Paperman Media ( Bhubaneswar )- Gulf Odia Association ( GOA ) celebrated its Ninth Anniversary with much grandeur and glitter at Bhubaneswar. More than hundred Odias who live and work in seven Gulf Countries like Saudi Arab, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE and Abu Dhabi came together alongwith their family and relatives on this auspicious occasion to celebrate the richness of their art, culture, language, literature, traditions and spirit of brotherhood among them.The Mega celebration showcased the undiluted love and unstinted attachment of non resident Odias towards their motherland and mother tongue.The Annual Function has displayed an unique show of unity among the Odia diaspora settled in middle east region.
Addressing the gathering, Chairman of GOA Ajay Kumar Das observed that the mission, vision and objectives of Gulf Odia Association revolves around its main motto “Service above Self.” Shri Das further outlined GOA’s firm commitment to resolve the issues related to health, education and cleanliness in mother State Odisha.During their speech senior members of GOA like Sanjukta Padhi, Susmita Patnaik ,Kunkun Das, Umakant Padhi, Dinabandhu Samal, Amaresh Panda, Sudhir Senapathi, Gobinda Panda, Saroj Das , Sujit Pattanayak and Abhijit Tripathy stressed on the need of closer interactions with Odisha and working together for the all round welfare of the State.
Speaking during the occasion Chief Guest Padmashri Sarat Kumar Patra highlighted the uniqueness of Odisha’s handloom displaying several of his own outstanding knit works. Guest Of honour Chairman of the World Odisha Society Kishore Dwibedi, profusely praised the noble initiatives of GOA in promoting Odisha’s art, culture and heritage in Gulf countries.
Distinguished dignitaries who attended the ceremony include renowned singer Susmita Das, Odisha Government representatives Pritish Panda and Nrusingha Sahu, President of Utkal Sanskrutika Samaj, Vizag Jagdish Kumar Nayak, Chairman of Jaga Kalia Foundation Umakanta Jena, General Secretaries of World Odisha Society Ramkrishna Dash, Kaveri Behera, WOS’s Joint General Secretary of Odisha Branch Rajkumar Jena, General Secretary of Khordha Unit of WOS Sujata Choudhury and social leader Sharada Mohapatra.
Special attraction of the celebration was presentation of a colourful cultural extravaganza by talented artists. Child prodigy Adyasha Panigrahi thoroughly enthralled the audiences by her amazing artistic genius. The performances of members of Matrushakti Nritya Academy and Bishwaraj Krishna cultural Team were of very high order. ICICI and IDFC First Banks were the Event partners.
