Odisha Talks - Conclave 2026

ABOUT ODISHA TALKS

Odisha Talks is a leading digital podcast and media platform dedicated to sharing inspiring stories, meaningful conversations, and powerful ideas from Odisha and beyond.

We connect entrepreneurs, artists, leaders, social reformers, professionals, and changemakers with audiences through authentic storytelling.

265+

Podcast Episodes

200+

Inspiring Guests

19M+

Views Across Platforms

Growing

Community

Odia & Hindi

Content

CHIEF GUEST

OUR CHIEF GUEST

DR. ANIL KUMAR MOHANTY

CHIEF GUEST — ODISHA TALKS CONCLAVE 2026

Chairman, Odisha Industrial & Infrastructure Development Council

Dr. Anil Kumar Mohanty has spent over three decades shaping Odisha's industrial and economic landscape. Under his leadership the state recorded one of the fastest rates of investment growth in eastern India, with deep focus on infrastructure, manufacturing and emerging technology ecosystems.

A prolific writer and reformist thinker, he is known for championing young entrepreneurs and pushing Odisha towards a knowledge-driven, innovation-first economy. He will be sharing his perspective on how the next generation can help shape a progressive Odisha.

Innovation Ecosystem Industrialisation Startup Policy Economic Reforms

INAUGURAL SESSION • 3:00 PM • 12 December 2026

EMINENT GUESTS

Leaders, builders, thinkers and changemakers joining us on the stage of the Odisha Talks Conclave 2026.

EDUCATION

SMT. PRIYANKA NAYAK

Secretary, School & Mass Education

STARTUPS

SHRI RAJESH PATNAIK

Founder & CEO, Startup Odisha

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

MS. SASMITA MOHANTY

Director, Women & Child Development

HEALTHCARE

DR. SANJEEV KUMAR RATH

Cardiologist & Healthcare Founder

CULTURE

SHRI ADITYA NARAYAN SINGH

Classical Dancer & Cultural Icon

TECHNOLOGY

MS. RITUPARNA DAS

CTO & AI Research Lead

SUSTAINABILITY

SHRI BISWAJIT PANIGRAHI

Green Energy Entrepreneur

GOVERNANCE

SHRI MANAS RANJAN SAHU

IAS (Retd.) & Policy Adviser

PANEL LIST

Topic-wise panel discussions with the voices shaping Odisha's future.

Innovation & Growth Gen-Z Voices AI & The Future Creator Economy Youth, Politics & Society Mental Wellness Open Mic Youth & Skills

