New Delhi : The Odisha Pavilion at the 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF) continued to shine as a major crowd-puller, with Minister of Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare and Science & Technology, Shri Krushna Chandra Patra, paying a visit on Wednesday. Describing the pavilion as a strong representation of Odisha’s growing stature, the Minister said that the state’s participation in such a prestigious national event strengthens its global visibility and commercial outreach.
During his walkthrough, Shri Patra took a detailed look at the wide range of exhibits portraying Odisha’s artistic heritage, cultural richness, architectural brilliance, and developmental achievements. He interacted with members of Women Self-Help Groups, Mission Shakti leaders, artisans, and young entrepreneurs who have brought their products to the fair. The Minister asked about their experiences, including production challenges, market prospects and the response from domestic and international buyers. He appreciated how Odisha’s handloom, handicrafts, and locally crafted items are carving a niche for themselves and contributing to the state’s identity on global platforms.
A day earlier, members of the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee (DRPSC)—Mr. Yusuf Pathan, MP from Baharampur, West Bengal and former Indian cricketer, along with Smt. Anita Shubhadarshini, MP from Aska—visited the pavilion and expressed admiration for the exceptional craftsmanship displayed by Odisha’s artisans and weavers.
Mr. Pathan noted that the Odisha Pavilion beautifully captures the essence of the IITF theme ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’, reflecting unity in cultural diversity through its exhibits. Smt. Shubhadarshini emphasized that the strong involvement of women entrepreneurs at the pavilion stands as a powerful symbol of Odisha’s progress in the domain of women empowerment and economic inclusion.
As the trade fair has now opened for public entry, the Odisha Pavilion is witnessing a consistent rise in visitor numbers. With more people arriving each day, products from Odisha—ranging from handicrafts to traditional textiles and natural goods—are experiencing a significant boost in sales. The pavilion’s vibrant displays, live demonstrations, and engaging stalls continue to make it one of the most visited attractions at IITF 2025.
