Pranab Mukherjee lauds people of Odisha for their naturally-entrepreneurship skills

Former President of India Pranab Mukherjee lauded people of Odisha for their maritime legacy and naturally inhabited entrepreneurship skills here on Monday.

"People of Odisha are known for their entrepreneurship skills all over the world. Its maritime exercises started 2500 years ago," said Mukherjee, while addressing a gathering at Odisha Mohatsav here.

"To my mind, the festival of Odisha Mahotsav is quite relevant. Odisha has a rich history in various fields. I pay homage to the early entrepreneurs of Odisha who harnessed the indigenous technologies and methods to keep the culture alive," he added.

Speaking about the trade carried out through Odisha in ancient times, he said: "There are references in Buddhist manuscripts which mentions about the various maritime activities carried out through Odisha in ancient times, starting from the shipbuilding to sailing."

"The Greek and Roman authors and a host of archaeological discoveries mentions emphatically about the high sea trade between Odisha and the neighbouring countries. 14th-century Chinese coins were also found near the major port of Odisha, hinting the overseas trade," added Mukherjee.

Former President also asserted that the Odisha Mohatsva showed the world the indomitable spirit of Odisha.