History - Odisha, Utkal or Orissa, by whichever name it is called, is a land that epitomises the virtue of resilience. Its territory formed a part of the ancient Kalinga Empire, which is intricately associated with the chronicles of Ashok, the powerful Mauryan King of Magadh. It has been ruled by several dynasties in the past, including the Mughals and the Marathas before being colonised by the British. Orissa has witnessed countless periods of glory just as it has seen dismal times of loss. But in everything, it has emerged with its identity unscathed, its courage restored and its spirit strengthened.

At one time the vast Kalinga Kingdom spanned from Ganga to Godavari and flourished in maritime trade with South-East Asian countries. By the end of 16th century however, the opulence faded and the original territory was later divided into several administrative units by the British. Modern Orissa was carved out of Bihar in 1936.

Ethnicity - Modern Orissa has four distinct cultural regions, defined in many ways by the state boundaries it shares. The north-eastern areas have a strong Bengali influence whereas the southern districts have a large Telegu speaking population and western Orissa shares cultural traits with Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh. The fourth cultural region mainly comprises coastal districts and is distinguished by social and occupational specialisations. Orissa has a large population of scheduled castes and tribes mainly concentrated in regions like Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Sundargarh in the North and Koraput, Ganjam and Phulbani in the South.

Famous for its temple architecture and its native handicrafts, Orissa has a proud cultural legacy that is a blend of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, further enriched by Islam and Christianity.

Economic Revival - Today, Orissa is at the juncture of a socio-economic resurgence that is primarily caused by several colossal industrial initiatives undertaken in the State. In addition, the steady growth of medium and small-scale enterprises is adequate proof that the people of Orissa are welcoming in a new era of prosperity. Primarily agricultural till now, the State economy has suffered in many ways. Not only from unforeseen natural calamities that have frequently wrought havoc, but also from the fact that Industrial development has been spattered at best and limited to a few large projects.

Primarily rural, indigenous values have been kept alive but redefined by the fact that harnessing available potential is imperative to progress of community. Agriculture and industries need not be at loggerheads and it is important to tap natural resources responsibly. Orissa has almost 60% of India’s known bauxite reserves, 25% of coal, 98% of chromites, 28% of iron ore, 92% of nickel ore and 28% of manganese. Endowed with abundant mineral reserves, a 482 km stretch of coastline with virgin beaches and beneficial river networks, Orissa is the dream destination for many reputed corporate houses, both national and international.

The new road map of revival has seen active support from the Government and the well-wishers of the State. The rural and tribal population for whom new avenues have been opened has well received the idea of an industrial complex at Kalinganagar. It would ensure employment to the local people, improve their standard of living and usher in all round development for Orissa in general.