The Embassy of India in Bahrain recently inaugurated the Odisha State Tourism and One District One Product (ODOP) walls at the Consular hall. The event was attended by members of the Odiya community living in Bahrain. The walls showcase the touristic attractions and unique products identified under the ODOP scheme of the state of Odisha. Ambassador Vinod K. Jacob spoke in Odiya language and expressed gratitude to the Odiya community for their assistance in sourcing the ODOP items.
As part of the ‘focus state/union territory’ initiative, the Embassy of India is promoting touristic and ODOP products of different states in Bahrain for around a month. Odisha is the fifth focus state to be featured at the State/Union Territory Wall in the Consular hall, following Rajasthan, Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka. The Embassy had previously engaged the Karnataka diaspora in procuring and displaying ODOP items, and Odisha is the second focus state to be featured in the Consular hall.
During the event, a cultural presentation and ‘Taste of Odisha’ culinary delicacies were arranged by the Odiya community. Various ODOP products of Odisha were exhibited at the Embassy, and these items will be displayed for a month to showcase the diversity and richness of the state’s products. The ODOP initiative aims to select, brand, and promote at least one product from each district of the country to promote holistic socio-economic growth.
The products displayed are selected by States/UTs, taking into account the existing ecosystem on the ground, products identified under Districts as Export Hubs, and GI-tagged products. The ODOP initiative plays a crucial role in promoting local products, boosting economic development, and encouraging entrepreneurship across all regions of India. This initiative not only highlights the cultural and traditional aspects of different states but also contributes to the overall development of the country’s economy.
The engagement of the Odiya community in showcasing ODOP items at the Embassy reflects the strong bond between the Indian diaspora and the diplomatic missions abroad. Such partnerships not only help in promoting Indian culture and heritage but also strengthen the bilateral relations between India and other countries. The Embassy’s efforts to highlight different states and their unique products contribute to increasing awareness and appreciation of India’s diverse culture and heritage among the international community.
Overall, the inauguration of the Odisha State Tourism and ODOP walls at the Embassy of India in Bahrain is a significant step towards promoting Indian products and tourism in the region. It showcases the rich diversity and cultural heritage of Odisha and other states, while also fostering economic growth and entrepreneurship. Such initiatives play a crucial role in strengthening the bond between the Indian diaspora and their homeland, as well as promoting India’s soft power on the global stage.
