More than 1,200 Odias from different parts of the world, including Canada and India, came together under one platform in the US for a three-day celebration of Odia culture and heritage at the 47th annual convention of the Odisha Society of the Americas (OSA) from July 1 to 3.
Inaugurated by Jogeswar Rath, one of the pioneering members of the OSANE chapter, the convention was attended by many distinguished guests from America as well as from Odisha. Award winning author Ramachandra Behera, social activist Dr Sruti Mohapatra and Deputy Consul General Manoj Mohapatra joined as chief guest, keynote speaker and guest of honor.
OSA president Sushant Satpathy shared the decision of the Government of Odisha to facilitate certification of Odia language for NROs and the progress made in notification of the 2001 Odisha Public library Act.
OSA vice-president Sulochana Patnaik, secretary Saradakanta Panda and treasurer Siddharth Behera conducted various meetings.
Disability activist Dr Sruti Mohapatra was hounoured with the OSA life Time Achievement Award. OSA also recognised few of its members with the annual OSA awards.
Many artistes like singers Rituraj Mohanty and Amrita Panda and contemporary dancers Harihar Das and Sujata Mohapatra enthralled the
audience with their performances. An Odia speech competition, seminars and exhibition showcasing Odisha culture, literature and art and crafts were held on the occasion.
Besides, a photo exhibition on veteran leader Biju Patnaik and his contributions for the development of Modern Odisha was put on display. Authentic Odia cuisine was one of the key attractions of the three-day event.