Bill Gates Visits Maa Mangla Basti in Bhubaneswar, Interacts with Residents

Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates paid a visit to the Maa Mangla Basti in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, where he engaged in meaningful interactions with the local residents. Gates was accompanied by government officials as he toured the Biju Adarsh Colony.

Gates took the time to speak with women’s self-help groups working in the area and had discussions with beneficiaries of government welfare schemes. State officials such as Urban Development Secretary G Mathi Vathanan mentioned that they showcased the area’s progress, highlighting land rights, tap water connections, toilets, and power supply.

Anu Garg, the State Development Commissioner, expressed that Gates was pleased to see the transformation of the slum into a model colony. The residents welcomed Gates with open arms, sharing their stories of how these welfare schemes have impacted their lives positively.

A resident of the colony recalled that Gates showed genuine interest in learning about their past living conditions and the present improvements. Gates, who arrived in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, is set to meet with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in the coming days.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation commonly collaborates with various state government departments, aiming to create sustainable development projects across Indian cities.