Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Society of the Americas (OSA) is the single largest and structured organization of Odias outside the state of Odisha, India. Since its inception, more than 50 years back, Odias are working relentlessly to promote Odia culture and heritage in North America.
This year the International OSA 2023 Convention at Chicago, USA will have the largest gathering of Odias outside India. Convention theme ‘Aarohi‘, the evolving Odias will showcase a glimpse of our language, culture, art and futuristic vision.
Aarohi symbolizes the evolving Odias who are progressive, upbeat, aspirational, and heroic. It stands for our historical consciousness of the struggle the people of Odisha endured for freedom and self-determination. Aarohi is the quintessential modern person whose mission has been to move forward. The convention is an ode to that person.
The now Odia both in India as well as North America have been successful in co-mingling the best of our traditions and culture with the Skills, knowledge and experience to be successful in the modern age. Odias abroad have been promoting new businesses, hospitals, Education institutions, STEM students with an eye on contributing to Odisha.
“We have the New/Now Odias who have opened Hospitals, provided Ambulance services, helped in Eye and Palate clinics, etc. Through philanthropy, they have helped various community projects all over Odisha. They have worked to open new Higher Education, institutions like IIT and other educational institutions, etc. in Odisha,” OSA stated.
They have contributed as Scientists, Professors, Doctors, Philanthropists, Executives and Entrepreneurs in North America and other countries abroad.
Using the historic greatness of our ancestors as a stepping stone, the Now Odia is reflected in the theme and context of the current convention. The 54th OSA convention, apart from showcasing traditional and modern culture through an extravaganza, is also conducting seminars for Odisha developments, Health Clinics, Public Libraries, Women empowerment, Odia identity, mental health etc.
For the Next Generation Odias the seminars focus on challenges facing them in the 21st century. The 54th Convention has invited Business and Social leaders from Odisha and North America to work together to raise Odias to the next level.
In addition, the Now Odia has not forgotten its religious and cultural roots. There are events, symposium, and discussions of Lord Jagannath, Spirituality, Yoga, Meditation, Bhajan, Odia Language, Literature, Poetry and Religion.
“Kavitha Patha, Odissi, Champu/Chhanda, Pitha Competition etc. These programs highlight our roots. The Convention is bringing Odisha and USA/Canada together. We are proud of where we have come from, where we are now and where we want to be in future. We miss you all and wish you were here with us,” OSA further stated.
