Paperman Media | Bhubaneswar
Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati on Monday called for creating an ecosystem that equips young people with skills, knowledge, confidence and opportunities to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development in Odisha and the country.
Addressing the Times Icons of Odisha 2026 event here, Kambhampati said youth should be encouraged to build enterprises, pursue research, embrace emerging technologies and develop environmentally resilient and sustainable solutions.
He commended The Times of India Group for recognising individuals and institutions contributing to Odisha’s progress, saying such initiatives celebrate excellence, inspire new aspirations and strengthen the collective commitment to the state’s development.
The Governor said rapid advances in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, robotics, biotechnology, quantum technologies, renewable energy, green hydrogen, digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, space technology and the blue economy were opening up new frontiers and creating opportunities for young people.
Referring to India’s economic growth, he said the country’s real GDP growth was estimated at 7.8% in the first quarter of 2026-27, describing it as both an opportunity and a responsibility to translate economic progress into jobs, innovation, prosperity and a better quality of life.
He said Odisha was at an important stage of its development journey, with its natural resources, long coastline, human talent, cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit providing a strong foundation. Improvements in roads, railways, ports, industrial corridors, urban infrastructure, energy systems and digital connectivity, he said, were further strengthening the state’s growth prospects.
Referring to the Capital Region Ring Road, expanding rail connectivity, port-linked infrastructure and industrial investments, Kambhampati said Odisha was emerging as an important destination for advanced technology and semiconductor activities.
He stressed that sustainable development required collaboration among the government, industry, entrepreneurs, investors, farmers, workers, academia, scientists, civil society and youth.
The Governor also urged the media to strengthen the link between policy and public participation by explaining government initiatives in simple language and taking information about schemes and opportunities to the last mile.
Congratulating the awardees, he said their achievements demonstrated how perseverance, innovation and responsible leadership could create lasting public value. He called for building an Odisha that is prosperous, inclusive, innovative, sustainable, skilled and future-ready while contributing to the making of a Viksit Bharat.
Response Head, The Times of India, Bhubaneswar, Progyabratta Brahma, delivered the welcome address, while Bureau Chief Ashok Pradhan proposed the vote of thanks.
