Mumbai, Oct 30: Odisha has once again made waves on the national stage by winning the prestigious “Voyage of Heritage and Hope” award for its state stall at India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, held in Mumbai. The recognition celebrates Odisha’s rich maritime legacy and its ambitious vision for future coastal development.

Award-Winning Showcase

The Odisha State Stall, curated by the Commerce & Transport Department and the Odisha Maritime Board, was honoured as one of the Best Stalls at the event. The award was presented by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. Receiving the award on behalf of the state were Bidhan Chandra Ray (Addl Secretary, C&T), Padmalochan Roul (Director, Ports & IWT), and Capt. Sushant Bag (CNO, OMB).

Theme: Heritage Meets Innovation

Built around the theme “Odisha – Voyage of Heritage and Hope,” the stall offered a compelling narrative of Odisha’s maritime evolution. It highlighted ancient traditions like Boita Bandana and Kalinga shipbuilding, while also showcasing modern initiatives such as port-led development, inland waterways, cruise tourism, and blue economy strategies.

National Recognition for Visionary Presentation

The stall drew admiration from dignitaries, industry leaders, and visitors for its immersive storytelling and innovative design. It successfully bridged Odisha’s historical maritime identity with its progressive roadmap for sustainable trade and coastal growth.

This recognition at IMW 2025 reinforces Odisha’s position as a key player in India’s maritime transformation and aligns with the broader vision of “Viksit Odisha, Viksit Bharat.”