THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
MARCH 7, 2026
A “tsunami of women
empowerment” has arrived in Odisha and the state is steadily marching ahead on
the path of progress, said Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Women &
Child Development, Mission Shakti and Tourism, Pravati Parida, while addressing
a special programme organised on the eve of International Women’s Day at
Mayfair Convention in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.
In her address, the
Deputy Chief Minister noted that the presence of a large number of accomplished
women from diverse fields reflected the steady progress of Odisha. She
emphasised that women in the state today are not merely participants in the
development process but are at the forefront of transformation, driving change
and shaping a new trajectory of growth.
The event celebrated
and felicitated distinguished women who have made remarkable contributions
across diverse fields. It was organised under the vision and guidance of the
Deputy Chief Minister to recognise and honour the achievements of women shaping
Odisha’s development narrative.
The programme was
graced by Kambhampati Jayasree, First Lady of Odisha and wife of the Governor;
Dr. Priyanka Marandi, wife of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi; Surama Padhy,
Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly; Anu Garg, Chief Secretary of
Odisha; Sulochana Das, Mayor of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation; Dr.
Mrinalini Darswal, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Department of Women & Child
Development; and Manasi Nimbhal, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Mission Shakti
Department, along with several distinguished guests and accomplished women from
across the state.
The programme began
with the ceremonial watering of a tree by the dignitaries, symbolising growth,
hope and the collective spirit of women’s empowerment.
On the occasion, Chief Secretary Anu Garg was felicitated in recognition of her exceptional leadership and significant contributions to public administration.
The celebration concluded on a vibrant cultural note with soulful performances by eminent vocalist and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Susmita Das, along with State Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Dr. Adyasha Das, adding grace and charm to the occasion.
