Bhubaneswar, Nov 28: In a remarkable achievement, the Odisha Mandap was awarded the prestigious Silver Medal at the 43rd India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2024, held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. This marks the third consecutive year that the Odisha Mandap has received this honor for its outstanding display at the trade fair.
The award was presented to Vishal Gagan, Principal Resident Commissioner of Odisha in New Delhi, from Pradeep Singh Kharola, Chairman and Managing Director of the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO). Additional Director Santosh Kumar Das, Director of Odisha Mandap Ashwini Kumar Bhoi, and Exhibition Officer Deepak Kumar Sahu were also present during the felicitation ceremony.
The event, which began on November 14, concluded on November 27, 2024. Throughout this period, the Odisha Mandap was a standout attraction, with a unique design that reflected the theme of ("Developed India, Developed Odisha)- “Vikshit Bharat, Vikshit Odisha”." The design beautifully blended Odisha’s rich ancient heritage with the modern advancements of the country, showcasing the state's cultural splendor and technological progress.
Visitors to the Mandap were captivated by replicas of Odisha's historic temples, such as the Mukteshwar Arch and the Konark Sun Temple. The exhibit also included representations of Odisha’s Buddhist heritage, symbolized by the ancient rock carvings of Ratnagiri, with the modern depictions of India’s advancements in transportation, like the Bullet Train, and industrial progress.
In total, Odisha’s mandap hosted 25 stalls, featuring products and crafts from various sectors. Over the 14 days of the fair, more than 500,000 visitors explored the mandap, which led to business transactions worth over Rs 55 lakhs. The diverse range of products, handcrafted by Odisha’s skilled artisans, attracted significant international and domestic attention, creating numerous business opportunities and fostering dialogue with both local and foreign buyers.
