Optimism and positivity for the future of Connectivity:Dharmendra Pradhan

Bhubaneswar, December 2, 2023: The Energy Forum (TEF), in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and with the support of the Ministry of External Affairs, is hosting a two day international conference on “Purvodaya Perspectives: Reflections on Regional Connectivity,” on 2nd and 3rd December at ITC Welcomhotel, Bhubaneswar.

The conference was inaugurated today by Chief Guest, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister of Education, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Guest of Honour Shri V. Muraleedharan, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for External Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs of India. Eminent personalities including Mr Mustafizur Rahman, High Commissioner of Bangladesh, Shri Saurabh Kumar, Secretary East (MEA), President, DG and senior officials from CII, Padma Vibhushan Dr. Anil Kakodkar, and Shri Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII also graced the conference.

The conference was inaugurated today by Chief Guest, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister of Education, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Guest of Honour Shri V. Muraleedharan, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for External Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs of India. Eminent personalities including Mr Mustafizur Rahman, High Commissioner of Bangladesh, Shri Saurabh Kumar, Secretary East (MEA), President, DG and senior officials from CII, Padma Vibhushan Dr. Anil Kakodkar, and Shri Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII also graced the conference.

Addressing the conference, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan said “the people present at the grand event should create a roadmap that will lead us towards a brighter and a more developed India. He also spoke about the vision of Hon’able PM on Purvodaya, and emphasized on the need to strengthen connectivity in the eastern part of India, including the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar as well as route that connects the Ganga ghats in Uttarakhand to Ganga ghats in Kolkata. He also laid emphasis on enhancing connectivity in the regions such as Ganga Sagar, Kalingapatnam and the North-Eastern parts of India, besides focusing on our neighbouring nations like Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. ”

He stated that connectivity is an integral part of India’s demography in terms of energy, education, telecommunication, and also plays an important role in boosting job opportunities. Odisha was in history and shall be the epicentre for the next wave of connectivity. With the aim to create a new economy, we must utilize our natural resources to the fullest, which are forests, seas, and mineral resources to make our nation more resourceful. The Hon’ble minister highlighted the role of Odisha to drive economic growth and cultural exchange with the world. The tradition of Bali jatra which is a cultural highpoint of Odisha indicates the soft power as well as the maritime prowess of ancient Odisha. The purvodaya policy of government is poised to immensely benefit Odisha and create multilayered economic opportunities in the region.

Union Minister Shri V. Muraleedharan emphasized on regional connectivity that the presence of foreign dignitaries from diplomatic, business, and epistemic communities will ensure the underscoring of international collaboration in addressing the challenges and opportunities in regional connectivity. He also stated that connectivity especially focused on Act East is one of the keystones of Government of India policy.

Shri Sidharth Pradhan, Trustee, The Energy Forum delivered the welcome speech and Shri Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII, conveyed the objective of Industry Perspectives on Purvodaya and Connectivity. On this occasion “India’s Energy Transition: A road map across the sector” book was released by the chief guest. MoUs (MSDE SSCs & CII/Industry) were also signed which was a highlight of the event.

In the first plenary session of the eventful day, Mr. Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India, led the discussion on Purvodaya, Connectivity and India’s Foreign Policy. Other eminent dignitaries like Ms. Mandakini Kaul, Regional Coordinator for South Asia Regional Integration and Engagement, World Bank, Mr. Sanjay Kathuria, Former Lead Economist, World Bank, Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha, Chairman Trustee Board of India Foundation and Co-Founder, DeepStrat, Prof. Chintamani Mohapatra, Chairman, Kalinga Institute of Indo-Pacific Studies (KIIPS) joined in one to one discussion.

The second session themed Country Perspectives on Regional Connectivity was chaired by Mr. P. Kumaran, OSD (ER & DPA), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. Other eminent dignitaries on the dias were Prof. Delwar Hossain Member of Bangladesh Public Service Commission, Professor, University of Dhaka, Ms. Phub Zam Former President, Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, President, Yarkay Group Pvt Ltd, Mr. Anjan Shrestha Senior Vice President Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), and Mr. Pankaj Saran Convenor, NatStrat Member, National Security Advisory Board, Former Deputy National Security Adviser of India. The action-packed day was concluded with an elaborate dance-drama integrating the Odissi and Balinese dance styles, followed with captivating performance by local musicians and artists.