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The Indian Eye
NORTH AMERICAN Newsline AUGUST 21, 2026 30

Odisha Society of the Americas holds 57th

Annual Convention; meeting attended by

more than 1,000 members

OUR BUREAU celebrated singers Sangeeta Go-
sain, Mohaprasad Kar, Najia Alam,
New York, NY
Manmath Mishra, Diptirekha Padhi,
he 57th Annual Convention of and Sashank Sekhar. Dedicated pro-
the Odisha Society of America gramming for children, youth, senior
T(OSA), Milana Taranga – Tides citizens, and individuals with special
of Harmony, concluded successfully needs further reflected OSA’s com-
in Bloomington, Minnesota, draw- mitment to inclusivity.
ing more than 1,000 attendees from Authentic Odia cuisine and im-
across North America and beyond to mersive cultural décor—including
celebrate their shared heritage, cul- Rasikiya Pana Dokan, Raghubhai
ture, and community. Dahibara, Odia Barna Matra, the Ol-
Hosted by the Minnesota Odia lywood Red Carpet, Manabasa Gu-
community, the three-day convention rubar, Khudurukuni Osha, and many
featured inspiring keynote sessions, a more attractions—created a memo-
landmark Business Symposium, and rable experience that transported at-
the launch of Odisha Impact Maga- tendees to the heart of Odisha. The
zine, showcasing the achievements of organizing committee and hundreds
the global Odia diaspora. The inaugu- of volunteers expressed gratitude
ral ceremony was graced by esteemed to the sponsors, donors, artists, per-
guests, including Consul General of formers, delegates, chapter leaders,
India in Chicago Somnath Ghosh, and community members whose col-
Chief Guest Dr. Achyuta Samanta, lective efforts made Milana Taran-
Guest of Honor Dr. Sitakantha Dash, ga a resounding success and further
keynote speaker Kirtan Behera, Dr. strengthened the bonds of the global
Omkar Nath Mohanty, Toshit Pani- Odia community.
grahi, entrepreneur Ritesh Agarwal, Established in 1969, The Odisha
and members of the OSA Executive Society of the Americas (OSA) is, a
Committee—President Nagesh Ra- socio-cultural, volunteer-based not-
janala, Vice President Utkal Nayak, for-profit organization dedicated to
Secretary Snigdha Hota, Treasurer the pursuit of excellence by fostering
Sanjeeb Rout, and Chapter President and propagating Odia culture in North
Subhransu Mishra. The convention America. By means of promoting so-
was coordinated by Convenor Anjan spread acclaim. Highlights included tra, Champu and Chhanda recitals, an cio-cultural events, educational activ-
Pradhan, along with Co-Convenor the Odissi Festival commemorating Odia drama, a vibrant fashion show, ities, community service and develop-
Suchismita Swain, Treasurer Devi Pat- the Birth Centenary of Guru Kelucha- the Pitha Competition, Sahitya Char- mental endeavors, The Odisha Society
tnaik, and Secretary Shakti Tripathy. ran Mohapatra, featuring mesmer- cha, the Odisha Heritage Library, and of the Americas shall serve as the
The convention’s cultural and izing Odissi dance performances by stellar performances by renowned primary resource for the engagement
community programs received wide- Aruna Mohanty and Sujata Mohapa- comedian Harihara Mohapatra and and education of Odia-Americans.

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