The Odia Society of the Americas, known as OSA, was formed 54 years ago by a handful of people, to stay connected with each other and to ensure that they do not lose touch with their roots of Odia identity. This flourishing organization now has over 1000 families who share the platform to promote and propagate Odia culture in North America. OSA is a mutually supportive environment for the better interaction of the Odia diaspora through cultural promotion, language, social events, and developmental activities. OSA hosts an annual convention around the July 4th weekend. The events offer a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between individuals and their Odia identity. Attending the convention not only allows us to establish our sense of self but also presents a chance to give back to society.
I along with my two daughters attended the 54th OSA convention held in Westin, Lombard, IL from July 7-9th, 2023. Everything comes to an end. I am already feeling the blues after the convention is over. As I started packing and making room in my luggage for the extra load of love, warmth, and blessings both my daughters and I received during these past four days, my eyes filled with tears of joy and my heart filled with gratitude. Though I did miss my husband, Bhaskar Panigrahi, who had to bail out at the last moment and could not attend the event due to unavoidable work reasons, I felt everyone made sure I am at ease to enjoy. I must admit that I am a pampered wife who never had to plan a trip. My dear husband always took care of all logistics for me and happily tagged along. Those who know him will admit that his positive energy is infectious. Anyway, I traveled with little anxiety to be without him but that disappeared the moment I walked through the hotel’s swivel door. I was thrilled to be welcomed by familiar faces, especially by Dhirendra Kar, a longtime friend who presently lives in North Carolina. Soon more familiar faces poured through to multiply our joy of reunion. The party began right there.
All those cherished moments of happiness, the lingering tune of melodious old classic music, flaunting Odisha weaves, sleepless nights with endless laughter, connecting with new friends and strengthening the bond with the old ones, and the overall gleeful ambiance surely must be noted in my memory book. Given the right opportunities and environment, how everyone easily feels a part of the family quite rapidly.
The event was jam-packed and had something for all ages and varied interests of the attendees. The Chief guest’s talk on spirituality, different developmental and educational seminar topics, next-generation programs on mental health and identity, workshops for Odia speech and debates for kids, pitha competitions, cultural performances representing Odisha’s vast diaspora including all folk dance forms, decor in the hallways representing Odisha’s festivals and landmarks were well thought out. Pramod Pattnaik Drama & Sabrina Biswal competitions were well participated. With well-curated Odissi classical dances by different chapters, Odissi, Champu, Chanda, and other music with guest artists Dr. Sangeeta Gosain, Bibhu Das, Nazia Alam, Antara Chakravarty, and comedy with Prajna Khatua, Sankarsan Pradhan, and a representative from Kanak TV well-known journalist Mr. Manoranjan Mishra were also made their presence felt with their respective performances. Morning yoga and bhajan session were also planned to give a well-rounded program for all.
Urmi, the annual magazine, is a very well-done souvenir for this year’s convention. Kudos to the editorial team for their extraordinary thoughtful efforts. Another initiation by them for acknowledging authors and writers from North America was also welcomed by the community. Nirjharini Odissi with a live band was a wonderful initiative. If this opportunity continues, it can give local talents a rare opportunity to perform with live musicians. This year’s initiation of exhibiting all the books especially Odia books from the Black Eagle Books Publication House by our well-known poet and publisher, Mr. Satya Patnaik, was heartily welcomed by many literature lovers. Sahitya Charcha's seminar was warmly appreciated and ran over time due to the audience’s keen enthusiasm.
Given we all have a social and moral responsibility to pass down our rich heritage to the next generation. a few of the initiatives to include next-generation kids impressed me. I was thrilled to see both my daughters finding meaningful connections within the Odia-American community, which may strengthen their identity. The seminars and workshops offered during OSA events provide valuable learning opportunities.
Performances such as songs, dances, dramas, and speeches play a significant role in celebrating our cultural heritage. OSA events present an excellent opportunity to tap into the pool of local talents. Witnessing the success of their peers encourages young minds to explore their potential and strive for excellence. This year I particularly appreciated Lisa Mishra’s performance as a guest artist. The convention is a perfect occasion to celebrate every aspect of Odisha’s culture. Food is an integral part of it too, and attendees do look forward to revisiting their old memories of mouthwatering food from the region. I enjoyed the energetic closing ceremony which was also educational in a fun way by introducing the different folk dance forms to our kids. It reminded me of one of my teachers who used to say, a good impressive essay needs a strong opening and closing stanza.
Overall, for three days interacting with friends and family over food, fashion, culture, and literature satiated my heart and mind. Poetry was my special area of interest. I participated to recite one of my poems, Nilakantha, to a room full of fellow poets and literature lovers. On another occasion, I recited a poem at the book exhibition. I thoroughly enjoyed the warmth I received as my award. In general, I think if we participate in our areas of passion we enjoy the convention to the fullest. That secures our sense of belonging to one organization.
In Closing:
"The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows."– Sydney J. Harris. Keeping that in mind I have shared detailed reports for the event with observations and suggestions to the leadership team. My report was not by any chance to find loopholes but to share wishful thoughts where there is a possibility to bridge the gap. I do understand changes are neither done nor felt overnight. I am sure the leadership team appreciates the unique challenges and advantages of each OSA hosting chapter and embraces the opportunity to learn from one another. By coming together as a community, we can strengthen our sense of identity and ensure the success and growth of future OSA events.
I deeply appreciate the convenor Mrs. Jhara Das and her leadership team, the host chapter president Mr. Gyana Patnaik and his team, and all the others who contributed their countless volunteer hours in making this event a huge success. I am convinced attending the OSA convention is an excellent way to bridge the gap between our identities and the larger Odia community. Personally missed many seminars to my loss. However, the connections I built for a lifetime will always cherish, and will eagerly look forward to the next year’s convention. I echo my voice with many to congratulate the outgoing leadership team for their outstanding service and welcome the new leadership team with all my best wishes. Now let me cherish the nostalgic memories I bagged home as my prize.
Bande Utkal Janani!
Manorama Choudhury
July 10th, 2023
Southborough, MA
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