Bhubaneswar, Odisha , 13 December 2025 ; The 3rd edition of the International Conference on
Purvodaya Perspectives 2025 was inaugurated today in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Organised by The
Energy Forum (TEF), New Delhi, in collaboration with Ministry of External Affairs and
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the conference brought together eminent dignitaries,
diplomats, policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and young innovators to deliberate on
Eastern India’s role in India’s economic, strategic, and maritime future.
The conference was formally inaugurated by the Hon’ble Governor of Odisha, Dr. Hari Babu
Kambhampati, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his keynote address, the Hon’ble
Governor emphasized that Purvodaya signifies the resurgence of India’s eastern region—an
area endowed with rich maritime heritage, deep cultural linkages, and immense economic
potential. He highlighted the pivotal role of Eastern India in advancing India’s Act East Policy
and contributing to the national vision of Vikshit Bharat.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Shri
Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Union Education Minister, Government of India, who joined the
event virtually; H.E. (Dr.) Shankar Prasad Sharma, Ambassador of the Federal Democratic
Republic of Nepal to India; Ms. Aparna Ray, Joint Secretary (PP&R), Ministry of External Affairs,
Government of India; Shri Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, Confederation of Indian
Industry (CII); and Shri Sidhartha Pradhan, Retired Secretary to the Government of India and
Trustee, The Energy Forum.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted the immense potential of
Eastern India as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. He encouraged young
thinkers and entrepreneurs to play proactive roles in shaping the region’s economic and
technological future, stressing the importance of youth-led initiatives, creative problem-solving,
and knowledge-driven development. He underlined that nurturing talent and supporting
startups from Eastern India is vital for national growth and the realization of Vikshit Bharat.
Ambassador Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma emphasized the importance of strengthening
India–Nepal cooperation through enhanced connectivity, cross-border trade, and deeper
regional collaboration.
Ms. Aparna Ray spoke on the strategic convergence between Purvodaya, India’s Act East Policy,
and the Indo-Pacific framework, while Shri Sidhartha Pradhan reaffirmed TEF’s commitment to
positioning Eastern India as a key stakeholder in India’s external trade and maritime
engagement.
Conference Themes and Sessions
The two-day international conference features four high-level thematic sessions focusing on
Eastern India’s development trajectory, regional connectivity, maritime engagement,
sustainability, and emerging technologies:
Session I: Purvodaya and the Indo-Pacific: Aligning Infrastructure, Trade, and Economic
Corridors
Session II: From SAGAR to MAHASAGAR: India’s Transforming Relationship with its
Oceanic Partners
Session III: Purvodaya: Advancing Cooperation for Blue Economy and Sustainability
Session IV: Frontier Technologies in Shaping the Purvodaya Vision
These sessions bring together senior policymakers, industry leaders, strategic experts, and
academics to deliberate on unlocking Eastern India’s potential as a driver of national
transformation and regional integration.
Purvodaya Young Thinkers Meet
As part of the conference, the Purvodaya Young Thinkers Meet brought together 30 bright
young minds from across the country. The participants interacted online with Hon’ble
Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and will be mentored by a distinguished panel of
experts.
This initiative aims to empower young innovators to take leadership roles in shaping Eastern
India’s socio-economic and technological future.
The conference has witnessed participation from over 400 eminent personalities, including
representatives from universities, research institutions, think tanks, and industry, reinforcing its
position as a premier platform for policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and innovation.
