INWC Raj Mauj inaugurated

INWC Raj Mauj inaugurated

-Joined by politicians, artists, and women entrepreneurs

-3 days will be spent at Hotel Pal Heights

Bhubaneswar: The three-day Raj Mauj, organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce Women Entrepreneurship Council (INWEC) under the aegis of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), has been inaugurated at Hotel Pal Heights, Jayadev Bihar. The festival will bring together women entrepreneurs, artisans, artists, cultural practitioners, policy makers and industry leaders on one platform to celebrate the heritage of Odisha and promote entrepreneurship, financial empowerment and a sense of “Vocal for Local”. Member of Parliament Aparajita Sarangi was the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony. Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das, Cuttack-Barabati MLA Sophia Firdous, former MLA and BJP leader Priyadarshi Mishra, ICC Chairman Rajiv Sahu, INWC Member Swati Kejriwal, Co-Member Suma Devi Dash and ICC Odisha Branch Regional Director Jyoti Prakash Pal were present. Addressing the gathering, MP Smt. Sarangi said, “Odisha’s cultural heritage is one of our greatest strengths. Initiatives like Raj Mauj not only preserve and promote our traditions but also create meaningful economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs and local businesses. It is heartening to see a platform that celebrates our cultural identity and the growing contribution of women in shaping the future of Odisha.”

Welcoming the gathering, ICC President Rajiv Sahu highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship, collaboration and cultural preservation in building a progressive Odisha. Delivering the keynote address, Swati Kejriwal said that Raj Mauj has been envisioned as a festival that creates meaningful opportunities for women entrepreneurs, artisans and creators while strengthening the cultural identity of Odisha. Speaking on the occasion, she said, 'Raj is Odisha's most beloved festival, which celebrates womanhood, community and our cultural heritage. Through Raj Mauj, our aim is to create a platform where tradition meets entrepreneurship. Where local artisans and entrepreneurs get visibility and where communities come together to celebrate the spirit of Odisha. This year's edition places special emphasis on women-led businesses and the Vocal for Local movement. which showcases the immense talent, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that exists across our state. The distinguished guests appreciated INWEC’s efforts in creating a unique platform that seamlessly blends culture, commerce and community engagement. They also highlighted the increasing role of women entrepreneurs in driving economic growth, innovation and social change across the state. One of the most inspiring moments of the inauguration was the Karmaveer Samvardhana Samorah. Where women changemakers from diverse backgrounds were honored for their outstanding contributions to society. Their stories of resilience, service and leadership reflected the true spirit of empowerment and community development. The inauguration day witnessed enthusiastic participation in traditional art workshops. which included Pattachitra Chitra Kala by Haatkatha and Jhoti-Chita Kala by Madhulita Mohanty. Which gave the participants a chance to experience the rich art heritage of Odisha firsthand. These sessions further reinforced the importance of preserving and promoting tribal art forms for future generations. A major attraction throughout the day was the bazaar, a unique gathering of women-led enterprises, handlooms, handicrafts, textiles, lifestyle products, food brands and homegrown brands from across Odisha. The bazaar emerged as a vibrant celebration of the Vocal for Local movement. It provided entrepreneurs with an opportunity to showcase their products and connect directly with consumers. The festival also hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion on ‘Enterprise Odisha: Women, Markets and the Way Forward’. IAS Aboli Sunil Narvane and MSME Development and Facilitation Office, Cuttack IEDS Director Pavan K. Gupta, was moderated by IWIC member Ambarina Ali. The creative and cultural discussion continued with a panel discussion on ‘Role of Music and Cinema in Odia Culture’, which featured acclaimed filmmaker and promoter Jitendra Mishra, veteran actor Shivu Mohapatra and dance guru Shashwat Joshi. It was moderated by IWIC co-chair Suma Devi Dash. The panelists reflected on the role of cinema, music and storytelling in building a strong creative economy as well as preserving the language, traditions and cultural identity of Odia.

INWEC Raja Mauja Inaugurated.

- Will Run for 3 Days at Hotel Pal Heights

Bhubaneswar: The three-day Raja Mauja of the Indian Chamber of Commerce Women Entrepreneurs Council (INWEC), under the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), has been inaugurated at Hotel Pal Heights in Jaydev vihar. The festival will bring together women entrepreneurs, artisans, artists, cultural practitioners, policy makers and industry leaders on one platform to celebrate the heritage of Odisha and promote entrepreneurship, financial empowerment and a sense of being vocal for local. MP Aparajita Sarangi attended the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest. Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das, Cuttack-Barabati MLA Sofia Firdous, BJP Leader and former leader Priyadarshi Mishara ICC Chairman Rajib S Sahoo, INWEC Convener Swati Kejriwal, Co-Convener Suma Devi Dash and ICC Odisha Regional Director Jyoti Prakash Pal were present in the inaugural ceremony. By inaugurating MP Smt. Sarangi said, "Odisha's cultural heritage is one of our greatest strengths. Initiatives like Raja Mauja not only preserve and promote our traditions but also create meaningful economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs and local businesses. It is heartening to see a platform that celebrates our cultural identity and the increasing contribution of women in shaping the future of Odisha." Welcoming the gathering, ICC Chairman Rajib S Sahoo highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship, collaboration and cultural preservation in building a progressive Odisha. Delivering the keynote address, Swati Kejriwal said that Raj Mauja is envisioned as a festival that creates meaningful opportunities for women entrepreneurs, artisans and creators while strengthening the cultural identity of Odisha. Speaking on the occasion, she said, "Raja is Odisha's most beloved festival, which celebrates womanhood, community and our cultural heritage. Through Raja Mauja, our aim is to create a platform where tradition meets entrepreneurship. Where local artisans and entrepreneurs get visibility and where communities come together to celebrate the spirit of Odisha. This year's edition places special emphasis on women-led businesses and the Vocal for Local movement. It showcases the immense talent, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that exists across our state. The distinguished guests appreciated INWEC's efforts in creating a unique platform that seamlessly blends culture, trade and community engagement. One of the most inspiring moments of the inauguration was the women changemakers from diverse backgrounds stories of resilience, service and leadership reflected the true spirit of empowerment and community development. The inauguration day witnessed enthusiastic participation in traditional art workshops. Which included Pattachitra Chitra Kala by Haatkatha and Jhoti-Chita Kala by Madhulita Mohanty. Which gave the participants a chance to experience the rich artistic heritage of Odisha first-hand. These sessions reinforced the importance of preserving and promoting tribal art forms for future generations. A major attraction throughout the day was the bazaar, a unique gathering of women-led enterprises, handlooms, handicrafts, textiles, lifestyle products, food brands and homegrown brands from across Odisha. The bazaar emerged as a vibrant celebration of the Vocal for Local movement, which provided entrepreneurs with an opportunity to showcase their products and connect directly with consumers. The festival also hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion on 'Enterprise Odisha: Women, Markets and the Way road Ahead, by featuring Aboli Sunil Narvane, IAS, and Pavan K. Gupta, Director, MSME Development, Cuttack moderated by Amberina Ali, INWEC Member. The creative and cultural discussion continued with a panel discussion on 'Role of Music and Cinema in Odia Culture', which featured acclaimed filmmaker and promoter Jitendra Mishra, veteran actor Sidhant Mohapatra and dance guru Saswsat Joshi. It was moderated by IWCC Co Convener Suma Devi Dash. The panelists reflected on the role of cinema, music and storytelling in building a strong creative economy as well as preserving the language, traditions and cultural identity of Odia.