A noted tour operator from Germany, top bankers from SBI, Miss India hopeful from Odisha, academics from a top management institute and Mother’s Day were highlights of the 22nd Ekamra Walks on Sunday in which more than 40 walkers got a special treat on heritage and architectural wonders of the Old Bhubaneswar area of the city.
While the Chief general Manager of the State Bank of India B Venu Gopala Reddy came calling with other top officials and participated in the heritage walk of the city, Sujith Soman, Executive Director of COMINDIA, an Indo-German tourism venture, based in Essen, Germany, participated in the event proving its growing popularity and reach, worldwide.
The Ekamra Walks became more glamorous with the Odisha hopeful for the Miss India, Christeena Biju joining the visitors and making them feel with her as she would be representing the culturally rich region at the national finale. Biju also had a session for her short documentary made to represent Odisha at the finals.
Professor at Xavier University Bhubaneswar (XUB) in Industrial Relations, Analytics and Human Resource Girish Balasubramanian also came with his family. Though he belongs to Tamil Nadu and is currently staying in the city, today’s experience was an interesting and educative exposure on the monumental wealth of the city. “This needs to be propagated more,’’ he added.
Reddy said, “The Ekamra Walks is the true reflection of the city’s ancient past and socio-cultural heritage and more and more people must come and explore it.’’
Sujith Soman said, “I have a rich experience in promoting the tourism potential in Europe and especially in Germany, but somehow missed Odisha. I am really overwhelmed with the rich architectural wealth of the city.” He also hinted at a detailed plan to engage the German media and the key players in the tourism industry to promote Odisha in Germany.’’ Director Tourism Nitin Bhanudas Jawle and other senior officials of the department, were present.
The participants visited Mukteswar, Parsurameswar, Sampurna Jaleswar, Kotitirtheswar, Baindusagar, Ananta Vasudev, old Dharmasala, lingaraj, Sari Deula, Mohini Temple, Parikraka of Bindusagar, medicinal plant garden at Ekamra Van and saw an Odissi recital at Art Vision.
While at the medicinal plant garden at the Ekamra Van, the guests got the update on designing the Ayurveda garden on the different requirements of men, women and kids and at the Art Vision they witnessed an interesting dance recital on Krishna leela. As Sari Deula, the guests got a firsthand experience on the reconstruction of a temple as per the ancient tradition.