I love Odisha. This state has the best of everything- beaches, waterfalls, wildlife, minerals, heritage, history, art, architecture, music, dance, food, clothes- yet remains a backward, poverty-stricken state. History records how Odias have been the most enterprising traders and sailors, going as far as Bali and Sri Lanka to trade before Ashoka's time (3rd Century BC). That's why 'Bali Jatra' is celebrated to this day during Karthik Purnima in November. Yet after Ashoka's war and subsequently over centuries, Odisha then known as 'Kalinga' or 'Utkala' (Land of Utkarsha Kala or Exquisite Arts) started declining. Subservience took over, leaving enterprise behind.
