With The Help Of The State Government, DN Group Hopes To Bring Economic Boost For Odisha

For a few weeks, the eyes of the sporting world are on Odisha, as the cities of Bhubaneswar and Rourkela play host to the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup. Jagadish Prasad Naik—Chairman of DN Group, an Odisha-based real-estate conglomerate—believes the state has demonstrated it can stage global sporting events as well as anyone, and is well on its way to becoming India’s sports hub. He feels the ‘Soft Power’ accruing from such gatherings can lead to increased investment, which can benefit local industry and boost physical and social infrastructure. Besides, Naik is confident that DN Group can partner with the state government in Odisha’s journey to economic prosperity. J.P. Naik talks to us about the positive impact being created by the event.

Q 1. Since the last decade Odisha has grown manifold in terms of Social infrastructure.

The national game of Hockey has been promoted rigorously and has put Odisha on the world map both for Men and Women national teams. This is the first time that a state has sponsored both teams.

As an Odia and a social entrepreneur what are your views?

As an Odia and a social entrepreneur, it gives me and my fellow Odia’s immense sense of pride to see my state Odisha emerge as a sports capital of India. The Hockey World Cup has not only attracted the Indian nationals but also sparked interest among the international tourists, who bring lots of new business opportunities to India and have helped boost the local economy. Besides, hosting an event of such magnitude has put our state prominently on the world map.

Q 2. How are the Industry Leaders, Civic Bodies & Business Houses supporting this world event?

Many business houses including our group have come forward to contribute towards this one of a kind prestigious event and to support the government to stage the event in every possible way. Many Social leaders, NGOs and change seekers have spontaneously joined their hands with the Government to make this event a huge success.

A lot of services have been introduced like 5G services have also been launched in two more cities – Rourkela (Steel City) and Berhampur (Silk City) city on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. Earlier this service was launched in the temple city Bhubaneswar and silver city Cuttack. This service will be a game changer for Odisha as Rourkela – a major business and educational hub along with Bhubaneswar is co-hosting the ongoing FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup.

Q 3. How is the staging of the FIH World Cup and series of other sporting events going to support the state in the long term on the basis of Physical and Social infrastructure?

Shree Naveen Pattnaik’s Govt has put lots of effort to match the infrastructure of the state capital Bhubaneswar in comparison to any other comparable global city. This mega global event is sure to bolster the state’s image as a state capable of organising and conducting events on such a large scale to complement India’s superpower pitch and fervour. This will reflect cooperative federalism in true spirit.Rourkela is now home to the world’s biggest hockey stadium and this is a fitting tribute to the unmatchable hockey prowess of our indigenous communities, not only in Sundargarh but in the entire country.

The state, after the world cup, will emerge as an indelible marquee dot on the global sports map. It is poised to be the country’s sports hub. From here, the ‘Odisha Soft Power’ narrative will be raised further. Sports has been one of the priority sectors for the state in the last decade and the budget has grown significantly between 2018 and 2022, almost 14 times. The sports industry has the potential to contribute about 1-2 per cent to the state gross domestic product. The ecosystem includes sports infrastructure, sports events, sports hospitality, training, manufacturing and retail of sports goods.

The State has developed and revamped three world class international stadiums, support activities and destinations like Sports Hostel, Service Apartments / Budget / Business and Luxury hotels, Cultural Hubs, Community Interaction Centres like parks Amphitheatres. Hence all these infrastructure and activities will complete the life cycle of future projects.

Q 4. As a leading business conglomerate, how are you contributing to this initiative?

We at DN Group are privileged to be a part of this program, especially with the flagship symbol of our Hospitality vertical Hotel Vivanta acting as a leading partner to host the players from various teams along with many celebrities who are here to entertain the public/crowds under the annual city festival of Bhubaneswar called .FEST.

Along with this, IHCL is also taking care of the Sports Village at Rourkela. This combined effort by all of us speaks volumes about the interest we have shown in contributing towards the goal of providing World Class Hockey Infrastructure by the State Government.

Q 5. What is the mood in the state due to the staging of this World Event?

Odisha also became the only venue to host the Hockey World Cup twice consecutively, with the first edition held amidst much fanfare in 2018. Due to this there is an air of festivity in the town as the roads are lit up by coloured tree lanterns, the street lights have small potted plants and the street walls are freshly painted with artwork by various artists. The city is looking so vibrant and full of life.

Q 6. The State Government has incurred huge expenditure towards making new stadiums and upgrading the present stadiums and other social infrastructures. Do you think these expenditures are justified by spending public money?

In my opinion the economic benefit of sports may be smaller in comparison to the social and mental development it ushers in. It helps to create a better & healthier State in the long run, so it cannot be compared with immediate benefits or return.

Creating new-age infrastructures for the benefit of citizens is one of the most priority for any Government and our Hon’ble CM – Shri Naveen Pattnaik’s vision to provide best to best world class social infrastructure for his state is commendable.

Infrastructure is the backwards integration of many industries like Real Estate, Hospitality, Healthcare, Education, Commercial, organised retail and Leisure destinations. DN group has its presence in all these and are serving like a Captain of the state. Due to this event and robust infrastructure we are getting a dual advantage like Bhubaneswar is getting promoted as a world class city in the national and global arena and the Odia diaspora community is interested to invest in the State of Odisha.

Q 7. In the changing scenario, what is the demographic trend as far as investment in Real Estate properties are concerned in the State?

As far as Real Estate is concerned we have launched 4 projects in the last 3 and half years and our demographic trend reveals that we are generating sales of 70% (approx.) from outside the state and abroad on a combined basis.

In this way as the government is developing world class infrastructure, we are matching it by developing world class products in the field of Real Estate, Education, Hospitality Retail and Entertainment for the world market.