By Our Correspondent
NEW DELHI:The Pravasi Odia Vikash Samiti (POVS), the largest organisation representing the Odia diaspora, hosted the 12th Pravasi Odia Diwas and Bishuva Milan with much fanfare and fervour at the auditorium of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi, on Sunday.
The vibrant celebration was a cultural mosaic of Odisha’s rich traditions — from the cooling sips of pana and the taste of authentic Odia delicacies to the rhythmic beats of Odissi, Sambalpuri, and folk performances that brought alive the spirit of Odisha in the heart of the national capital. The gathering resonated with nostalgia, pride, and unity, as members of the diaspora came together in joyous celebration.
Suresh Jain, national organising secretary of Bharat Vikas Parishad, graced the occasion as chief guest. Addressing the gathering on the theme ‘Utkarsha Odisha, Utkrishta Bharat’, Jain underscored Odisha’s pivotal role in shaping a prosperous and spiritually enriched India. He emphasised that for Odisha to emerge as a model for Vishwaguru Bharat, its cultural essence, spiritual roots, and civilisational ethos must be preserved and propagated.
“Odisha is the land of supreme art and wisdom,” he said, “and its legacy in literature, science, and art is unparalleled.” He lauded POVS for its dedication to nurturing this legacy across the globe.
In his address, Surya Narayan Mishra, president of POVS, highlighted the rising prominence of Odias across India’s leadership landscape. Citing Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as a shining example, he applauded his instrumental role in steering the transformative New National Education Policy, which is reshaping India’s academic future.
Chinmay Mohanty, vice president of POVS, paid homage to Odisha’s legacy of sacrifice and valour, invoking the names of legendary figures such as Baji Rout and Dharmapada — symbols of youthful courage and selfless devotion.
Presenting the annual report, Vijaya Navami, general secretary of POVS, outlined the organisation’s activities and achievements over the past year, reflecting a growing footprint of Odia pride and contribution both within and beyond India.
On this occasion, distinguished personalities were honoured with prestigious awards:
Pravasi Odia Samman was conferred upon Rashmi Ranjan Swain, former DGP of Jammu Kashmir, for his exemplary service, and IG Drone, an innovative Indian startup whose drones were used during Operation Sindoor.
Pravasi Odia Ratna was awarded to Debashish Satapathy, Chief General Manager of NBCC, and noted painter Kahnu Behera.
Dr. Bishnu Prasad Panigrahi received the Pravasi Arogya Gaurav Samman for his contribution to healthcare.
Noted environmentalist Pradeep Kumar Das was honoured with the Pravasi Odia Sabuj Samman for his tireless work in ecological conservation.
The event also saw the release of POVS’s annual souvenir, edited by Dr Shailendra Swain, encapsulating the spirit and strides of the organisation.
Priyadarshi Bal, joint general secretary of POVS, delivered the vote of thanks.
The event was coordinated by Sushant Mahapatra, Piyush Mahapatra, Malay Pradhan, Santosh Raut, Prof. Sukant Mohapatra, Aryan Mohapatra, and others.
The celebration culminated in a mesmerising cultural extravaganza, where artists from across the Odia community showcased their talents, leaving the audience enthralled and inspired. The evening was not just a reunion of hearts, but a reaffirmation of identity — of being proudly Odia, no matter where in the world one resides.
