Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Tuesday inaugurated 'Odisha Bhawan,' here which he said will serve as a platform for engagement between his State and Tamil Nadu.
Both his state and Tamil Nadu enjoyed long and fruitful relationships, he said adding the Odisha Bhawan will serve as "a platform for engagement between Odisha and Tamil Nadu."
Recalling his association with late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, Patnaik said she was kind enough to provide land for the Odisha government to build the bhawan and laid the foundation stone for it in 2012.
Tamil Nadu occupied a prominent place in the cultural map of the country and the people of the state had made immense contribution for its growth, he said.
Chennai was one of the key metropolis which attracted a very large number of people, from his state for employment, business and various professional engagements, he said.
Similarly, a large number of Tamil people lived in Odisha and "together we have contributed to each other's growth," Patnaik said.
"It was felt necessary that we create a facility which will not only provide accommodation but also showcase Odisha's art, culture and craft and facilitate public relations activities," he said explaining the reason for the bhawan.
"This Bhawan will also be the focal point of different agencies of my government," he said adding it was constructed at a cost of Rs 22 crore.
According to officials, the bhawan has a built up area of about 30,000 sq and includes amenities such as conference hall, auditorium, dorimotories, suites for VIPs among others.
Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar, who was also present, said Odisha has a "rich cultural heritage and glorious history and the people of Odisha are friendly and cordial."
Hailing Patnaik as a man of simplicity, he said both the Chief Minister and his late father Biju Patnaik had a cordial relationship with Jayalalithaa and the people of Tamil Nadu.
He assured that both the government and people of Tamil Nadu would give their fullest cooperation to Patnaik and Odisha.
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