Overwhelming response to Pravasi Divas exhibitions

Bhubaneswar: Exhibitions held as a part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention at Janata Maidan here received an overwhelming response from the public. Thousands of people, including schoolchildren, residents and tourists, thronged the venues to explore diverse themes on display, ranging from ‘Viksit Bharat' (developed India) to ‘Viswaroop Ram' and Odisha's rich culture and heritage, on Saturday. The exhibitions will remain open till Sunday.
Visitors were captivated by the exhibits and immersive displays, showcasing India's development strides and Odisha's unique traditions. Children, in particular, found the exhibitions both engaging and educational.
"I was amazed to see the beautiful depiction of Ramayana. It felt like stepping into a piece of history. The interactive displays on Odisha's culture taught me so much about our state," said Ananya Mishra, a Class IX student from a city school.
Laxmi Rawat, in-charge of the Ramayana exhibition from Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, said, "The exhibition also displays different forms of Ramayana prevalent in various states. Be it folk painting of Rajasthan or documentation of Ramleela in Kumaon of Uttarakhand or Ramayana through the eyes of Gond tribes, each and every element of the exhibition is attracting both the Indian diaspora and local visitors."
The exhibitions included audiovisual presentations, art installations, and live demonstrations of traditional crafts. Organisers are expecting a continued surge in footfall over the weekend.
"The Viksit Bharat section truly inspired me. The tech exhibitions showcased the future. It's heartening to see the strides India is making in infrastructure and innovation," said Rajeev Sahoo, a local businessman.
"The goal of these exhibitions is to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, while also showcasing the essence of India and Odisha to all visitors," said a senior govt officer.