Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Odisha has garnered widespread appreciation and admiration for a humble gesture that touched the hearts of many. During a rally in the state, PM Modi’s attention was drawn to a group of children who had come bearing gifts and mementos to see him. In a spontaneous and heartwarming move, PM Modi paused his speech and requested the SPG commandos responsible for his security to collect the gifts and photos brought by the children. He further went on to assure the children that he would personally write letters to them, asking them to mention their addresses on the back of the paper. This gesture resonated deeply with the audience, earning PM Modi praise and admiration for his compassion and humility.

The visit to Odisha also saw PM Modi inaugurating multiple development projects collectively valued at over Rs 19,600 crore. These projects, spanning various sectors including oil and gas, railways, road infrastructure, transportation, highways, and atomic energy, are expected to significantly boost industrial activity in the region while creating numerous employment opportunities. Furthermore, ahead of his visit, PM Modi paid tribute to former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik on his birth anniversary. Overall, PM Modi’s visit to Odisha not only showcased the government’s commitment to development and progress but also highlighted his compassionate and empathetic approach towards the people, particularly the younger generation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a series of transformative projects in Odisha, collectively valued at over Rs 19,600 crore, during his visit to Chandikhole. These projects, spanning various sectors including oil and gas, railways, road infrastructure, transportation, highways, and atomic energy, mark a significant investment in the state’s development. Key among the inaugurated projects is a 344 km long product pipeline connecting Paradip in Odisha to Haldia in West Bengal. Additionally, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Indian Oil Corporation’s Mono Ethylene Glycol project at the Paradip Refinery, along with a 0.6 MMTPA LPG import facility at Paradip. These initiatives are poised to revolutionize the polyester industry in eastern India, providing crucial raw materials to textile parks in Bhadrak and Paradip.

In his address, PM Modi reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling the nation’s current needs while emphasizing the vision of a developed country (Viksit Bharat). He underscored efforts to enhance the energy sector’s capabilities in eastern states, citing the Urja Ganga Yojana as a significant initiative aimed at supplying natural gas to five major states, including Odisha. Highlighting the importance of harnessing eastern India’s abundant natural resources for Odisha’s progress, PM Modi mentioned the inauguration of a desalination plant in Ganjam district. This plant is designed to treat nearly 50 lakh litres of saline water daily, making it suitable for drinking purposes and addressing the region’s water scarcity issues.

Moreover, the Prime Minister emphasized the government’s focus on modernizing connectivity infrastructure in Odisha to drive economic growth through local resources. Significant advancements in national highways and railway networks were cited, aimed at enhancing rail-highway-port connectivity and facilitating industrial growth. The Angul Sukinda railway line, for instance, will play a crucial role in the development of the Kalinga Nagar Industrial area. PM Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to reducing India’s import dependency, highlighting projects like the Mono Ethylene Glycol project and the LPG import facility at Paradip. He also praised the inauguration of the seawater desalination plant, emphasizing its importance in ensuring access to potable water in the region. Overall, the inauguration of these projects signifies a significant step towards Odisha’s socio-economic advancement and reaffirms the government’s dedication to fostering growth and development across the country.

Dharmendra Pradhan, the Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, has inaugurated the Skill India Centre (SIC) in Angul, marking a significant milestone in the region’s efforts to promote skill development and economic growth. The establishment of this center underscores a commitment to equipping the Yuva Peedhi (youth generation) with modern skills essential for enhancing their employability in both domestic and global markets. In his address, Minister Pradhan emphasized the importance of expanding skill development and educational infrastructure in the region, particularly targeting remote communities and revitalizing public education institutions. This initiative aims to benefit underprivileged sections of society, aligning with the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and development.

The Skill India Centre in Angul is envisioned as a hub for futuristic skills, focusing on high-demand trades, entrepreneurship, and skill development on a large scale. It aims to provide hands-on experiences with new-age technologies, preparing individuals for career advancement aligned with future work demands. This initiative aligns closely with the objectives outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes the need for a flexible education system that prepares students for real-world challenges. By offering training in diverse job roles, the center aims to nurture Odisha’s youth population, fostering innovation and contributing to their aspirations for meaningful employment.

The Skill India Centres aim to collaborate with industry experts to design evolving curricula, promoting standardization while also preserving the cultural heritage of traditional crafts. Previous launches of similar centers in Deogarh, Sambalpur, and Dhenkanal have been well-received by local youth, establishing the state as a hub for futuristic skills and instilling confidence in pursuing lucrative career opportunities. With the inauguration of the Skill India Centre in Angul, the region is poised to witness a significant boost in skill development efforts, ultimately driving economic growth and prosperity for its residents.