Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati on Friday stressed the need for greater focus on the state’s rich Buddhist heritage and diverse tourism potential to attract visitors from across India and neighbouring countries.
The Governor made the remarks while interacting with 17 trainee officers of the Odisha Tourism Service (OTS) cadre at Abhishek Hall of Lok Bhavan.
Highlighting Odisha’s major Buddhist sites, Kambhampati referred to Dhauli, Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, Lalitgiri and Jirang, and underscored their distinct historical, spiritual and cultural significance. He said Dhauli, associated with Emperor Ashoka and the Kalinga War, could be developed and promoted as a major centre of Buddhist peace and heritage.
He noted that Ratnagiri and Udayagiri, known for their ancient monasteries, stupas and sculptural remains, offer significant opportunities for archaeological and historical tourism. Lalitgiri, one of Odisha’s oldest Buddhist centres, also has considerable potential for heritage tourism, while Jirang, with its Tibetan Buddhist monastery and scenic surroundings, could attract visitors interested in spiritual and cultural experiences.
The Governor said proper development and promotion of these destinations could help draw tourists from different parts of India as well as neighbouring countries such as Nepal and Bhutan.
Referring to Deomali in Koraput district, Kambhampati said Odisha had vast potential to emerge as a major tourist destination. He stressed the need for better road connectivity to tourist sites, along with quality accommodation and food facilities, to encourage more visitors.
Advising the trainee tourism officers to think creatively, the Governor urged them to come up with innovative ideas to promote Odisha’s cultural, historical, spiritual and natural attractions. Such efforts, he said, would contribute to strengthening the state’s economy through tourism.
During the interaction, the Governor also enquired about the trainees’ curriculum and training experiences, with the officers sharing their experiences with him.
Tourism Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh and other senior officials of the department were present at the programme.
