Travel & Tourism Advisory
Dr. J. K. Mohanty
Dr. J. K. Mohanty is the Chairman & Managing Director of the Swosti Group, a leading name in hospitality, tourism, and education in Odisha. With over four decades of leadership, he has developed prominent hotel and resort properties and significantly contributed to the state’s tourism infrastructure. A strong advocate of Odisha’s global tourism presence, he has represented the state at international platforms, holds key positions in industry bodies, and has been honored with an honorary Doctor of Literature (D.Litt.) for his outstanding contributions to the hospitality sector.
Shri. V Nata Raju
Mr. V. Nata Raju is a seasoned travel and tourism professional with over three decades of experience in luxury inbound travel. Beginning his career in 1983, he specialized in managing high-end tours for international clients, including dignitaries and elite groups, and designing diverse travel experiences across India and Nepal. He held leadership roles at Cox & Kings (2008–2019), overseeing global sales, training, and VIP tourism operations. He has also served as Chief Coordinating Officer (CCO) for prestigious luxury travel initiatives such as Maharajas’ Express, The Ultimate Travelling Camp, and Deccan Odyssey, managing elite travel experiences and strategic operations.
Smt. Subhashreebhanja
Smt. Subhashree Bhanja is the Founder of Shinestar Global Holidays Private Limited, a fast-growing travel enterprise specializing in curated domestic and international tours. With over 15 years of experience and travel across 35+ countries, she is known for designing personalized travel experiences, especially for senior citizens. A first-generation entrepreneur from Bhubaneswar, she transitioned from being a teacher and homemaker to building a successful global travel brand, while actively promoting Odisha tourism, empowering youth, and fostering a sustainable, women-led enterprise.
Shri. Alok Kumar
Mr. Alok Kumar is a seasoned tourism entrepreneur and Managing Director of Sand Pebbles Tour N Travels India Pvt. Ltd. and Bhitarkanika Jungle Resorts, with over three decades of experience in the travel and hospitality industry. He leads multiple ventures spanning resorts, transport, and event management, and is an active member of key tourism bodies, including the State Tourism Promotion Council. Recognized with several awards, he has played a significant role in promoting Odisha tourism and is known for delivering high-quality, customer-focused services.
Shri. Sushanta Pradhan
Shri Sushanta Pradhan is a grassroots activist and aquaculture entrepreneur from Odisha with over 15 years of experience in fisheries, rural development, and eco-tourism. He leads Duba Fish Farm, where he has implemented large-scale fish farming, hatchery systems, and modern techniques like Bio-floc and RAS. He has trained over 750 farmers, focusing on youth, women, and marginalized communities, and actively promotes sustainable livelihoods through fisheries, eco-tourism, and skill development initiatives.
Shri Tushar Kanti Sahu
Mr. T.K. Sahu is a distinguished steel industry veteran with over 41 years of experience. He retired as Executive Director (Commercial & International Trade) at Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and later held global leadership roles in Thailand and the UK. An alumnus of Ravenshaw College and Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, he has also represented India at international forums and continues to contribute as an advisor and mentor in the steel sector and community initiatives.
Shri Parvat Panda
Mr. Parvat Panda is an entrepreneur and Founder of Retrod, with over 12 years of experience across travel technology, hospitality, banking, and startups. After beginning his career in banking, he transitioned into entrepreneurship and built Retrod to empower mid and budget hotels with scalable solutions, achieving significant growth with over ₹400 crore in bookings in 2025. He is actively involved in the startup ecosystem through organizations like TiE and Odisha Corporate Foundation, and also serves as an Independent Director at Thinkers Cave.
Smt. Ushasi Rath
Since 2018, Ms. Ratha has been dedicated to promoting Odisha’s traditional handicrafts while actively supporting small entrepreneurs and grassroots startups. Her brand works with local artisans specializing in Golden Grass weaving, Pattachitra, Palm Leaf art, Paper Mache, Dhokra, and hand-painted textiles. Beyond her own venture, she consistently provides a platform to emerging rural entrepreneurs, helping them showcase their products, access markets, and build sustainable livelihoods. Her mission is to uplift grassroots talent and ensure that small-scale artisans and local startups get the recognition and opportunities they deserve.