Business Eminence Awards-2025
The much-anticipated Business Eminence Awards 2025, jointly organised by Odisha’s only home-grown English daily OrissaPOST and Odia daily Dharitri, is being held Saturday at Hotel Swosti Premium in Bhubaneswar.
The prestigious event was formally inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Founder of Biggies Burger Biraja Prasad Rout, Editor of OrissaPOST and Dharitri Tathagata Satpathy, and CEO of OrissaPOST and Dharitri Adyasha Satpathy. Singh Deo attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest, while Rout is the Chief Speaker.
In her welcome address, CEO of OrissaPOST and Dharitri, Adyasha Satpathy, thanked all the attendees, as well as the Chief Guest and Chief Speaker. She congratulated all the awardees and said, “We realise how tough it is to run a successful business—not just in Odisha, but anywhere. We know this because we run a media business. Dharitri recently completed 50 years, and through that journey, we’ve learned that to grow in any environment, one must face the many challenges of running a business.”
She said the team had faced daily challenges in journalism and had always strived to remain fearless and impartial—an approach inspired by Editor Tathagata Satpathy, who had stepped away from politics to uphold journalism as a fair platform and a voice for the people.
She added, “OrissaPOST was launched with the mission to fill the gap for English readers in Odisha who needed credible news in print. Along with local news, we provide strong coverage of national and international events so that Odias don’t feel left out or underserved. When it comes to a homegrown English daily, we are proud to say that OrissaPOST is the only one of its kind in the state today. And we remain fully committed to staying true to the spirit of journalism.”
Speaking about the Business Eminence Awards, she said, “It began in 2021, at the peak of COVID. At that time, we realised that many businesses were struggling—some were barely staying afloat, while others were shutting down. But at the same time, there were people, businesses, and enterprises that fought to survive. They retained their employees and continued paying salaries. That spirit of entrepreneurship—of trying to keep a business alive during the toughest times—needed to be acknowledged.”
“We wanted to recognise business owners and entrepreneurs, not just for making money for themselves, but for being job creators. They provide employment opportunities, they offer livelihoods to others. We must acknowledge the contribution, the sacrifice, the hard work, and the toil that go into every big and small enterprise, ” she added.
Chief Speaker Biraja Prasad Rout, Founder of Biggies Burger, said during his address, “Looking back to 2011, when I began this journey with just Rs 20,000 in savings, I never imagined building what is today India’s largest homegrown burger chain. But, the inner conviction within me defines my journey. Platforms like Business Eminence Awards, organised by Dharitri and OrissaPOST, are crucial in recognising and celebrating the hard work and resilience that go into building something from the ground up. Back in 2011, there were hardly any platforms in Odisha—or even across India—that supported or celebrated entrepreneurship. But things have changed. India has changed. Today, the nation recognises that entrepreneurship is a key driver of economic growth. It’s no longer seen as a risky alternative, but as a vital force shaping the future of our economy.”
Rout added that, “Growing up, our parents often believed that becoming a doctor or an engineer were the only respectable career paths. When we walked through areas like Janpath or Saheed Nagar in Bhubaneswar and saw big showrooms, we felt they were beyond the reach of middle-class families like ours. But when I moved to Bengaluru, I saw a different picture. I realised there was a gap in Odisha’s business landscape. It was there that I came across global brands like KFC and McDonald’s—and it struck me: the humble burger has the potential to become a scalable, global product. For too long, Odisha has been a consumer rather than a creator in such industries, relying on businesses from more developed regions. But today, I’m proud to say that the dream we started with just Rs 20,000 has grown into a brand that generates over Rs 100 crore in annual revenue. What began as a small 5×5 ft kiosk in Bengaluru is now serving nearly 1% of India’s population. We’re competing head-to-head with global giants—and we’re doing it with pride.”
“In 1930, India and China were on a similar economic footing. Today, China’s economy is eight times larger than India’s. With a comparable population, they’ve managed to scale in ways we’ve yet to fully achieve. It’s time for India—and for Odisha—to rise to the challenge. Economic strength will come not just from traditional industries, but through a strong, vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Odisha is already on the rise, growing at nearly 12% CAGR. It’s crucial for every entrepreneur here to think big and dream global. It doesn’t matter whether you have Rs 2,000 or Rs 200 crore in your bank account. What matters is whether your business is scalable, whether it’s built to fit the ever-evolving demand-supply dynamics,” Rour said.
