Indian Ambassador Inaugurates Odisha Tourism and ODOP Exhibits in Bahrain
Manama: Vinod K. Jacob, the Indian Ambassador to Bahrain, inaugurated the Odisha State Tourism and One District One Product (ODOP) displays at the Consular Hall of the Indian Embassy, aiming to promote Odisha’s tourist attractions and unique products.
The inauguration was attended by members of the Odiya community residing in Bahrain.
In a press release, the Indian Embassy in Bahrain stated, “Ambassador of India H.E. Shri Vinod K. Jacob inaugurated the Odisha State Tourism and One District One Product (ODOP) walls at the Consular Hall of the Embassy in the presence of members of the Odiya community living in Bahrain.”
“These displays highlight the touristic attractions and the exquisite products identified under the ODOP scheme of the state of Odisha,” the release added.
The event featured a short cultural presentation and a culinary showcase titled ‘Taste of Odisha,’ organized by the Odiya community.
Ambassador Jacob addressed the gathering in Odiya, expressing gratitude to the community for their support in sourcing ODOP items. He emphasized the initiative’s dual objectives of promoting Odiya culture and Odisha as a premier tourism destination.
“I am very happy to inaugurate the ODOP wall. This exhibit will continue for two and a half months, during which we aim to promote Odisha’s diverse projects and its potential as a top tourism destination. Odisha boasts a rich history and warm, welcoming people,” said the Ambassador.
He called on the Bahrain-Odiya community to help in spreading the message that Odisha is one of the best places to visit.
Ambassador Jacob highlighted that similar initiatives have been organized for states such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Karnataka, and he encouraged the Odiya community to actively participate.
“This is our fifth initiative with Odisha. Next time we plan to feature another state. I expect the Odiya community in Bahrain to contribute actively and take ownership of this initiative,” he added.
Under the ‘Focus State/Union Territory’ initiative of the Indian Embassy, touristic and ODOP products of a particular state are promoted in Bahrain for about a month. Odisha is the fifth state to be featured, following Rajasthan, Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka.
The Embassy previously engaged the Karnataka diaspora in procuring and displaying ODOP items. Odisha is the second focus state to have ODOP items displayed in the Consular Hall.
Several ODOP products from Odisha were exhibited at the Embassy and will be displayed for a month.
The ODOP initiative aims to select, brand, and promote at least one product from each district of India to foster holistic socio-economic growth. Products are selected by States/UTs based on the existing ecosystem, identified export hubs, and GI-tagged products, according to the release.
