Bhubaneswar, Dec 13: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today said ‘Purvodaya’ is the engine of growth for a developed India.

To transform the immense potential of this region into tangible outcomes and ensure complete utilization of opportunities, collective efforts are required, said Pradhan in a video message.

The Union Minister was addressing the third edition of the international conference on “Purvodaya Vision – 2025”, held in Bhubaneswar.

Pradhan said that such initiatives aimed at advancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Purvodaya” are highly welcome.

Highlighting the importance of Purvodaya as a gateway and a key region for energy security, he said that with major ports such as Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur, along with mineral-based industries, Odisha has emerged today as the “Gateway of Purvodaya.”

He emphasized that port-led development and blue economy are among the government’s top priorities.

An economic corridor, he noted, is not limited to roads and ports alone; it also encompasses the flow of energy, data, finance, and trade.

At present, Eastern India is rapidly emerging as a strategic energy corridor. Today, India has more than 9,300 kilometers of petroleum and product pipelines in operation. These pipelines, connected to ports such as Paradip, Dhamra, Haldia, and Visakhapatnam, have become powerful gateways for crude oil, LNG, and petrochemical trade, he said.

The International Conference “Purvodaya Perspectives 2025” is a flagship event dedicated to fostering dialogue on economic corridors, maritime strategy, regional integration, and sustainable development across India’s eastern region.

The two-day conference brings together policymakers, diplomats, scholars, and industry leaders to explore how the Purvodaya region can play a transformative role in Viksit Bharat and in advancing India’s Indo-Pacific engagement.

The platform is also expected to strengthen India’s connectivity with Southeast Asia.

Introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016, the Purvodaya initiative seeks to accelerate growth in India’s eastern states, known for their rich natural resources, vibrant culture, and historic maritime links.

Launched formally in January 2020 with a focus on creating an integrated steel hub, the initiative has since expanded its vision. The momentum continued with the union Budget announcements of 2024 and 2025, prioritizing infrastructure, human capital, and new economic opportunities.