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."
Agarwal has set up his company's alumina refinery at Lanjigarh in Kalahandi with an aim to connect the tribal-dominated district with the mainstream and ensure speedy development of the region.
Jindal brothers - Naveen and Sajan - also shared stories of their company's association with the legendary politician on this occasion.
The entire plenary session saw a host of industry captains showering praises on the veteran leader.
Quoting from one of the speeches of the former chief minister, the RIL chaiman said, "In my dream of the 21st century for the state, I would have young men and women who have pride in themselves By their brain, intelligence and capacity, they will recapture the glory of Kalinga.
"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."
Kalinga was an ancient kingdom encompassing a large part of presen-day Odisha, northern part of Andhra Pradesh and parts of Chhattisgarh.
The second edition of the five-day conclave was inaugurated here Sunday in the presence of a host of dignitaries, including Japanese Ambassador to India Kenji Hiramatsu and consul generals of several countries.
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