Bhubaneswar, November 20: Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati on Thursday said that culture is not an embellishment of society but the foundation on which civilisations grow, innovate and prosper. He was addressing the 5th Cultural Economic Conclave 2025 at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Dr. Kambhampati said India has never viewed culture and economy as separate spheres. “Our rituals and festivals, our temples and crafts, and our architecture and performing arts have, for centuries, guided ethical conduct, shaped economic behaviour and sustained livelihoods,” he noted.

He said India’s cultural systems have historically created vibrant economic structures. “Festivals built local markets, temples became hubs of learning and trade, textiles and handlooms powered prosperity, and traditional knowledge ensured sustainability,” he added.

Referring to Odisha’s cultural identity, the Governor said the state represents a living civilisation where culture is woven into daily life. “In Odisha, thirteen festivals are celebrated across twelve months. These celebrations strengthen families, support artisans and reinforce shared values,” he said.

He highlighted Jagannath culture, Odissi dance, Sambalpuri and other handlooms, Raghurajpur crafts and tribal heritage as examples of cultural traditions sustaining thousands of livelihoods. Odisha’s maritime legacy, celebrated through Bali Yatra, he said, reflects entrepreneurship embedded in history.

Praising national efforts to revitalise heritage under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said heritage cities, museums, pilgrimage circuits and craft hubs are generating employment and creating new cultural entrepreneurship opportunities.

Outlining the way forward, he stressed three priorities: protecting cultural heritage, nurturing creative industries for dignified livelihoods and fostering ethical economic behaviour rooted in Indian values 

“As we move forward, let us build a nation where culture and economy uplift one another,” he said, reaffirming Odisha’s commitment to contribute meaningfully to this national vision.

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