Chief Guest Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, extended his warm greetings to the gathering on the auspicious occasion of ‘Ashoka Ashtami. ’
In his address, Singh Deo lauded Biraja Rout for his remarkable courage and vision in venturing into the competitive burger market, proudly representing Odisha on the national stage. He commended Dharitri for completing 50 illustrious years of journalistic service and highlighted the pioneering launch of the Dharitri portal in 1997—the first Odia news portal of its kind.
Singh Deo congratulated all the awardees for their outstanding contributions to business and enterprise and expressed gratitude to the sponsors for supporting and celebrating entrepreneurial excellence. In a candid moment, he appealed to Tathagata Satpathy to consider returning to active politics, emphasising the need for visionary leadership to propel Odisha toward becoming the number one state in the country.
Addressing the audience at the Business Eminence Awards 2025, Editor of OrissaPOST and Dharitri Tathagata Satpathy reflected on the significance of entrepreneurship, decision-making and resilience—especially in the context of Odisha’s unique business landscape.
Recalling the origins of the event, Satpathy said the awards were first conceptualised in 2021, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic—a time when the print media industry itself was grappling with serious challenges. “Many residential colonies in Bhubaneswar had banned newspaper hawkers, treating them almost like untouchables,” he said, highlighting the stigma and disruption faced by essential service providers. “It was in those testing times that we decided to honour those who chose to persevere—those who fought to keep their businesses alive.”
He noted that Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had graced the inaugural edition of the awards, demonstrating his support during one of the most uncertain phases for the economy. “Those who survived that period are now thriving. Their journeys deserve not just applause but deep respect.”
Satpathy went on to underscore the unique challenges of doing business in Odisha, noting that while it may not be easy to sustain an enterprise in the state, long-term success is very much achievable for those who persist. “Odisha is sacred ground,” he said. “And though it may test you, if you keep going, it will reward you.”
A recurring theme in Satpathy’s address was the importance of decision-making—a skill he believes should be nurtured from a young age. “The ability to take decisions is one of the most important traits in life. It must be embedded into our education system. Whether a decision is right or wrong is for the future to judge—what matters is having the courage to act.”
Drawing a parallel between politicians and entrepreneurs, he offered a nuanced perspective on public perception. “Many believe political leaders are corrupt or immoral. That may be true in part, but let’s not forget that politics is a high-stakes profession. There’s no career with more risk and more at stake,” he said. “Entrepreneurs are no different. They too are decision-makers, constantly choosing paths without knowing what lies ahead.”
“Decision-makers shape our future,” he added. “You may agree with them or not, but they are the ones who remain in the game.”
Concluding his address, Satpathy congratulated all the awardees, calling them ‘bright stars’ in their respective fields. He offered his prayers to Lord Jagannath for their continued success and reaffirmed the media group’s commitment to celebrating entrepreneurship and resilience in Odisha.
The event witnessed participation from prominent business leaders and professionals across sectors. Organised annually, the Business Eminence Awards aim to honour outstanding contributions in business and entrepreneurship, celebrating the spirit of innovation, leadership and impact in Odisha.
Business Eminence Awards-2024
The much-awaited Business Eminence Awards ceremony organised jointly by OrissaPOST and Odia daily Dharitri is being held at Hotel Swosti Premium in Bhubaneswar, Saturday, March 23, 2024.
Editor of OrissaPOST and Dharitri Tathagata Satpathy, CEO of OrissaPOST and Dharitri Adyasha Satpathy, Managing Director of Atmosphere Core Salil Panigrahi, Principal Secretary of Department of Electronics & IT, and OCAC Chairman Manoj Kumar Mishra, jointly inaugurated the mega event. While Panigrahi is the Chief Guest, Mishra is the Chief Speaker.
In her welcome address, OrissaPOST and Dharitri CEO Adyasha Satpathy briefed the audience about the event.
