Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday said his government is prioritising employment generation through tourism by promoting the 'Orange Economy' — a culture-based economic model — across the state. The remarks came during a special event at the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, held to mark the 75th anniversary of the reconstruction of Gujarat's Somnath Temple, observed as the 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv'.

What the Orange Economy Means for Odisha

The 'Orange Economy' refers to a culture-driven economic framework that leverages heritage, spirituality, and tourism to generate livelihoods. Chief Minister Majhi underscored that promoting this model and creating employment for local communities through tourism remain key priorities of his government. The approach is positioned as a bridge between cultural preservation and economic development.

Key Projects and Investments

Majhi highlighted two flagship initiatives under Odisha's cultural development agenda. The government has undertaken the development of Ekamra Kshetra with an investment of ₹330 crore, and has proposed the Shri Jagannath Museum project at a cost of ₹1,000 crore. Both projects, he said, are aimed at establishing Odisha as the cultural capital of India.

Somnath-Lingaraj: A Spiritual Connect

Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Majhi drew a symbolic parallel between the two revered shrines, stating that if Somnath stands as the sentinel of western India, then Lingaraj represents the unwavering spiritual force of the East. A special spiritual atmosphere prevailed at Lingaraj Temple (Ekamra Peeth) as the Chief Minister, alongside senior party leaders and dignitaries, watched the live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address and worship rituals at the Somnath Temple in Prabhas Patan, Gujarat.

Historical and Cultural Context

Recalling the history of the Somnath struggle, Majhi said the reconstruction of the temple marked the beginning of the restoration of Indian civilisation under Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whom he referred to as the 'Iron Man'. He quoted Prime Minister Modi's guiding principle of 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi' (Development as well as Heritage), connecting it to national projects such as the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Majhi remarked that despite repeated historical attempts by invaders to destroy temples, the faith of Sanatanis ensured their revival each time.

The Road Ahead

Invoking the resolve of Sardar Patel and the vision of Prime Minister Modi, the Chief Minister called upon the 4.5 crore people of Odisha to collectively work towards building a 'Prosperous Odisha' and a 'Developed India'. With major heritage investments in the pipeline and a stated focus on tourism-led employment, Odisha's cultural economy push is set to define the state's development narrative in the coming years.