Bhubaneswar, October 30: The Odisha State Stall at the India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 in Mumbai has been awarded as the Best Stalls, recognising its creative design, engaging content, and visionary presentation of the State’s maritime heritage and future outlook.

Curated by the Commerce and Transport Department, and the Odisha Maritime Board, the stall was designed around the theme “Odisha-Voyage of Heritage and Hope.”

It vividly captured the evolution of Odisha’s maritime journey - from the ancient Boita Bandana traditions and shipbuilding craftsmanship of Kalinga to the State’s modern port-led development, shipbuilding clusters, inland waterways, cruise tourism, and blue economy initiatives.

The Odisha Stall attracted widespread appreciation from dignitaries, industry leaders, and visitors for its immersive storytelling and creative depiction — seamlessly connecting Odisha’s glorious maritime past with its forward-looking vision for sustainable coastal and trade development. The recognition at IMW 2025 reaffirms Odisha’s leadership in India’s maritime transformation, where heritage meets innovation, steering the course toward a Viksit Odisha and Viksit Bharat.

The award was presented by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. Commerce & Transport Department Additional Secretary Bidhan Chandra Ray, Ports and IWT Director Padmalochan Roul and Captain Sushant Bag, CNO, OMB received the award from the Union Minister.

Notably, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida attended the India Maritime Week (IMW) in Mumbai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also graced the event.