By Our Correspondent
MANCHESTER/BHUBANESWAR:Odisha Society of United Kingdom (OSUK) celebrated its 47th Anniversary here with much grandeur. The venue of the Two days long glittering ceremony at picturesque Parrs Wood School in Didsbury of Manchester was elegantly decked up befitting to the grand occasion. Dr Sadhna Bhatnagar led the decorations with support from Gurshabad Kaur and Paarbrahm Singh. Nearly thousand members, office bearers and well wishers of OSUK along with their family members from across the United Kingdom, Ireland and overseas assembled here to take part in the historical convention. Several Prominent personalities from Sikh community were also present.
The main organisers of the Mega Event were fame physicians cum bhajan singers couple based in Manchester Dr Rajinder Pal Singh and Dr Kapilmeet Kaur.The Convention Commenced with the lighting of ceremonial lamps in front of the idol of Lord Jagannath, majestically stationed over a chariot curated by Dr Anjana Satpathy.The opening song, Deenabandhu Daitari was soulfully recited by Mousumi Mishra and group. Presenting Welcome Speech President of OSUK, Biswajit Pradhan appreciated the overwhelming support and unflinching co-operation extended by Odia Diaspora in UK towards the activities of OSUK. Gracing the Convention as Chief Guest Her Excellency Consul General of India in Manchester, Vishakha Yaduvansh praised the richness and inclusive spirit of the unique programme. Guest of Honour former President of the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin Professor Jas Bamrah lauded the Giddha presentation as one of the finest he had ever witnessed. Souvenir entitled Kalinga Kesari designed and edited by Journal Secretary Dr Rajinder Pal Singh got released by Guests.
The highlight of the Supersonic Show was the audiovisual presentation entitled “Puri to Punjab”, depicting historic and spiritual relationship between Odisha and Sikhism. In the documentary Dr Rajinder Pal Singh accompanied by Dr Kapilmeet Kaur and Darspreet Singh vividly narrated the spiritual nuances of the journey of Guru Nanak Dev to Puri. They also pointed out the Sikh religion’s holy connection with Jagannath Dham represented by Himmat Rai, who later on became one of the Panj Pyare namely Bhai Himmat Singh.
The Annual Report presented by Secretary of OSUK Sukanta Sahu and Accounts details placed by Treasurer Kishore Dash during the AGM, was approved unanimously. Dr Rajinder Pal Singh also presented an innovative Power Point Presentation focusing on individuals who had faced cancer with confidence and clinicians who have contributed to cancer prevention. The PPP included personal courage and professional dedication highlighted by Professor Saroj Das, Professor Siba Senapati, Dr Anjana Satpathy and Professor Usha Rout. Kulwant Singh Dhaliwal of World Cancer Care delivered an address on cancer awareness.
Outstanding Achievement Awards were presented to Dr Sahadev Swain, Rekha Senapati and marathon runner with saree Madhusmita Jena for their illustrious contributions. Organisers inform that Professor Nadey Hakim awards of excellence will be shortly presented to winners.
The convention observed one minute silence in memory of Pankaj Kumar Patnaik, Dr Madhu Kundu, Dr Sanjay Ray, Dr Kailash Mohanty and victims of a natural disaster in Nepal.
The special attraction of the convention was the presentation of a spectacular cultural extravaganza by several reputed artistes of India and England. Central theme of the mega event was to showcase the essence and fragrance of Odisha and Punjab. Accordingly the cultural presentations were revolving around the glorification of the diversity of India’s rich art, vibrant culture and lofty heritage.
Noted Odissi exponent Saswat Joshi and his team performed number of items based on Odisha’s classical and folk traditions with contributions from Bhagyalipi Malla, Jayashree Dhal, Zayaa, Sagarika Mohanty and Sonal Acharya. Performances of Talented Odissi Dancer Premanand Sahu, Promising Danseuse Praanjol Nanda, Group dances by Kathak Dancer Kajal Sharma’s students Saanvi, Gurshabad and Miranda and North-West Ladies were also of high order. The staging of dance drama “Salabega”, written, directed and acted by Dr Anjana Satpathy and satirical play “ Paan Dokaan “ by Dr Kali Mishra were much appreciated by audiences.
Renowned Hindustani classical vocalist Vijay Rajput delivered a deeply moving recital accompanied by his son Jai Rajput on tabla and Dr Kapilmeet Kaur on harmonium. A power packed Giddha dance led by Dr Kapilmeet Kaur and high-energy Bhangra by Birmingham based Gabru Punjab De added colour and glamour to the event.
Sports activities and Prize distributions were coordinated by Rasmi Nanda. Dr. Jayashri Nanda mentored the art and craft competitions for children.
The celebrations extended beyond the auditorium through a Peak District excursion to Belton Villa Farms.The participants took part in a fun filled 100-metre lemon-and-spoon race organised by Lipsita Patnaik and Rabin Mohanty. They enjoyed an impromptu Antakshri conceived by Ireland based Sanjeeb Barik. His holiness Swamy Bramhanishtananda presented an elevated spiritual preaching before the delegates.
The stage management was ably handled by Kishore Das, Durgesh Nandini and Sibani Panigrahi. The logistic support were extended by OSUK’s Cultural Secretary Anushree Pattnaik, IT Secretary Vishal Mayo and youth members Arshiya and Priyesh.
Organisers acknowledged the help and co-operation of Jaswinder Singh Kohli of Educate Punjab Project, Partha Panda and Arun Kar of Chillika restaurant, Dr Poonam Kakkar and Dr Ravi Kakkar as representatives of VOICE UK, Dr Asis Behura, Dr Banchita Sahu, Sushmita Rajahansa, Ashish Rajahansa, Dr Kirti Jasani from the Jain community, Dr Ravi Surange from Hindu Society, Dr Amanpreet Singh and Sanjeeb Barik from Ireland and Subhasis Swaiin from Leeds.The Convention was Sponsored by DN Homes and X Bankers of Odisha.
