Billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates arrived in Bhubaneswar on Monday for a series of high-profile programs in Odisha.
Senior ministers of the Odisha government welcomed the gates on landing at Biju Patnaik International Airport. He will meet with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik during his stay to discuss healthcare, education, and social welfare collaborations.
Among his key engagements, Gates will visit the state vaccination center to review immunization drives. He is expected to highlight the importance of full vaccination coverage for children to eliminate diseases.
The tycoon will also visit schools and anganwadi centers benefiting from the Odisha government’s skilling and literacy programs. Gates is likely to announce additional financial support from his foundation to boost digital literacy and skills training in the state.
A visit to the state’s flagship medical college in Cuttack is also on the cards, where the philanthropist will take stock of diagnostic and research facilities. The Gates Foundation has previously funded programs in Odisha to reduce child malnutrition and maternal mortality rates.
Gates’ delegation had shared that Odisha’s health initiatives aligned closely with his foundation’s priorities in India. Hence, the purpose of the visit is to explore deeper partnership avenues.
During his packed itinerary, the wealthy philanthropist’s trip has generated buzz in Bhubaneswar as he prepares to engage with government agencies, young students, health workers, and women’s self-help groups.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik welcomed Gates, saying,
“We are delighted to host him in Odisha. His knowledge and experience will inspire our efforts to achieve sustainable healthcare, education, skilling, and nutrition development.”
A senior official stated,
“Gates’ visit highlights Odisha’s effective interventions in social sectors. We look forward to synergies between the state programs and the Gates Foundation to accelerate human development in Odisha.”
Bill Gates last visited Odisha in 2010, along with his wife, Melinda. This time, he arrives alone for his strictly work-related agenda centered on charting the path ahead for deepened social sector partnerships with the proactive state government.
Given Gates’ persona as a global icon, the ordinary public is eager to glimpse the American billionaire, often hailed as the original ‘tech visionary.’ His visit has certainly captured widespread attention in Odisha.
