Odisha Dy CM Pravati Parida Calls for Women to Lead Development

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Wednesday, 9 September 2026

Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, Pravati Parida in an address on Sunday, highlighted the necessity for a paradigm shift in the way women are viewed in the development process of the state. She urged the society and policymakers to move beyond seeing them as only beneficiaries of welfare schemes; but must be acknowledged as development partners, competent leaders, women entrepreneurs, and decision-makers.

Devi Awards honored ten women for their commendable dedication and contribution in various spheres. The recipients were from a broad range of sectors, highlighting the increasing influence of women in social affairs and various other sectors like culture, science, business and the arts. The awards celebrated the determination and resilience of women in making Odisha and nation proud.

Pravati said, “Devi Awards celebrate the modern expression of Shakti - women who create, lead and transform the society. We worship Shakti in our temples and revere the strength of women in our traditions. Tonight, we celebrate Shakti in its most powerful modern form,”

Key Highlights:

• Pravati Parida calls for women to lead Odisha’s economic development
• Devi Awards honour 10 women for excellence across diverse fields
• Pravati highlighted financial empowerment and greater women’s participation in governance

Speaking on the occasion organized by The New Indian Express, Pravati urged that women’s development should be taken as the focal point for making Odisha a developed state. She also emphasized that women’s participation in the development process of the economy and governance would also help in achieving the vision of building up a Viksit Bharat.

 “We want our daughters to become entrepreneurs. We want women to lead enterprises and embrace technology and innovation. We want greater participation of women in governance and decision-making at every level,” Pravati added.

Reiterating the importance of women’ future in the development of Odisha, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that the state would not be able to achieve its dream of being an economically advanced entity without fully engaging women in the growth process of Odisha.

The awardees included theatre artist and actress Sujata Priyambada Choudhury, entrepreneur Nina Singh, environmentalist and conservationist Nalini Kandi, and para-athlete Jayanti Behera. All these women have made their mark in their respective industries through dedication, proficiency and hard work. Odissi dancer-choreographer Aruna Mohanty, senior IPS officer Shyni S, Pattachitra painter Laxmi Meher, writer Paramita Satpathy, scientist-entrepreneur Sumona Karjee Mishra and molecular scientist Prof Debasmita Pankaj were also awarded.

Speaking about the awardees breaking many barriers, she emphasized that, “The greatest measure of success is not how high we rise individually. It is how many others rise because we rose. Continue to inspire, continue to break the barriers and continue to open doors for others. Whenever you move one step forward, remember to take another woman with you.”

Expressing her views regarding the Subhadra scheme Pravati explained the purpose of the scheme is not merely to provide financial support; intended to build up the confidence and financial independence of women. “When a woman becomes financially empowered, the impact extends far beyond her own life. She strengthens her family, her community and ultimately the economy of the state and nation,”