Vikshit Odisha, Vikshit Bharat: A Roadmap to Economic Prosperity
By Akshaya Kumar Sahoo
In the
tapestry of India’s growth story, every state threads its own unique patterns
of aspiration, struggle, and triumph. Odisha, with its rich cultural legacy,
abundant natural resources, and resilient people, is poised to play a defining
role in the narrative of Vikshit Bharat — a developed India. As India envisions
itself as a $5 trillion economy in the near future, the simultaneous
development of its states, particularly those with untapped potential like
Odisha, becomes not just desirable but essential.
Understanding 'Vikshit Bharat'
Vikshit
Bharat is not merely an economic aspiration; it is a holistic vision
encompassing equitable growth, technological leadership, social justice,
environmental sustainability, and cultural pride. It demands that while India
scales the heights of industrial and digital progress, no region, community, or
individual is left behind.
Prime
Minister Narendra Modi’s call for a Viksit Bharat by 2047 — marking 100 years
of India’s independence — envisions an India that is self-reliant, globally
competitive, socially inclusive, and environmentally sustainable.
Odisha: A Rising Growth Engine
Odisha’s
economic story is one of latent potential steadily finding expression. The
state, blessed with 35% of India’s mineral wealth, has long been a backbone for
the country's steel, aluminum, and power sectors. Yet, it is now scripting a
broader growth story, driven by diversification, urban development, and human
capital investment.
In recent years:
Odisha
ranked among the top states in attracting industrial investments, contributing
to India's Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat missions.
The state’s
startup ecosystem has begun flourishing, particularly in areas like agritech,
healthcare, and fintech.
Tourism is
witnessing a resurgence, with heritage corridors like Puri and eco-tourism
projects gaining national and international attention.
The IT and
ESDM (Electronic System Design & Manufacturing) sectors are expanding, with
Bhubaneswar positioning itself as a smart city and knowledge hub. Yet,
challenges remain: rural poverty, youth migration, climate vulnerabilities, and
infrastructure bottlenecks.
The Way Forward: Strategies for a
Vikshit Odisha
To align
Odisha’s growth trajectory with the national vision of Vikshit Bharat, the
following focused strategies could be adopted:
Industrial Diversification and MSME
Empowerment
While
mineral-based industries remain important, Odisha must diversify into sectors
like textiles, seafood processing, electronics, and renewable energy.
Simultaneously, nurturing MSMEs through credit support, digital skilling, and
market linkages will democratize economic growth.
Human Capital Development
Odisha's
young population is its biggest asset. Skilling programs aligned with Industry
4.0, IT, healthcare, and the hospitality sector can transform the state's
employability scenario. World-class educational institutions and research
centers can turn Odisha into an innovation hub of Eastern India.
Agricultural Modernization and Rural
Prosperity
Agriculture,
supporting nearly 60% of Odisha’s population, needs modernization through farm
mechanization, value addition, cold-chain infrastructure, and farmer producer
organizations (FPOs). Promoting agro-industries and food processing can
increase rural incomes and reduce distress migration.
Tourism and
Cultural Economy
Odisha’s
rich tapestry of temples, dance forms, and crafts should be harnessed as
economic assets. Integrated tourism circuits, heritage conservation, and global
cultural festivals can put Odisha on the world tourism map.
Green Growth and Disaster Resilience
Odisha’s
vulnerability to cyclones and climate risks must be turned into a strength
through investments in green infrastructure, renewable energy, urban forestry,
and resilient housing. The state can lead India’s green transition through
coastal management and climate-adaptive agriculture.
India’s Prosperity through Regional
Strength
India’s
national progress cannot be decoupled from the prosperity of its states. A
Vikshit Bharat requires each state to maximize its comparative advantages while
ensuring inclusivity and sustainability. Odisha’s success can serve as a
blueprint for other aspiring regions. India’s demographic dividend, vast
market, and expanding digital infrastructure offer a unique moment in history.
By fostering cooperative federalism, state-center synergy, and regional
entrepreneurship, India can transcend historical inequalities and become an
economic powerhouse by 2047.
Conclusion: A Shared Destiny
As a proud
Odia and Indian, I firmly believe our state is no longer a silent spectator in
the nation’s growth story. Odisha, with its wealth of resources, resilient
people, and cultural pride, is ready to claim its rightful place in Vikshit
Bharat. The road ahead demands vision, unity, and unwavering effort — but it
promises prosperity not just for us, but for generations to come.
Let us,
together, script this chapter of progress where a Vikshit Odisha stands tall in
a Vikshit Bharat — strong, sustainable, and inclusive.
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