Bhubaneswar: The first edition of ‘Barabati Dialogue’, a vibrant debate platform organised jointly by the Barabati Organising Committee and ‘Newsroom’, was held at Ravenshaw University campus in Cuttack on Tuesday.
The event brought together political leaders, intellectuals, artists and administrators for meaningful discussions on governance, Odia identity and the future of Odisha.
Law and Urban Affairs Minister Prithviraj Harichandan addressed concerns over the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project, stating that public doubts regarding the initiative are baseless.
The BJP government came to power with the slogan of Odia Asmita and has launched several people-oriented schemes in the last two years. The metro dream will definitely become a reality in the coming days, he asserted. The Minister added that new schemes announced for Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri and Paradip will also be implemented successfully.
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat could not attend but sent a video message wishing success to the dialogue.
The inaugural session, titled “Aain Ra Sasana….Kahiba Sahaja……Kariba Kathina” (Rule of Law… easy to say, difficult to implement), was moderated by founding editor of Newsroom, Manoranjan Mishra. Founder CEO Priyadarshi Bal delivered the welcome address.
In the second session on “Odia Asmita… Kathare Na Kamare” (Odia Asmita: In words or in deeds?), State BJP President Manmohan Samal, State Congress President Bhakta Charan Das and MP Santrupt Misra shared the stage. Samal highlighted the government’s efforts to protect Odia pride, while Das urged the government to match words with concrete actions. MP Misra called for moving beyond political rhetoric and focusing on holistic development of Odisha. He described Barabati as a symbol of both progress and unity.
The third session, “Cuttack…Itihas Ru Asmita” (Cuttack: From History to Identity), featured former Ravenshaw University Vice Chancellor Devdas Chhotray, sculptor Rabinarayan Rath, Ravenshaw PG Council Chairman Dharmabrat Mohapatra, actress Anu Choudhury and music director Prem Anand. Odisha Live founder editor Nilambar Rath moderated the discussion on Cuttack’s rich heritage.
The fourth and final session, “Voice of Vision 2036”, saw Dr. Maya Gantayat and senior administrator Dr. Parthasarathi Mishra deliberating on making healthcare services in Odisha truly people-centric. Abhinna Ashutosh Satapathy presented on stage.
The Barabati Dialogue provided a platform for open exchange of ideas, blending politics, culture and vision for a developed Odisha by 2036. Participants emphasised that true progress lies in turning promises into reality while preserving the Odia Asmita.
