Bhubaneswar: The business Mahakumbh – Make in Odisha Conclave 2018 – took off with a roar here Sunday with activities like Coastal Fun Run, Heritage Walk, Golf Tournament and cultural programme at Kala Bhoomi.
The local and international guests enjoyed a grand opening day of entertainment with plenty of take home exceptional experiences while participating in a number of local activities.
The event started with a 5-km Coastal Fun Run along the Chandrabhaga Beach from Konark temple to Ramachandi Boat Club. More than 200 participants, including various businesspersons, government officials and students took part in this unique run.
People interested in sports were given a chance to showcase their skills in a splendid golf tournament at Bhubaneswar Golf Club. About 32 participants enjoyed golf along with a beautiful view of the stretches of forest and hillocks. Some of the industry captains who played golf were from TATA Steel, Adani Group, Dalmia Cements, Toyota, Indian Railways, etc.
For dignitaries interested in Odisha arts, tradition and culture, they were given a tour of Kala Bhoomi and the Craft Museum of Odisha. Later a live pottery workshop and musical performance of traditional dance forms of the state engaged the guests at the museum.
Industries department Principal Secretary Sanjeev Chopra said, “It gives us immense pleasure to host this conclave here. We want our guests to start their journey in Odisha with an unforgettable and once-in-a-life-time experience by indulging in all the planned activities.”
Guests were also a part of the 99th Ekamra Walks, the first guided heritage walk of the city in Old Town. More than 140 heritage enthusiasts were spellbound by the classical dance by the disciples of eminent Odissi dancer and Guru Ileana Citaristi at Art Vision, on the western bank of Bindusagar.
“We will now be associated for another longer term so that the visitors of Ekamra Walks would have the opportunity to see the Odissi recital as the classical dance form is equally famous for its influences over Odisha and Odia culture,” Ileana said.
Ritesh, an investor, one of the participants of Ekamra Walks said, “With nearly 5,000 participants from all three walks – Old Town, Khandagiri-Udayagiri and Kala Bhoomi and participants from over 32 nations across the globe – the heritage walk has created a new identity so that we can tell the tale of our city to a diverse audience. The enthusiasm should be multiplied with World Cup Hockey to push the city’s potential to a new high in the global tourism map.’’