Angul, Feb 28: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday emphasized the need to transform the youth into “wealth creators” while addressing the golden jubilee celebrations of the Angul District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCC&I) here in Odisha.

Speaking at the event, Pradhan said the district’s industrial prosperity must be taken to new heights by creating a modern business environment and encouraging entrepreneurship. He also laid the foundation stone for the “Dr. Debendra Pradhan Commerce Bhavan” in memory of his revered father, expressing hope that the facility would give fresh impetus to commercial activities in the region.

Highlighting Angul’s economic significance, Pradhan described the district as a “mini-India,” enriched with coal, iron, aluminium, and chemical industries, and contributing substantially to Odisha and India’s revenue. He noted Angul’s leading role in power generation, calling it a matter of pride for the state and the nation.

Pradhan emphasized that development should not remain confined to heavy industries alone. Agriculture, tourism, and MSMEs must also be expanded, he said, pointing to nearly two lakh hectares of cultivable land that could support agro-industries. He suggested developing Tikarpada’s natural beauty and Talcher-Angul’s hospitality sector into a modern tourism hub.

The Minister urged that local youth should not merely chase jobs but aspire to become owners and wealth creators. He stressed the need for a modern business ecosystem in collaboration with ADCC&I to prepare Angul for Odisha’s centenary in 2036 and India’s “Viksit Bharat” vision for 2047.

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Pradhan added that health, education, drinking water, sanitation, and employment must be prioritized to build a prosperous Angul, which in turn would be the foundation for a developed Odisha and a stronger India.

The event was attended by Odisha Fisheries, Animal Resources and MSME Minister Gokulananda Mallik, Industries and Skill Development Minister Samprad Charan Swain, Dhenkanal MP Rudra Narayan Pani, several MLAs, and dignitaries.