“Generally, most parents in our part of the world want their kids to study well and get a decent job. It is good to emphasise on academic success, but when it comes to developing an entrepreneurial mindset, our society still lags behind. So kudos to people who have done it. All the awardees present here have shown a path to youngsters that success can also be achieved by starting something of your own. OrissaPOST and Dharitri are proud to honour all of you,” she said.
Addressing the audience, Chief Speaker Manoj Kumar Mishra said, “Earlier people used to look down upon entrepreneurship and admired government jobs. I appeal to all of you not to do this to yourself or to your children. Because, nowadays one works like a private-sector employee in government but does get paid like that. If you can predict the next problem that mankind might face and use technologies to address that, you can be the next millionaire,” he added.
The Chief Guest Salil Panigrahi said, “It is very important for entrepreneurs to maintain transparency. Just be absolutely truthful to your partners, bankers, investors and employees. If your thought process is clear, I am 100 per cent sure that everybody will believe in you and success will follow”.
OrissaPOST Editor Tathagata Satpathy in his address said, “We Odias are not a servant race. If you read our (Odia) history, we fought many battles, thrived in trade by navigating the unexpectedness of seas, and brought social transformations in the past. So, if we can believe in ourselves and tap into our true potential, then we can surely become the economic powerhouse of India,” he stated.
Business Eminence Awards-2023
The much-awaited Business Eminence Awards ceremony organised by Dharitri and OrissaPOST held at Hotel Swosti Premium in Bhubaneswar, Saturday, March 18, 2023.
Editor of Dharitri and OrissaPOST Tathagata Satpathy, MSME Minister Pratap Keshari Deb and FICCI President Subhrakant Panda jointly inaugurated the mega event. While Deb is the Chief Guest, Panda is the Chief Speaker.
In his welcome address, Dharitri and OrissaPOST Editor Tathagata Satpathy briefed the audience about the event.
“Odisha is an agrarian economy. The state is trying to turn into an industrial economy and in this entrepreneurs’ role is important. Through the Business Eminence Awards, we try to recognise new and talented entrepreneurs from different fields,” Satpathy said.
Satpathy and MSME Minister Deb conferred Business Eminence Award to FICCI president and IMFA Ltd MD Subhrakanta Panda on the occasion.
“Awards like Business Eminence Awards are necessary to recognise and encourage entrepreneurs to keep doing their work,” Panda said in his acceptance speech. He further added that Odisha is turning into an investment destination in recent times. This is happening because of the focused approach and policies of the state government, he noted.
Minister Deb said that infrastructure development is very important for industrial development.
“Odisha under former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik had started infrastructure development. Business Eminence Awards by Dharitri and OrissaPOST is a perfect place to discuss the business and policy,” he remarked.
Minister Deb said that the goal of the state government is to turn Odisha into a manufacturing hub while adding that people have to change their mindset to enhance the business environment in the state.
It may be mentioned here that the event is being attended by several business personalities from different sectors. The award ceremony has been organised by the newspapers to recognise the outstanding work of industrialists despite a challenging business environment.
The event was attended by several business personalities from different sectors. The award ceremony is organised by the newspapers every year to recognise the outstanding work of industrialists despite a challenging business environment.
Business Eminence Awards-2022
Dharitri and Orissa POST organise Business Eminence Awards-2022 to recognise and celebrate local entrepreneurship.
Elaborating on progressive policies of the state govt, Chief Secretary SC Mahapatra stated that they are bringing up more developmental projects and policies in future.
Ushering in a new phase of promising industrial development, the second edition of Business Eminence Awards held in Bhubaneswar on 2nd April 2022, Saturday saw Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik urging top business leaders
of the state to carry forward the momentum and reach new horizons.
Jointly organised by Dharitri and Orissa POST, the event aims at recognising and celebrating the local entrepreneurship and laud the efforts of distinguished business personalities who continued to create wealth and
employment opportunities for the state braving the debilitating impact of Covid-19.
Inaugurating the event virtually, Patnaik stated that Odisha has shown a spectacular GSDP growth of 10.1 per cent in financial year 2021-22 which is way ahead of the national GDP growth of 8.8 per cent during the same period. Hinting at encouraging times ahead, he mentioned that the industries sector is set for a high growth at 14.5 per cent.
