Bhubaneswar: The year 2025 marked a turning point in Odisha’s contemporary narrative. Once viewed largely through the lens of resource wealth and regional politics, the state emerged this year as a national and global convergence hub—hosting high-profile diplomatic gatherings, mega investment summits and policy-shaping conferences on infrastructure, justice and clean energy. Together, these events underscored Odisha’s growing confidence as both a destination and a decision-maker in India’s growth story.
Diaspora Diplomacy Takes Off With Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Odisha began the year on a historic note by hosting the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention in Bhubaneswar from January 8 to 10, becoming the first state in eastern India to host the flagship diaspora event. Organised in partnership with the Government of India, PBD 2025 aligned with the Centre’s ‘Purvodaya’ vision and India’s Act East Policy, drawing on Odisha’s ancient maritime links with Southeast Asia.
Delegates from over 75 countries participated in the convention. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the event, urging the Indian diaspora to contribute towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 and to preserve diaspora history through digital documentation. The President of Trinidad and Tobago, Christine Carla Kangaloo, addressed the gathering virtually as Chief Guest, while President Droupadi Murmu presided over the valedictory session and conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards on 27 distinguished individuals from 24 countries.
High-level plenaries on youth leadership, women empowerment, migration and green development were complemented by a joint business session chaired by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, which showcased Odisha’s expanding economic and investment landscape.
₹16.73 Lakh Crore Investment Push At Utkarsh Odisha Conclave
Within weeks, Odisha reinforced its economic ambitions at the Utkarsh Odisha–Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, held on January 28–29. The state’s flagship investment summit drew ₹16.73 lakh crore worth of Memoranda of Understanding, spanning sectors such as chemicals and petrochemicals, mining and metallurgy, renewable energy, IT and ITeS, textiles, tourism, healthcare and food processing.
The conclave saw participation from nearly 5,000 industry leaders and delegates from 16 countries, including partner nations Singapore, Malaysia and Australia. In addition to signed MoUs, the state received 448 investment intention forms worth ₹3.84 lakh crore, with an employment potential of 3.92 lakh jobs, according to Chief Minister Majhi. Sectoral sessions and an industrial-cum-startup expo underscored Odisha’s push towards inclusive and future-ready industrialisation.
Healthcare Coverage Expanded Across the State
On April 11, Odisha recorded a landmark moment in welfare governance with the launch of cobranded Ayushman Bharat–Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana cards and the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana.
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda announced that nearly 1 crore families—around 3.52 crore people—in Odisha would now be covered under the world’s largest health assurance scheme. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described the rollout as a major leap in the state’s social security framework, ensuring free healthcare access even for Odias living outside the state. The initiative also highlighted improvements in hospital infrastructure, doctor recruitment and reduced out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure.
Women Entrepreneurs Shine At Subhadra Shakti Mela
Women-led economic empowerment found a powerful platform at the Subhadra Shakti Mela 2025, held in Bhubaneswar in November. Organised by the Mission Shakti Department, the 12-day fair recorded over ₹12 crore in sales, doubling the previous year’s figures.
More than 300 stalls run by self-help groups from all 30 districts showcased handlooms, handicrafts, forest produce, traditional foods and eco-friendly products. The event celebrated the rise of 328 ‘Lakhpati Didis’ and 10 ‘Mahalakhpati Didis’, with footfall crossing five lakh visitors, reflecting the expanding footprint of women-led enterprises in Odisha’s economy.
Infrastructure Discourse At Indian Roads Congress
Odisha’s growing role as a host of national policy conversations was reinforced when Bhubaneswar hosted the 84th Annual Session of the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) from November 7 to 10. The four-day event brought together over 2,500 delegates, including engineers, policymakers and researchers, to deliberate on the future of India’s road infrastructure.
As many as 19 technical meetings focused on sustainable construction, climate-resilient highways, green materials and smart road technologies. The conference featured 350+ technical exhibition stalls and a unique Open-to-Sky exhibition area, showcasing cutting-edge construction methods. The event concluded with the 236th IRC Council Meeting, with organisers praising Odisha’s logistical and institutional preparedness.
Justice Reform Spotlight: National Mediation Conference
In September, Bhubaneswar hosted the Second National Mediation Conference, bringing together top judicial minds to discuss the implementation of the Mediation Act, 2023. Inaugurated by Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, the conference underscored mediation as a vital pillar of justice delivery.
Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai highlighted mediation’s role in reducing case pendency, while Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described it as a “movement for peace,” stressing its cost-effectiveness and accessibility. The event positioned Odisha as a proactive participant in India’s justice reform agenda.
Energy Transition Conversations At Global Energy Leaders Summit
The year concluded with Odisha hosting the Global Energy Leaders Summit 2025 in Puri, where policymakers and industry leaders discussed pathways to a non-fossil energy future. A key public-private dialogue emphasised balanced investment models, with Odisha’s power distribution reforms cited as a best-practice example.
Participation from leading energy companies reinforced Odisha’s emergence as a green investment destination, aligned with India’s renewable energy and climate commitments.
A Year That Changed Perception
By hosting a diverse slate of events spanning diplomacy, investment, welfare, women empowerment, infrastructure, justice and clean energy, 2025 redefined Odisha’s role in India’s national narrative. The year marked the state’s transition from being seen primarily as a resource-rich region to a confident convener of ideas, capital and reform—signalling a new chapter in its development journey.
