Odisha CM Calls for Diaspora Investment

Odisha Chief Minister Welcomes Diaspora Investment, Announces Nodal Minister for Collaboration

Bhubaneswar, Jan 11: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has called on the Indian diaspora to invest in Odisha, announcing the appointment of a nodal minister to assist Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) interested in engaging with the state. This announcement was made during the concluding session of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention, held for the first time in Odisha, and attended by President Droupadi Murmu.

Hon’ble CM Shri @MohanMOdisha met @Cognizant CEO Shri @imravikumars during the ongoing #PravasiBharatiyaDivas in #Bhubaneswar. They discussed avenues for IT investments in Odisha, reaffirming the State’s commitment to fostering innovation and technology-driven growth. pic.twitter.com/63SeBiX8op

— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) January 10, 2025

Majhi assured the diaspora of the state government’s full support in implementing their projects, stating that the appointed nodal minister from the Odia Language, Literature, and Culture department would facilitate collaboration. He also encouraged the global Odia community to help promote the state’s rich culture and heritage worldwide.

In a significant development, Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S, an Odisha native, met with Chief Minister Majhi to discuss the expansion of the IT firm’s largest campus in the state. The Chief Minister confirmed that the government would allocate land in Bhubaneswar for the project and provide necessary support. Ravi Kumar, expressing satisfaction with the growth of Cognizant’s Bhubaneswar center, was optimistic about its further expansion over the next five years.

Majhi also sought Ravi Kumar’s assistance in attracting more IT investments to the state and congratulated him on receiving the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman for his achievements.

The PBD convention, which featured cultural performances and vibrant displays, marked a historic moment for Bhubaneswar. Majhi invited the diaspora to visit Odisha again and bring international friends to explore its cultural, spiritual, and natural beauty.

In his closing remarks, the Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and President Murmu for their support in making the event a success, emphasizing its significance for both Odisha and the nation.