The Land of Temples Holds the Secret of Entrepreneurial Piety #IAmOdisha is not just a celebration of where we are today; it's a celebration of the future
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Nestled along the eastern coastal line, the state of Odisha has many secrets to share. Its sun-kissed beaches and dreamy shorelines have stories to tell of the people that have brought the state alive. In its little known wonders lie treasure troves of rich natural resources, high growth potential and burgeoning infrastructure, that lure one and all to start up in Odisha.
Its success stories are not known to the outside world. Today some of the country's biggest startups are led by Odias – be it Ritesh Agarwal of Oyo Rooms or Amarendra Sahu of Nestaway.
But Odisha is not new to the entrepreneurial stories.
Years ago from the shorelines of erstwhile capital city Cuttack, mariners would set sail to Bali for trade expansion which came to be known as the Baliyatra. Even today, it is celebrated as the Baliyatra festival where traders and vendors get together for the biggest fair in the state. Lakhs of people from across the state come together to the fair which sees participation from various communities that showcase handicrafts and more.
Not too far away from today's capital city of Bhubaneswar, lies the village of Raghurajpur – the abode of Odisha's pattachitra artists. With their intricate works of art, a traditional style that has existed for years now, they have attracted tourists and art enthusiasts from all around the world and today boasts of Odisha's finest crafts village with Tussar paintings, palm leaf engravings, stone and wood carvings, papiermache toys, masks and more on display.
It's difficult to visit Odisha and not carry home a souvenir from Pipli. Within the village of Pipli live hundreds of entrepreneurs who have set up shops that attract tourists to buy the colourful artwork designed to be lampshades, wall hangings, table cloths etc.
And residing in all of these businessmen/women and entrepreneurs is the spirit of #IamOdisha. Celebrating this entrepreneurial spirit that has existed over the years to today's modern technology led businesses, is the project #IamOdisha.
A Bustling State of Entrepreneurs
While building businesses of art and culture have been Odisha's pride, today the state is being revolutionized with technology as is the case with the startup boom in India. There are multiple stories of leadership which has changed the stereotypical thought of business prospects in Odisha.
Everyone recognizes the growth of Oyo Rooms today, but it is the brainchild of Odisha born Ritesh Agarwal. The number of entrepreneurs from Odisha has been increasing over the last 10 years joined with the likes of AmarendraSahu CEO and Co-founder of Nestaway Technologies, Subrat Kar of VIDOOLY and more. Women entrepreneurs like Richa Kar have set a great example in the field of entrepreneurship as she developed the leading lingerie brand Zivame.
Business houses such as PHOENIX ROBOTIX, BIKALANANDA KAR CONFECTIONARIES, TATWA TECHNOLOGIES, AUROIN (INDIA) LTD, OVO FARM and SAKROBOTIX have transformed the industrial ecosystem of the state.
Welcoming You to Start-up
Odisha brings with it promises of developing infrastructure and a welcoming ecosystem for startups. It gives young entrepreneurs the chance to develop business ideas and build a sustainable business environment. New entrepreneurs have generated huge employment in Odisha as a result of which the state has a growing economy.
The city of Bhubaneswar has been recognized as the top smart city in India and the Centre has recognized Odisha as a 'Champion State' for recording the highest growth in exports during 2016-17. The goal of #IAmOdisha is to provide a platform for young entrepreneurs to establish a relationship between their business and the consumer base, to help young entrepreneurs make the first step to get the best opportunities available in the market. The pride of Odisha dedicates its glory to young entrepreneurs who are making a change and shaping the state for a better future.
#IAmOdisha is not just a celebration of where we are today; it's a celebration of the future. It is your chance to show the state and the nation how you are building the Odisha of tomorrow. Submit your story or of those around you, and you could be among the five who will be felicitated in the Make in Odisha Conclave in November, 2018.
Just fill the form below to earn a chance to tell your story or of those around you, and be recognised by industry leaders from across the country.
