BHUBANESHWAR, Apr 22: In a significant push to reposition itself on the global tourism map, Odisha on Wednesday unveiled a new brand identity and tagline,”Think India, Think Odisha”, signaling a strategic shift towards projecting the state as a vibrant, experience-driven destination.
The initiative, led by the state’s Department of Tourism, aligns with the broader developmental visions of “Samrudh Odisha 2036” and “Vikshit Bharat 2047,” marking Odisha’s transition from a lesser-known destination to a confident and competitive global tourism hub.
The new branding was launched alongside the announcement of the OMC Puri Coastal Marathon (OPCM), a first-of-its-kind international sporting event aimed at boosting sports and experiential tourism in the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, MLAs Om Prakash Mishra, Ashrit Pattanayak, and Sunil Kumar Mohanty, along with Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh, senior officials, and stakeholders from tourism and sports sectors, were present at the event.
Addressing the gathering, Parida said Odisha is steadily emerging as a high-performance tourism economy, driven by focused branding, infrastructure expansion, and immersive visitor experiences. She noted that the new tagline reflects an aspirational identity, inviting global travellers to experience India through Odisha’s rich cultural, spiritual, and natural heritage.
The launch event began with a ceremonial run from Blue Flag Beach to Taj Resort & Spa, drawing enthusiastic participation from fitness enthusiasts and local residents.
Adding visual grandeur, renowned sand artist Padma Shri Sudarshan Patnaik created a striking sand art installation at the Blue Flag Beach to unveil the official OPCM logo, symbolising Odisha’s cultural legacy and coastal vibrancy.
The inaugural edition of the OMC Puri Coastal Marathon is scheduled for December 13. With a prize pool exceeding Rs.1 crore, it is poised to be among the country’s most competitive marathon events.
The marathon aims to attract elite athletes, amateur runners, and international participants, offering a distinctive experience along Puri’s scenic coastline, including a six-kilometre stretch on golden sands.
Multiple race categories-Full Marathon (42 km), Half Marathon (21 km), 10 km, and 5 km-have been designed to encourage broad participation.
The official marathon website was also launched, with registrations now open for participants from across India and abroad.
Globally known for the Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri offers a unique blend of spirituality, culture, and natural beauty. The marathon logo incorporates iconic elements such as the Patita Pavana Bana of the Jagannath Temple, the Konark Chakra, and the waves of the Bay of Bengal, symbolising motion, energy, and Odisha’s distinctive coastal identity.
(UNI)
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