Perth: Australia Odia Samaj (Orioz Inc.) hosted Kalinga Utsav with much pomp, myriad splendour and massive fanfare. The venue of the three days long 11th edition of Odia biennial Get – Together at lush green picturesque Point Walters Recreation Centre of Perth was aesthetically and elegantly decked up befitting to the grand occasion.
The landmark Event was a salutation to the essence, excellence and ebullience of Odisha and Odias. The Mega Festival was designed to showcase the rich art, vibrant culture, lofty tradition, amazing heritage, linguistic pride and culinary speciality of Odisha. More than a hundred members of Orioz Inc. from all states of Australia along with their family members gathered here to celebrate the close bonding and strong brotherhood of Odia community on a single platform under one roof.
The celebration commenced with the lighting of ceremonial lamp by invited guests and hosts like Indian Consul General in Perth Naresh Kumar, President of Indian Society of Western Australia (ISWA) Deepak Sharma, President of Orioz Inc. Dr. Manoj Nayak and State Chief of Western Australia Orioz Inc. Bighnaraj Mohanty. Addressing the gathering Naresh Kumar and Deepak Sharma hugely lauded the sterling role being played by Orioz Inc. in strengthening the fabric of multicultural Society of Australia.Delivering Welcome address President of Orioz Inc. Dr Manoj Nayak applauded the hard work put up by the current Executive Committee in keeping the Odia community thoroughly engaged in various gainful activities and quality happenings cutting across the gigantic geographic landscape of Australian Continent. He showered praises on the Organising Committee members of Kalinga Utsav for their drive, dedication, devotion and determination in putting up such a spectacular show inspite of limited manpower.
Dr Nayak released the colourful Souvenir of the Ceremony entitled “Smaranika : Kalinga Utsav – 2025” neatly compiled by Secretary of Orioz Inc. Shantanu Swain and nicely designed by IT Secretary of Orioz Inc. Jay Behera.Dr Nayak introduced the current Executive members of Orioz Inc. present such as Vice – President Hara Patro, Secretary Shantanu Swain, Treasurer Mumtaz Lenka, Cultural Secretary Amit Mohanty, State Chief of New South Wales Smita Samantaray and State Chief of Western Australia Bighnaraj Mohanty.
Vice – President Hara Patro briefed about the projects being undertaken by current Executive Committee and emphasized the achievement of Orioz Inc. in installing a Medical Panel at Bhubaneswar to facilitate Medical tests of Australian Visa applicants.
Former President Rajendra Padhi was warmly felicitated during the occasion for his outstanding contribution towards mentoring and empowering Orioz Inc.
The Special attraction of Kalinga Utsav was staging of a High Voltage Cultural Extravaganza by Artistes of all age groups from kids to veterans spanning over two evenings. Co–ordinated by Mahesh Sahu the presentations include mind blowing and mesmerising Odissi and Folk dances, soul soothing music recitals and heart touching fashion parades. The highlights of the artistic Jamboori were an emotionful Odia Bhajan sang by Bighnaraj Mohanty, musical theatre on the theme of Origin of Lord Jagannath as Daru Brahma enacted by the kids of New South Wales, a singing session dedicated to Late Ollywood super star Uttam Mohanty ably co -ordinated by Amit Mohanty, a curious Quiz Show conceptualised by Charu Mishra and a hilarious satirical play entitled “Mo Saba Bahaka Mane” presented by Western Australia Orioz team. Meticulously planned and well organised by Orioz’s Western Australian (WA) families, the Mega Event also witnessed a scintillating and thrilling T – 20 Cricket Match in the second day ably co – ordinated by Sambit Das, Shantanu Swain and Anjali Patra. The Match between host team Hurricane of Orioz WA captained by Ranjan Singh and rest of Australian team Thunderstorm captained by Vinu Panigrahi was a viewers delight having lots of fun and frolic. The mouthwatering genuine Odia cuisine prepared under the expert supervision of Ambit Hota and served during all the three days of convention was also an all time hit among attendees. The Third Day of the Utsav began with an engrossing Odia Tea Session organised by Sujeet Jena and Saibalini Sahoo. An Art Workshop curated by Dr Subrat Mishra was also taken place. Dr Nalini Pati’s Power Point Presentation “Mindfulness” was quite informative. The Utsav came to conclusion with an emotionally charged vote of thanks delivered by Mustaque Pilot and Dr Manoj Nayak. Ace Anchors Ambit Hota, Khushnuma Nausheen, Biswanath Swain and Saismita Nath conducted the proceedings of the programmes in a smooth and seamless manner. The entire arrangements of Kalinga Utsav were skillfully managed and successfully executed by a highly energetic Organising team consisting of Bighnaraj Mohanty, Shantanu Swain, Mahesh Sahu, Mustaque Pilot, Ambit Hota, Ranjan Singh, Kunmit Patra, Amit Panigrahy, Lambodar Moharana, Biswanath Swain, Dev Chakravarty, Deepak Rayguru, Swati Patra and Radhika Swain.
