Davos 2024: From serving Pongal to singing state songs, Indian delegates talk business amid cultural celebrations

At the Tamil Nadu Pavilion, the State Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion, and Commerce, TRB Rajaa, served delicious sweet Pongal and conveyed wishes to the visitors

The snow-blanketed Swiss Alps town of Davos saw Indian states take centre stage at the 54th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting. From serving Pongal to singing state songs, delegates, political leaders from India engaged in business discussions with a blend of culture and celebration.

At the Tamil Nadu Pavilion, the State Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion, and Commerce, TRB Rajaa, served delicious sweet Pongal and conveyed wishes to the visitors. Pongal, the four-day harvest festival in Tamil Nadu, began on January 15.

#MCAtDavos | Spreading the flavors of Tamil Nadu in Davos!

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TN Minister @TRBRajaa serves up delicious Pongal on the global stage.

For more such updates from #Davos2024, check https://t.co/GCFAQ6ApYP@OfficeOfTRBR | #Pongal2024 #Pongal #WEF2024 | @chandrarsrikant pic.twitter.com/t0mVWt3XZr

— Moneycontrol (@moneycontrolcom) January 16, 2024

Earlier, Rajaa inaugurated the Tamil Nadu Pavilion, marking the formal commencement of the state's representation on the global platform.

"We showcase the immense talent, outstanding infrastructure, and progressive policies of our state to the world's top business fraternity. While we celebrate our industrial might, we also intend to celebrate our culture and heritage. Hence, it's #PongalAtDavos this year," said Rajaa.

"We tell you how you can harvest profits when you invest in TN, as we script India’s growth story via the Dravidian model of inclusive, progressive, and sustainable governance," said Rajaa.

Also, read: WEF 2024: Indian states keen on tapping 'China-Plus-One' opportunity in Davos 

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, who was welcomed by the Brihan Maharashtra Mandal, a Marathi community, also sang ‘Jai Jai Maharashtra Majha,’ the official state song, along with them.

स्वित्झर्लंडमध्ये घुमला 'जय जय महाराष्ट्र माझा'चा सूर...

स्वित्झर्लंडमधील बृहन महाराष्ट्र मंडळाने अत्यंत उत्साहात आणि जल्लोषात स्वागत केल्यानंतर त्यांनी महाराष्ट्र गीत म्हणायला सुरुवात केली, यावेळी त्यांच्या स्वरात स्वर मिसळून मी देखील महाराष्ट्र गीत गायलो.

स्वित्झर्लंडच्या… pic.twitter.com/neN7w8Dp8G

— Eknath Shinde - एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) January 16, 2024

Meanwhile, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy, who met Telugu community members at Zurich airport on January 15, said: "They are excited to be part of a fascinating new journey to reimagine and recarve a new Telangana, marked by inclusive growth, balanced development, and progress for all."

Delighted to meet and briefly interact, along with my colleague @OffDSB garu, several prominent members of the Indian diaspora at Zurich airport today.

They are excited to be part of a fascinating new journey to reimagine and recarve a new Telangana, marked by inclusive growth,… pic.twitter.com/yS9RJGJcJd

— Revanth Reddy (@revanth_anumula) January 15, 2024

Reddy also met Børge Brende, president of the World Economic Forum, and discussed how governments, businesses, and other stakeholders can work together to improve human conditions for a better and prosperous life and make the planet more sustainable. He also met Demeke Mekonnen Hassen, deputy prime minister of Ethiopia.

"Headed to #Davos from Zurich on an overcast afternoon with a certain forecast of two exciting developments - moderate to heavy snowfall and lots of investment opportunities being finalized for #Telangana," Reddy wrote on X on January 15.

Reddy also met with Geoff Martha, chairman & CEO of Medtronic, and Preetha Reddy, executive vice-chairperson of Apollo Hospitals. The CM explained Telangana's plans in the broad area of the fusion of healthcare and technology.

CII in partnership with the Govt of Karnataka hosted a Breakfast Session with @MBPatil, Hon’ble Minister for Large and Medium Industries, Government of Karnataka, India. The deliberations centered on crucial topics such as #CleanEnergy, #GreenMobility, and cutting-edge future… pic.twitter.com/4jpFkSec92

— Confederation of Indian Industry (@FollowCII) January 16, 2024

Meanwhile, the Karnataka delegation led by Karnataka minister for commerce & industries, infrastructure MB Patil hosted a breakfast session with industrial leaders from companies like JSW Steel, Hero MotoCorp Limited, Swiggy, and Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company. The deliberations centered on crucial topics such as clean energy, green mobility, and cutting-edge future technologies. The Karnataka delegation also conducted high-level talks with heads of Johnson & Johnson, IBM, Schneider, Menzies Aviation, Mitsubishi Electric, etc.

Also, read: WEF 2024: Karnataka to pitch innovation; Tamil Nadu to showcase skilled talent pool, Dravidian model