PANEL DISCUSSION 01

Women Icons & Inspirations

4:00 PM 4 Panelists

Shri Rajesh Patnaik

Founder & CEO, Startup Odisha

MODERATOR

Ms. Rituparna Das

CTO & AI Research Lead

Shri Soumya Kanti Kar

Angel Investor & Mentor

Shri Nabin Bhoi

CEO, MSME Innovation Hub

SESSION 01

Youth Leadership & Social Impact

Session 4 Panelists

Smt. Priyanka Nayak

Secretary, School & Mass Education

MODERATOR

Shri Akash Kumar Kar

Founder, SkillOdisha

Ms. Swastika Samal

HR Leader & Hiring Strategist

Shri Debasish Biswal

Student Innovator & Campus President

SESSION 02

Media & Content Creation

Session 4 Panelists

Ms. Rituparna Das

CTO & AI Research Lead

MODERATOR

Shri Akash Kumar Kar

Founder, SkillOdisha

Shri Nikhil Vaish

AI Product Builder & Educator

Dr. Sonali Bhoi

Data Scientist & Researcher

SESSION 03

Odisha Tourism & Heritage

Session 4 Panelists

Shri Aditya Narayan Singh

Classical Dancer & Cultural Icon

MODERATOR

Ms. Meenakshi Lenka

Folk Artist & Documentary Filmmaker

Shri Tapan Kumar Parida

Heritage Architect & Author

Ms. Nibedita Mishra

Handloom Designer & Founder

SESSION 04

Health & Wellness

Session 4 Panelists

Shri Manas Ranjan Sahu

IAS (Retd.) & Policy Adviser

MODERATOR

Ms. Sasmita Mohanty

Director, Women & Child Development

Shri Rajeev Kumar Pradhan

Distinguished Civil Servant

Ms. Ananya Subrat

Civil Society & RTI Activist

SESSION 05

AI, Technology & Innovation

Session 4 Panelists

Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Rath

Psychiatrist & Public Health Expert

MODERATOR

Ms. Priyanka Sethi

Clinical Psychologist

Ms. Nibedita Mishra

Content Creator & Wellness Advocate

Shri Rajeev Kumar Pradhan

Counselling Psychologist

OPEN MIC

Business, Trade & Industry

Open For All Q&A With All Speakers

Open Mic — Audience

Ask any question to the speakers on stage

Dr. Anil Kumar Mohanty

Chief Guest

SPEAKER

Smt. Priyanka Nayak

Secretary, School & Mass Education

SPEAKER

Shri Biswajit Panigrahi

Green Energy Entrepreneur

SPEAKER

PANEL DISCUSSION 02

Education & Career

08:00 PM 4 Panelists

Smt. Priyanka Nayak

Secretary, School & Mass Education

MODERATOR

Ms. Swastika Samal

HR Leader & Hiring Strategist

Shri Debasish Biswal

Student Innovator & Campus President

Shri Gaurav Kharat

Founder, Youth Skill Foundation

PANEL DISCUSSION 03

Infrastructure & Development

08:00 PM 4 Panelists

Smt. Priyanka Nayak

Secretary, School & Mass Education

MODERATOR

Ms. Swastika Samal

HR Leader & Hiring Strategist

Shri Debasish Biswal

Student Innovator & Campus President

Shri Gaurav Kharat

Founder, Youth Skill Foundation

ABOUT THE CONCLAVE

The Odisha Talks Conclave brings together thought leaders, industry experts, creators, policymakers and changemakers on one platform to discuss ideas, opportunities and solutions for a progressive Odisha.

It is a space for meaningful dialogue, collaboration and action towards a brighter future.

Different Perspectives,

A Stronger Odisha.

AGENDA OF THE EVENT

1:00 PM

Registration & Networking Tea

3:00 PM

Inaugural Session

3:30 PM

Keynote Address

4:00 PM

Panel Discussion 1 — Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Odisha's Growth

08:00 PM

Panel Discussion 2 — Youth, Skills & Opportunities

08:15 PM

Special Session / Fireside Chat

08:45 PM

Closing Remarks

09:00 PM

Dinner

KEY TOPICS

Infrastructure & Development

Infrastructure planning, roads, urban development, connectivity and sustainable public & private infrastructure.

Education & Career

Future-ready education, career pathways, skills and employment opportunities.

Business, Trade & Industry

Business growth, trade, manufacturing, MSMEs, established enterprises, investment, industry and economic development.

AI, Technology & Innovation

Artificial intelligence, digital transformation, emerging technologies and innovation.

Health & Wellness

Physical and mental well-being, preventive healthcare, fitness, healthy lifestyles and access to health services.

Odisha Tourism & Heritage

Tourism opportunities, Odisha's historic sites, temples, beaches, natural landscapes, cultural traditions and heritage conservation.

Media & Content Creation

Podcasting, digital media, journalism, social media, creators and storytelling.

Youth Leadership & Social Impact

Leadership, civic participation, community initiatives and positive social change.

Women Icons & Inspirations

Women's political participation, leadership, representation and public policy. Celebrating inspiring women, their achievements

ACTIVITIES OF ODISHA TALKS

Beyond conversations, Odisha Talks works across multiple formats to connect people, ideas and opportunities.

Podcast Interviews with Inspiring Personalities
Digital Stories & Documentaries
Thought Leadership Discussions
Community Engagement Programs
Youth & Entrepreneurship Initiatives
Social Awareness Campaigns
Collaborations & Events

WHY ATTEND?

Interact with prominent leaders and changemakers
Gain insights into opportunities in Odisha
Be part of meaningful discussions for a better future
Network with like-minded professionals
Experience the Odisha Talks community

BE A PART OF
THE CONVERSATION

PEOPLE | IDEAS | PROGRESS | ODISHA

ODISHA TALKS PORTFOLIO

A JOURNEY OF IMPACTFUL CONVERSATIONS

Over the years, Odisha Talks has hosted 500+ podcast episodes featuring inspiring personalities from diverse fields. Here are some memorable moments from our journey.