Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Odia Diaspora Meet in Varanasi Seeks Stronger Odisha Connect
Odia people living in different places met in Varanasi, India.
They wanted to build a stronger connection with Odisha.
Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida attended the meeting.
Community leaders, teachers, businesspeople and artists also joined.
Officials presented places in Odisha that tourists can visit.
They also discussed ways to bring more investment to Odisha’s tourism industry.
The tourism plans included wildlife, eco-tourism, adventure activities and large events.
The organisers hope the Odia diaspora will help Odisha grow while preserving its culture.
The Odia Diaspora Meet in Varanasi brought together community members, professionals, academics and entrepreneurs.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida attended as chief guest, alongside officials and cultural personalities.
Tourism investors and government representatives discussed collaborations and investment opportunities in Odisha.
A tourism roadshow highlighted 15 destinations and opportunities in eco-tourism, wildlife, adventure and MICE tourism.
The programme aimed to connect the Odia diaspora with Odisha’s culture, economy and Vision 2036 goals.
- Who
- Members of the Odia diaspora, Odisha officials, cultural personalities, professionals, academics, entrepreneurs, investors and industry representatives attended.
- What
- The Odia Diaspora Meet and tourism investment activities were held as part of Odisha Parab 2026.
- When
- The activities took place on the second day of Odisha Parab 2026.
- Where
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
- Why
- The programme aimed to strengthen cultural, social and economic links with Odisha and attract tourism investment.
- Event
- Odia Diaspora Meet, organised as part of Odisha Parab 2026
- Chief guest
- Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida
- Tourism destinations
- A roadshow showcased 15 master destinations in Odisha
- Investment areas
- Eco-tourism, wildlife, adventure, experiential tourism and MICE tourism
- Business engagement
- Tourism Investor and Business-to-Government interactions connected officials, investors and industry stakeholders
- Policy focus
- Odisha’s tourism incentives and policy framework were presented to prospective investors
- Broader goal
- The programme supported the aspirations of Odisha Vision 2036