Oman : The Odia diaspora in the UAE and Oman had the honor of welcoming Gurujee Chandra Bhanu Satpathy as the keynote speaker at a special event organized by the Odisha Samaj of UAE. The program commenced with a beautiful rendition of the Odisha anthem “Bande Utkal Janani” by Antara Chakraborty, setting a cultural tone for the evening.
Amiya Mishra (President) and Bishwajit Mallik (Vice President) of the Odisha Samaj of UAE, along with other members, felicitated Gurujee Dr. Satpathy for his significant contributions to the Odia community.
During his address, Dr. Satpathy emphasized the importance of cultural cohesiveness within the Odia diaspora, urging the community to remain united while preserving their rich cultural heritage. He also highlighted the crucial distinction between sympathy and empathy, encouraging everyone to practice empathy in their interactions.
Dr. Satpathy further stressed the importance of the role of parents in society, referring to the widely acclaimed “Pita Mata” stavak from his Magnum Opus Shree Guru Bhagabat, guiding and nurturing future generations. He also spoke proudly of Odia “ashmita” (identity), urging the community to uphold and celebrate their distinct cultural identity wherever they are.
The event was a powerful reminder of the strength and unity of the Odia diaspora, and the importance of fostering empathy and cultural pride in today’s world.