 You have visited most of the famous destinations of the world. What do you think can be done to promote tourism sector?
A lot can be done in this sector. The true potential has not been tapped. After visiting all famous beaches in the world I find Puri beach as one of the best in the world. As religious tourism is the new attraction, the government can project Bhubaneswar-Konark-Puri the Golden triangle as the Best Destination to experience culture, art and fall in love with the pristine nature. This only, will increase the tourist flow by thirty to forty thousand per year.
What has been your experience in Russia in relation to Orissa’s reach? Are Russians interested in Orissa?
Russians know about Konark, Oddissi and Jagannath and the rich mineral resources. In the Soviet era they were more interested but in post-Soviet era their attention has been inward looking, India has not been a preferred destination for them for the last decade. Recently this is slowly changing in India’s favour. Russians are nostalgic of their friendship and bond with India. India’s rising status in global scenario and central government’s effort to attract foreign attention is timely. Russians are mostly interested in Gift items like Chandua, filgree works and other Oriya handicrafts. .In my recent trip to Russia, I was simply amazed to find pictures of Lord Jagannath in the malls of Moscow. These are welcome signs and the government of Orissa has to capitalize.
Any comment on Orissa politics?
As we see now Orissa politics needs to be reinvigorated. Politicians need to behave responsibly and should be accountable to people. The state needs more trained and committed people who want power bring change in the life of people not in their own life. The Orissa lobby at Delhi is conspicuously lacking and weak. It is high time that Orissa takes bold steps both in the field of education, health and above all in good governance.
Do you feel there is lack of effort from state government to change the mindset of Non-Resident-Oriyas?
Yes it is. Earlier Odiyas were not enterprising but now the new generation they are very promising and enterprising. They always want to contribute in one way or the other for the development for Orissa. But the effort of state government is not up to the mark. So we are behind from other communities such as Gujratis etc. I should share this with you. The entrepreneurs from Russia and Southeast Asia are very much interested to invest in Orissa. They ask me what are the investment scenario and other details pertaining to overall socio-political-economic environment and so on in Orissa. But to be very frank I can guide them at my personal level. But the Government has to sent official representatives and organise seminars and so on to woo the NROs and foreign entrepreneurs to invest in our state.
How do you think the Non Resident Oriyas can help in the development of the state?
Non Residents Oriyas can be a very potent source of help in the matters of Orissa’s image building outside and as well as in the policy making. They can do wonders in providing feedback to policies as they are able to see the state from outside. Oriyas are doing extremely well outside. In academics there are some bright Oriya brains in Americas, in Europe, in Asia and almost everywhere. They should be made a part of the policy making and the government should involve them in matters of the state in such a way so that they develop an intellectual and emotional stake in the development of the state.
How would you like to contribute to the cause of Orissa?
Anything that I can do. By this I mean that as an academic, I am interested in Orissa’s development as a knowledge society. A knowledge society is a precursor to a knowledge economy. In this line I am ready to contribute in whatever capacity I can. It does not matter whether I work with the government or NGOs as long as their intention is noble and directed towards the development of the state.
What is your message for Orissadiary?
Orissadiary is doing a very good and noble work. I urge you to focus on the developmental aspects of the state and project Orissa’s potentials to one and all. I would suggest you to have an advisory board that suggests measures for development and analyse major issues in an impartial and academic manner. Concentrate on development journalism. I wish good luck.
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