THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
PURI, APRIL 22, 2026
In a vibrant celebration of
culture, identity, and ambition, Odisha Tourism on Wednesday unveiled its new
brand tagline, “Think India, Think Odisha,” signalling a bold step toward
positioning the state as a premier global tourism and sports destination.
The announcement was made at
the launch of the OMC Puri Coastal Marathon (OPCM) at the scenic Taj Resort
& Spa, an event that blended symbolism with strategy. Rooted in the twin
visions of “Samrudh Odisha 2036” and “Vikshit Bharat 2047,” the initiative
reflects Odisha’s evolving narrative — from a hidden gem to a confident,
experience-rich destination on the world map.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati
Parida, along with legislators Om Prakash Mishra, Ashrit Pattanayak, and Sunil
Kumar Mohanty, and Tourism Secretary Balwant Singh, graced the occasion.
Addressing the gathering,
Parida underscored that Odisha is steadily transforming into a high-performance
tourism economy, driven by strategic branding, robust infrastructure, and
immersive cultural experiences.
A ceremonial run from the
iconic Blue Flag Beach to the venue infused energy into the launch, symbolizing
the seamless blend of wellness, tourism, and coastal charm. Adding a
distinctive artistic dimension, renowned sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik unveiled
the official OPCM logo through a striking sand art installation, capturing the
spirit of Odisha’s rich heritage and vibrant coastline.
Scheduled for December 13,
2026, the inaugural OMC Puri Coastal Marathon promises to be a landmark
sporting event, offering a prize pool exceeding ₹1 crore.
With categories
including Full Marathon (42 km), Half Marathon (21 km), 10 km, and 5 km runs,
the event aims to attract elite athletes and amateur runners from across India
and around the globe.
The marathon’s logo itself is a
cultural narrative — drawing inspiration from the sacred Patita Pavana Bana of
the Jagannath Temple, the iconic Konark Chakra of the Konark Sun Temple, and
the rhythmic waves of the Bay of Bengal. Together, these elements symbolize
motion, energy, and Odisha’s enduring coastal identity.
With this integrated push,
Odisha is not just inviting the world to visit — it is inviting them to
experience its soul.
