Odisha Wins ‘Best Stall’ Award at India Maritime Week 2025 for Showcasing Maritime Heritage and Innovation

Mumbai: Odisha, often hailed as the Maritime Gateway of Eastern India, has once again made waves on the national stage. The State’s pavilion at the India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 in Mumbai has been honoured with the ‘Best Stall’ Award, recognising its innovative design, engaging presentation, and powerful depiction of Odisha’s maritime legacy and future vision.

The award was presented by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, and received by Bidhan Chandra Ray, Additional Secretary (Commerce & Transport), Padmalochan Roul, Director, Ports & IWT, and Capt. Sushant Bag, Chief Nautical Officer, Odisha Maritime Board (OMB).

Curated by the Commerce & Transport Department, Government of Odisha, and the Odisha Maritime Board, the award-winning stall was themed “Odisha – Voyage of Heritage and Hope.” It beautifully captured the State’s maritime evolution — from the ancient Boita Bandana traditions and shipbuilding mastery of the Kalinga era to the dynamic modern developments in port-led growth, inland waterways, shipbuilding clusters, cruise tourism, and blue economy initiatives.

The Odisha pavilion drew widespread appreciation from visitors, dignitaries, and industry leaders alike for its immersive storytelling and aesthetic representation. The display seamlessly connected Odisha’s glorious maritime past with its ambitious plans for a sustainable and innovation-driven maritime future.