Bhubaneswar, 13 December (H.S.): Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday said that Purvodaya is a key engine of growth for achieving the goal of a Developed India, and called for collective efforts to convert its potential into tangible outcomes.
Addressing the third edition of the international conference on ‘Purvodaya Vision–2025’ through a video message in Bhubaneswar, Pradhan said such platforms play a crucial role in advancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Purvodaya vision. The conference was jointly organised by the Ministry of Commerce, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and The Energy Forum (TEF).
Recalling that the concept of Purvodaya was first articulated by the Prime Minister in 2016 during the dedication of the Paradip Refinery to the nation, Pradhan noted that the Union Budget 2024 further strengthened the initiative by focusing on the holistic development of eastern India, including Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh.
Highlighting Odisha’s strategic importance, he said the state has emerged as the “gateway of Purvodaya” with major ports such as Paradip, Dhamra and Gopalpur, along with its mineral-based industries. He underlined that port-led development and the blue economy are among the government’s top priorities, with eastern India rapidly evolving into a strategic energy corridor.
Pradhan pointed out that over 9,300 km of petroleum and product pipelines are currently operational across India, forming an integrated network with ports such as Paradip, Dhamra, Haldia and Visakhapatnam. This network, he said, is strengthening energy security, reducing logistics costs and attracting global investors, while creating new opportunities for energy partnerships between India’s eastern coast and Southeast Asia.
Emphasising sustainability, the Union minister said clean energy is no longer an option but a necessity for a greener future. He stressed that Purvodaya is not just about growth, but about green growth, driven by initiatives such as green hydrogen, biofuels, low-carbon refining and clean petrochemicals.
Focusing on youth and human capital, Pradhan said eastern India is rich in talent and home to premier institutions such as IITs, NITs, IIMs and IISERs, which are producing high-quality human resources for nation-building. He also cited the recent collaboration between the Odisha government and Singapore-based Global Financial Technology Network as a step towards creating new opportunities for young Indians.
He concluded by describing the conference as a vital forum to deliberate on preparing youth for the future, harnessing the region’s potential and enhancing private sector participation in regional development, while commending the Ministry of Commerce, TEF and CII for successfully organising the event.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
