Bhubaneswar to Host International Conference on Odisha’s Civilisational Ties with Southeast Asia

Bhubaneswar 23rd May, 2025 The International Conference on “Kalinga and Southeast Asia: The Civilisational Connect” will be held on 24th and 25th May in Bhubaneswar. Aimed at exploring the deep-rooted historical, maritime and cultural bonds between ancient Kalinga (present day Odisha) and Southeast Asian countries, the conference promises to bring global attention to the Odisha’s rich civilisational legacy.

The conference is being jointly organized by the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department, Government of Odisha, the Institute of Media Studies, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar and the Government of India. This significant initiative will witness the participation of eminent professors, scholars, historians and researchers from India and across Southeast Asia. Through in-depth discussions, the conference seeks to revisit and re-establish the age-old linkages Odisha shared with the nations of South east Asia.

The conference will feature multiple plenary sessions covering diverse themes such as historical connections, cultural exchanges and literary linkages. A special focus will be given to ancient maritime trade which historically positioned Odisha as a vital hub of commerce and trade.

This international conference is expected to serve as a pivotal platform for academic engagement, regional cooperation and cultural rediscovery. By revisiting shared civilisational narratives, it reaffirms Odisha’s enduring contribution to India’s maritime history and its historical role in shaping the cultural contours of Southeast Asia.