Home » International » Odisha in the Global Spotlight: Influencers from 10 Asian Countries Experience Culture and Progress

Odisha in the Global Spotlight: Influencers from 10 Asian Countries Experience Culture and Progress

  • From Khandagiri–Udayagiri to Konark — a close experience of Odisha’s rich heritage and culture
  • Successful facilitation of MEA’s familiarisation visit by the I&PR Department, Government of OdishaBhubaneswar, 19/04/2026:A delegation of social media influencers and content creators from ten Asian countries—Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam—visited Bhubaneswar from April 16 to April 19, 2026. The Familiarisation Visit was initiated by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and was smoothly facilitated in Odisha by the Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of OdishaThe delegation comprised travel vloggers, food and lifestyle influencers, wellness bloggers, history enthusiasts, and documentary filmmakers, who experienced Odisha’s rich cultural heritage along with its developmental initiatives.

    The group visited the Khandagiri–Udayagiri Caves, gaining insights into the history of ancient Kalinga, Jain traditions, and rock-cut architecture.

    They also toured the World Skill Center, where they observed modern skill development training aligned with international standards in sectors such as hospitality, construction, and mechatronics. The influencers also had the opportunity to practically experience and engage with activities such as virtual reality-based training, beauty and wellness sessions, and mechatronics demonstrations.

    The delegation further visited the Raghurajpur Heritage Crafts Village, where they witnessed traditional art forms, including Pattachitra paintings and palm leaf engravings, and had an enriching experience of interacting with local artisans and trying to learn the artworks and the techniques involved.

    The visit also included the iconic Konark Sun Temple, where the group experienced the grandeur of its chariot-shaped architecture, intricate carvings, and the enduring legacy of Sun worship.

    Sharing their experience, the influencers stated that their visit to Odisha had been highly enriching and memorable. They appreciated the state’s warm hospitality, vibrant culture, traditional cuisine, and the friendliness of its people and expressed their eagerness to participate in more such engagements in the future.

    The Familiarisation Visit was conducted under the guidance of the Information and Public Relations Department’s Director, Shri Anuj Kumar Daspattnayak. Departmental Officers played a key role in ensuring the smooth and successful conduct of the visit.

    Such familiarisation visits play a vital role in showcasing Odisha’s rich culture, heritage, and developmental progress to global audiences through digital platforms.

About Editor in chief

Ashok Palit has completed his graduation from Upendranath College Soro, Balasore and post graduation from Utkal University in Odia Language and literture.. He has also carved out a niche for himself as a scribe of eminence after joining the profession in 1988. He is also an independent media production professional. He brings loads of experience to Advanced Media, Ashok Palit as a cineaste has been active in film criticism for over three decades. As a film society activist, he soared to eminence for his profound commitment to the art film appreciation and aesthetics of cinema. His mode of discourse is often erudite but always lucid and comprehensible marked by a perfect acumen so rare in the field. A film aesthete with an immense fond of critical sensibilities, he wrote about growth and development of odia cinema in New Indian Express, The Times of India, The Hindustan Times, The Asian Age and Screen. He has been working as an Editor for Cine Samaya from 2002-2004.. He had made solid contribution on cinema in many odia Dailies and weekly such as Samaj, Prajatantra, Dharatri, Samaya, Satabadi, and weekly Samaya.
x

Check Also

MIFF 2026 Showcases Documentary Tributes to Indian Maestros of Photography and Classical Music

Mumbai:19/6/26:Two acclaimed documentaries, Raghu Rai: Hearing Through the Eyes and Tala and Rhythm – Mridangam Played by Palghat Raghu, were showcased today in the Homage section of the 19th Mumbai International Film ...