all can appreciate. She mentioned in particular that Odisha is known for this rich cultural heritage and it is important for us to appreciate the rich history and heritage that this State has to offer. She encouraged everyone to visit India and experience thephenomenal experiencethe country offers.

5. Prof. Bidyadhar Sa, Deputy Dean, Quality Assurance & Accreditation Director, Centre of Medical Sciences Education, UWI, St. Augustine gave apictorial presentation of Odisha State in India. He highlighted the culturalrichness and history of Odisha and the various tourist attractions of the State whichone can embrace and enjoy. Giving a detailed history of the evolution of the State, he highlighted some of the hidden gems of Western Odisha including Huma temple, Nrusinghanath temple, Veer Surendra Sai abode, Dham yatra, Sambalpuri handloom and Hirakud Dam. He encouraged visitors from T&T to travel to the western part of Odisha which has the mountains, waterfalls and serenity of nature.  

6. Ms. AngenieSookdeo, Alumni of 58th Know India Programme  ( Partner State Odisha) also  gave remarks at the event with a photo slide show. Sharing her experiencesof visiting Odisha State which was very scenic and rich in culture and tourism shestated shewould embrace the cherished memories of the visit forherwhole lifetime. She said she was very fortunate to have visited India particularly r Odisha State for which she was grateful to the Indian High Commission for the opportunity. She urged everyone to visit India at least once forthe wonderful experiencesit offersin a very special way.

7.  The guests at the event were also treated to a melodious vocal performance in Odia from Dr. SadanandBrahmbhatt, MGICC Vocal Teacher and an enticing Sambalpuri dance performance by Ms. Sreeranjini Umesh, ‘Dance instructor and her students.  The event also had a enthralling Odissi dance performances by theartists of Nrityanjali Theatre of T & T. Short Videos on various touristsattractions andtrade potential of the Odisha State were also shown at the event.

8. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. N. Lingi Chetty, Second Secretary (Commerce).

Port of Spain
01.04.2022

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