Amid business proposals and investment commitments, corporate honchos, who attended the the'Make in Odisha' conclave here on Monday, fondly recalled their associations with the state's former chief minister, Biju Patnaik, calling him a pioneer of industrial growth.
Addressing the mega event, Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) chairman Mukesh Ambani said his father Dhirubhai Ambani and the veteran leader were close friends.
"Both (DB Ambani and Biju Patnaik) shared a deep friendship and inspired millions of people in the country. I have learnt from these two legendary persons that nothing is impossible," he said.
Odisha has been growing at eight per cent per annum, faster than other states, Ambani noted.
"Under the exemplary leadership of current Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik (son of Biju Patnaik), Odisha is becoming one of the best investment destinations in the nation," the RIL chairman added.
Vedanta Resource Inc founder-chairman Anil Agarwal also hailed Biju Patnaik for his contributions to the state.
"During the 1990-95 tenure of Biju babu, he had a strong desire to develop Kalahandi area which was completely disconnected from rest of the state."
"This was Biju Patnaik's dream, and this should be your dream and our dream The chief minister (Naveen Patnaik), too, is carrying on with this vision."