Utkal Divas celebrated in Delhi.

Gracing the Utkal Divas celebrations in Delhi on Tuesday, Governor MC Bhandare said that with many innovative measures taken in the direction of economic reforms, Orissa's economy is now on the threshold of making an impact on the global economy. He further stated that Orissa is on the path of speedy development representing a strong blend of tradition and modernity. With participatory approach many people-oriented programmes are being implemented by the State Government to usher in all-round prosperity, he said.
Quoting CF Andrews, the Governor said the people of Orissa people are most lovable in India. Cultural moorings of the State have fascinated the people beyond the national boundaries.
Minister of Culture Surjya Narayan Patro, who attended as the guest of honour, said Orissa is one of the leading States in terms of attracting investment in key economic sectors and achieving overall economic growth. Out of the 49 MoUs signed by the Government, 26 steel plants have already become operational, he said. He also said that on the lines of the Pink City, Jaipur, efforts are on to give a unique identity to the city of Bhubaneswar by painting its street walls with various local paintings.
Chief Speaker Labanyendu Mansingh, Chairman, Petroleum Regulatory Board, lauded the achievements of the State Government made in the recent past. He particularly mentioned that the State has been able to attract the highest investment. He observed that Orissa has a vast potential of becoming a developed State in terms of both industrial and agricultural development.
Resident Commissioner LN Gupta, in his welcome address, paid rich tributes to the Parala Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Deo, Utkalamani Gopabandhu Das and Utkal Gaurav Madhusudan Das for their dedicated efforts for creation of the State of Orissa.Referring to a recent study by the National Institute of Public Financial Policy, he said Orissa has the second highest per capita investment under implementation in 2007.
At the outset, the inaugural song Bande Utkal Janani was sung by the members of Utkalini. The programme included a two-hour cultural extravaganza put up by the artists coming from all over the State. Odissi was performed by Madhubrata Satpathy. Similarly, Chhau dance was presented by Uttarsahi Chhau Nrutya Pratisthan, Mayurbhanj. The Resident Commissioner's office organised an exhibition on investment, tourism, handicrafts and handlooms.