Randolph, New Jersey, United States:The Odisha Society of Americas(OSA) held its 50thAnnual Convention in Harrah’s Atlantic City, New Jersey, last week.
The Golden Jubilee Convention attracted attendees from around the globe to Atlantic City to reminisce OSA’s brilliant past, celebrate achievements of its members, and envision the future of the organization in the hands of the next generation of Odias.
The event became the largest gathering of Odias to date with Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia as the chief guest. More than 2000 attendees drawn from 18 chapters covering the U.S., Canada, and territories, international branches hailing every continent arrived in Atlantic City to join in the festivities.
This Golden Jubilee event featured exclusive cultural programs, enlightening intellectual discourse spanning the fields of culture, education, science, technology, religion, medicine, entrepreneurship– with artists and luminaries from Odisha and North America.
The cultural segment presented performances by artists of international fame, emerging local youths, depicting every form of dance, music, art, crafts reflecting the cultural heritage of Odisha. Mouthwatering Odia delicacies were served. Well known performers presented eclectic Odissi dance.
Convention started on the auspicious day of Rath Yatra. This convention re-published all souvenirs from 1983 onwards in print and digital, created a video channel from historical media collections, created OSA History documentary.
Convention held reunion of record number of schools and colleges. More than 500 children and adults participated in cultural events. Seminars in Odisha Development Forum, Women’s Forum, healthcare and technology were held. Youth event featured many engaging sessions including career development. Opening and closing ceremonies were breath taking. Food team delivered 5-course meal to a large audience like a clock-work.
Convener Uma Ballav Mishra said, “We delivered memorable experience to our attendees at 50th convention. This event provided an opportunity of the lifetime to unite Odias across the world. We achieved our objective of inclusiveness. We delivered on our theme Bindu Bindu Misi Hue Sindhu (Many drops make ocean). “
President OSA( National) Lalatendu Mohanty said, “Everyone came, celebrated our culture and enjoyed our hospitality. We took this opportunity to honor our pioneers and engage our youth.”
President OSA(NY/NJ chapter) and co-convener Sribatsa Das said”We are touched by the outpouring ofsupport from all corners. We built bridges for the next 50 years engaging our youth and the new arrivals. We sincerely thank our media partner ITV Gold who played a pivotal role in creating interest among our attendees. Further we appreciate its contribution towards Cyclone Fani related fund-raising effort.”
