Bhubaneswar: Eleven years in power seat, Brand Modi brings in the guarantee with it. The country has seen how #ModiGuarantee trended big in 2023 and 2024 elections.
A masterclass strategist in branding and marketing, the year 2023 saw PM Modi marketing Brand Odisha on the global platform of G-20 – greeting the heads of G-20 countries, including USA and European countries, with Konark wheel on the backdrop. Year 2024 then had scripted history.
Thursday, addressing the global audience of Pravasi Bharatiyas, the Prime Minister marketed Brand Odisha in a big way.
Why the PM's blitzkrieg on Odisha's civilisational potential and rich maritime past assumes signifcant is, the first BJP government in the State will be holding its first mega investment summit titled Utkarsh Odisha towards the end of this month.
Moreover, in such a backdrop, the PM showing his special affection for the State, when in his inaugural address welcoming the Pravasi Bhartiya delegates, he said, “Welcoming everyone to the land of Odisha is very special for me” holds high significance.
‘ODISHA A CIVILISATION’
When on Wednesday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted Odisha’s rich heritage and archeological marvel saying:
”This state (Odisha) offers a tremendous opportunity to experience personally much of what we would be discussing in the course of the PBD. Its cultural festivals , religious and archaeological sites are a reminder of why we in India consider ourselves to be a civilizational society,”
PM Modi Thursday draws out the global canvas of Brand Odisha.
BRAND ODISHA AND GLOBAL DIPLOMACY
When the geo-political scenario globally is marred with Russia- Ukraine war, Middle East Asia conflict, PM Modi Thursday highlighted Dhauli’s Shanti Stupa’s contemporary relevance in the current vexed geo-political scenario.
“Dhauli represented the symbol of peace. Samrat Ashoka had chosen the path of peace here while the world was expanding empires through the power of the sword.”
The PM then said: “this legacy inspires India to tell the world that the future lies in Buddha and not Yuddha (war).”
RICH MARITIME PAST AND WORLD TRADE ORDER
The PM then took the Pravasi Bharatiyas through Odisha’s rich maritime history and stake in ancient global trade order, especially with the Asean nations. The PM said:
“Hundreds of years ago, the traders and merchants from Odisha undertook long marine voyages to places like Bali, Sumatra and Java. Bali Jatra is celebrated even today in Odisha in its memory.”
Highlighting State’s rich maritime past, the Prime Minister said, “Everyone fills with pride when pays a visit to the ancient ports of Tamralipti, Manikpatna and Palur in the State.”
ODISHA HERITAGE INDIAN GEM
Calling Odisha a great land, PM Modi said, “Odisha, where we have gathered, is a reflection of India's rich heritage.”
The PM then said, at every step we could witness our heritage in Odisha. He then said, “Everyone would be filled with pride when one visits the historical caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri, or the Architectural marvel of Sun temple in Konark.”