“I congratulate the Dharitri and Orissa POST for conducting this wonderful initiative which will definitely encourage the business community of Odisha. Odisha has received over Rs 4.4 lakh crore investment intents during last three years. This could create employment opportunities for over 1.5 lakh people. I am sure, Odisha will continue to be the most favoured destination of investors from all across the globe,” the Chief Minister added.
Gracing the occasion as chief speaker, Naveen Jindal, Chairman of Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL),
reminisced the days of struggle while setting up the first coal gasification plant in India which would shift focus
of consumption of coal for power generation to manufacturing of steel.
“During our struggle of 2014-18 Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and his government helped us a lot. The administration helped us run the largest steel plant in Angul where we produced more than 4.5 million tonne steel in last financial year,” Jindal added. Furthermore, Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra congratulated Orissa POST and Dharitri for taking steps in organising such a mega event. Elaborating on the progressive policies
taken up by the state government in the last couple of years, Mahapatra stated that they are bringing up more developmental projects and policies in future. Welcoming the guests and awardees, Dharitri and Orissa POST Editor Tathagata Satpathy said, “We have been constantly representing voice of people without fear or favour. Society mostly notices achievers but rarely acknowledges the struggle that one has to face and overcome to achieve success. Observing this, we want to acknowledge and recognise the entrepreneurs and bring them in spotlight through this event,” Satpathy said. Concluding the event, Chief Executive of the newspapers Adyasha Satpathy delivered the vote of thanks.
Business Eminence Awards-2021
Inaugurating the first edition of the Business Eminence Awards function in Bhubaneswar, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik lauded the efforts of the business leaders in maintaining a positive business climate even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The programme jointly organised by Dharitri and Orissa POST aimed to celebrate the spirit of indigenous entrepreneurship and appreciate the efforts of business persons in Odisha in creating wealth for the state overcoming all odds, especially the COVID pandemic.
Altogether 42 social and economic leaders from the state were honored on the occasion.
In his inaugural speech, delivered through virtual mode, the Chief Minister talked about the hand-holding support provided by the state government to all business sectors during the last one year. “I am happy that Dharitri and Orissa POST have taken the initiative to honour eminent entrepreneurs and business leaders of Odisha. These leaders not only managed to drive their businesses forward during the pandemic but kept a positive outlook during a grim situation,” he said.
He further said, “Though the post-pandemic situation has put the global economy into tailspin, sparing none in the process, the inspiring success stories of local business persons have contributed to the growth of a conducive business climate in the state.”
Hailing the stimulating performances of the winners of the Business Eminence Award, Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Steel, Dharmendra Pradhan, who was the chief guest at the event, urged the local business houses to focus on adding value to the diverse minerals mined in the state. “This will help to create more wealth for the state and stimulate growth across the province.”
“Odisha is endowed with an assortment of minerals and we currently account for 16 per cent of the entire metal production in the country. However, as far as value addition is concerned, we are way behind other states. The state government as well as our entrepreneurs needs to focus on this. We need to ensure more wealth creation for the lower and middle classes,” he said.
“Unless we improve the lot of the lower middle class and create more wealth, the economy of the state will not rise. Role of education, service industry and others will play vital roles in achieving this,” the minister said.
Delivering the key note address, Vishal Dev, Special Secretary of Tourism Department, discussed how the state, which was once treated as backward, transformed itself into the “most preferred investment destination” during the last two decades.
“Around 2000, Odisha was considered a background state but over the last two decades we have emerged as one of the best governed states. We are leading in several sectors, including disaster management. We are a power surplus state and now emerging as the sports capital of the country,” he said.
Welcoming the guests and awardees, Editor of Dharitri and Orissa POST Tathagata Satpathy said that the Business Eminence Awards aim to recognise the efforts of business persons who didn’t lower their guards during the pandemic, but emerged as role models for many in the state and outside.
Talking about the concept behind the awards, Satpathy said, “This is a very critical phase in global history. COVID has been a great leveler. It taught us all different lessons and forced us to look inwards. It made us conscious of our commonalities. While many in the world failed and collapsed, the awardees are the brave warriors who not only overcame the difficulties, but succeeded and grew. We consider them as social and economic leaders of the state.”
Adyasha Satpathy, CEO of the two publications, delivered the vote of thanks.
