Bhubaneswar: Emphasising the importance of learning from history while embracing change, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati on Tuesday said that the past is not something to be left behind, but something to be leveraged to build a peaceful, inclusive and dynamic present, and a confident and secure future. The Governor was addressing the opening ceremony of the Gopalpur Beach Festival–2026 at Gopalpur in Ganjam district.
He said that societies which respect their traditions, protect the environment and adapt thoughtfully to modern times are best positioned to achieve sustainable and harmonious growth. Describing the festival as more than a cultural gathering, Kambhampati said it is a celebration of nature, heritage and shared aspirations.
With the sea as a silent witness and the shoreline alive with creativity, he said the festival stands as a living expression of Odisha’s cultural depth, collective pride and forward-looking spirit. The Governor said that Gopalpur is not merely a scenic coastal destination, but a place where history and modernity converge.
Recalling Odisha’s rich maritime legacy, he said the coastline has for centuries served as a gateway between the State and the wider world, with the sailors of ancient Kalinga carrying culture, values and ideas of peaceful exchange across oceans.
Highlighting the relevance of the Blue Economy, Kambhampati said the sea offers immense sustainable opportunities in fisheries, tourism, renewable energy, marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods, while also imparting lessons of balance, resilience and responsibility essential for long-term development.
He said the Gopalpur Beach Festival brings these ideas to life by celebrating folk arts, music, dance, crafts, cuisine and community traditions, while simultaneously strengthening the local economy through tourism, employment generation and support to artisans, self-help groups and grassroots entrepreneurs.
Referring to his recent visit to Olive Ridley turtle conservation sites at the Rushikulya river mouth, the Governor stressed the need to balance development with environmental care. He commended the district administration, artists, organisers and volunteers for making the festival a vibrant platform for culture, sustainability and community participation. Prior to inaugurating the festival, the Governor performed the ‘Samudra Arati’.