Chicago: America witnessed a grand celebration as the 54th annual convention of the Odisha Society of the Americas (OSA) kicked off today.
Gurujee Chandra Bhanu Satpathy graced the event as the Chief Guest, highlighting the rich heritage, culture, literature, and art of Odisha.
In his address, Dr.Satpathy expressed his belief in the resurgence of Odisha, as the talented Odia community showcased their excellence in sports, education, port-based commercial activities, and the IT sector in the USA. He commended Odisha’s achievements in education, healthcare, and disaster management.
The convention commenced with an honorary citation presented by Mayor Scott Wehrli of Nville to Gurujee Dr. Satpathy, acknowledging his distinguished service and spiritual contributions as a global ambassador. In return, Gurujee felicitated the Mayor by presenting an Ashok Stambh as a symbol of appreciation.
The event, presided over by Gyan Patnaik, President of OSA, witnessed the presence of esteemed personalities such as Consulate General Somanath Ghose and Swami Sharanananda from the Chinmaya Mission.
The convention will continue until the 9 July and will feature a special session on Shree Guru Bhagawat tomorrow, further enriching the spiritual experience.
The annual convention of the Orissa Society of the Americas has been a longstanding tradition, promoting Odia culture and tradition in North America for over five decades. As the largest and most organized Odia organization outside Odisha, OSA has played a vital role in nurturing Odia identity abroad.
This year’s International OSA 2023 Convention in Chicago has brought together Odias from various parts of the world, showcasing the beauty of our language, culture, art, and forward-thinking vision under the theme ‘Aarohi.’
‘Aarohi’ represents the progressive journey of modern individuals striving for success. Odias in India and North America have seamlessly blended tradition and culture with the necessary skills and knowledge required in today’s world.
The 54th Convention has attracted business and social leaders from Odisha and North America, fostering collaboration and envisioning a brighter future for the Odia community. Amidst the festivities, spiritual events such as Lord Jagannath ceremonies, symposiums, talks, and activities like spirituality, yoga, meditation, bhajan, Odia language, literature, poetry, and religious discussions have kept the participants engaged.
With over 700 attendees from North America, Canada, and India, the convention serves as a platform for cultural exchange, networking, and embracing the essence of being part of the global Odia community. As the convention unfolds, it promises to be a remarkable celebration of Odisha’s traditions, achievements, and aspirations, creating lasting memories for all