Mishra praises contribution of Odia community to nation-building
Delhi’s Art, Culture and Language Minister Kapil Mishra on Sunday praised the contribution of the Odia community to nation-building and said the national Capital is increasingly emerging as a “cultural capital” where traditions from across India are celebrated.
Speaking at the concluding day of Odisha Parba 2026, a three-day cultural festival, Mishra said Delhi today reflects the diversity of the country and offers a glimpse of “Mini India”. The event was held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and was attended by several dignitaries, including Hari Babu Kambhampati, who graced the occasion on the final day of the festival.
Addressing the gathering, Mishra said that cultural traditions from different parts of the country are finding space in Delhi and strengthening the idea of cultural unity. “With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, cultural nationalism and religious tourism are gaining strength in Delhi. Festivals and traditions from every state are now being celebrated in the national capital,” he said.
The minister said such cultural gatherings help bring together communities from across India and strengthen the spirit of unity in diversity. Mishra said that Delhi is steadily evolving into a major centre for cultural exchange and celebration.
He added that the Delhi government has begun organising grand celebrations of the foundation days and cultural festivals of various states. According to the minister, these initiatives are intended to showcase the traditions, art, and heritage of different regions in the national capital. Mishra said such programmes will continue to grow in scale in the coming years. “The idea is to make Delhi a place where the culture of every state can be experienced. The city should reflect the diversity of India,” he said.
During his address, the minister also paid tribute to the role played by the Odia community in the development of the country. He said the traditions of courage, peace, and environmental harmony associated with Odisha serve as an inspiration. “The courage, love for peace, and environmental consciousness of the Odia community inspire the world,” he said.
Mishra added that Odisha’s cultural traditions reflect a deep connection with nature, which carries an important message for society today.
