By Our Correspondent
NEW DELHI:The Thirteenth Pravasi Odia Diwas and Bishuba Milan, organised by the Pravasi Odia Vikash Samiti (POVS), was celebrated with grandeur and cultural fervour at Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) auditorium here on Sunday.
Far away from their homeland, the Odia diaspora recreated the warmth of Odisha in the heart of the national capital. From sipping traditional pana to relishing authentic Odia cuisine, and from the graceful rhythms of Odishi to the vibrant pulse of Sambalpuri dance and music, the celebration turned into a living festival of Odia identity and and pride.
Addressing the gathering, POVS president Dr. Surya Narayan Mishra said Odisha was once the gateway to India’s global maritime trade and civilisational outreach. He stressed the urgent need to preserve and strengthen Odia language, its culture, civilisation, and economic self-confidence of Odias’ in an era of rapid transformation.
Professor Parthasarathi Mishra, who graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour, observed that Odisha has now secured a place among the top five States of India in the Development Index. He noted that the State’s growth rate has consistently remained above the national average, reflecting the government’s growing focus on development and governance.
Prof. Mishra further remarked that Odisha is destined to emerge as the nucleus of Bharat’s Purbodaya. He emphasised that Odia Asmita must transcend the boundaries of a slogan and evolve into a people’s movement, adding that organisations like POVS have a pivotal role to play in awakening and strengthening that consciousness.
Professor Sampadananda Mishra, who joined the occasion as chief speaker,
highlighted the importance of civilisational rootedness in nation-building. He said the dream of a developed India cannot be realised without the emergence of a strong, culturally confident, and prosperous Odisha.
POVS vice-president Dr. Pradyumna Pradhan spoke about the organisation’s efforts to unite Odias living outside the State and channel their collective energy towards the progress of their motherland.
POVS general secretary Sushanta Mahapatra presented the annual report and outlined the organisation’s major activities and achievements over the past one year.
On the occasion, noted radiation oncologist Prof. Gaur Kishore Rath was conferred with the Pravasi Odia Samman. Similarly, acclaimed singer Susmita Das, renowned folk dance guru Bhagaban Sahu, eminent Odissi dancer P. Sudharani, well-known wildlife photographer Ajit Samal, and noted environmentalist Arul Kumar were honoured with the Pravasi Odia Ratna award.
The Pravasi Odia 2026 souvenir, edited by Dr. Sukanta Mahapatra and Dr. Krishnapriya Sahu, was also unveiled during the event. Prof. Parthasarathi Mishra’s book ‘Youth and Truth’ was released as well.
POVS Treasurer Biswajit Barik delivered the vote of thanks.A vibrant cultural evening featuring artists from Odisha was organised under the supervision of Santosh Rout, adding colour to the celebration.
The event was compered by Shubham Shashwat Prusti, Mousumi Panda, and Aryan Pradhan, while Dr. Dheeraj Singh, Chinmaya Mohanty, Piyush Mahapatra, Rakhal Behera, and Malaya Pradhan played key roles in coordinating the programme.
