By Our Correspondent
NEW DELHI/BHUBANESWAR: Women are the warehouse of supreme power observed eminent personalities. Speaking during the fourth edition of Shakti Utsaba being hosted by World Odisha Society (WOS) to commemorate International Women’s Day, invited guests and speakers highlighted on the essence, excellence and elegance of womanhood worldwide. Organised in hybrid mode, the Festival was attended by Office bearers and members of WOS, leading Non – Resident Odias and representatives of Odia Samajs from different states of India and abroad. While the main ceremony was held at Civil Service Officers Institute (C.S.O.I) in New Delhi’s Kasturba Gandhi Marg, hundreds of Global Odias from more than fifty countries joined the online celebration through digital network. Matching to the grand occasion, the venue of the Festival at open Air Vatika Lawn of CSOI was decked up aesthetically with curtains and lights having pink shades. The entire ambience was agog with pomp, splendour and festive fervour.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest M.P. from New Delhi Bansuri Swaraj outlined three challenges before women like changing of societal mindset, providing financial stability and empowering politically and stressed on ensuring not only women empowerment but women led development.
Delivering Welcome address Chairman of WOS Kishore Dwibedi declared that the credit for the phenomenal progress of World Odisha Society goes to entire Odia Diaspora worldwide. Founder of WOS Dr Arundhati Debi wanted the advancement of women in every respect like financially, educationally and socially. Pointing out that men and women are complementary to each other, famous painter Jatin Das appealed one and all to recognise and respect female energy. M.P. from Jajpur Dr Rabindra Narayan Behera lauded the efforts of WOS in honouring the potential and talent of womanhood. Vice President of Lok Sevak Mandal Deepak Malviya proposed to hold next convention of WOS in UP.
Others who spoke during the occasion include Secretary of Sree Neelachal Seva Sangha Rabindranath Pradhan, Former DG of Kerela police Sanjeeb Patjoshi, Secretary General of WOS Siba Ranjan Biswal, President and General Secretary of Women’s wing of WOS Dr Sunanda Mishra Panda and Chidatmika Khatua respectively and Chairman of Organising Committee C.A. Sudhir Dash. Chairman of Reception Committee Advocate Sasmita Tripathy proposed vote of thanks.
The main attraction of the Shakti Utsaba was a Seminar cum Webinar entitled, “Challenges and Chances before Womanhood Worldwide.” The participant panelists Sujeet Kumar, MP, Senior Diplomat Amarendra Khatua, Administrator Subhasmita Mishra, Actress Damini Chopra and Motivational Speaker Dibyasha Samantray dwelt upon the invincibility, indispensability and irrepressibility of woman fraternity across the Globe in a clear and candid manner. Dr. Nibedita Giri ably moderated the session.
Shakti Utsaba witnessed the conferment of Maha Nari Sammans and presentation of Nari Ratna Puraskars to outstanding women. Fire brand youth leader Bansuri Swaraj and Nightingale of Odisha fame singer Anindita Das were conferred Maha Nari Sammans in recognition to their exemplary contributions in championing the cause of women’s empowerment.
Guests also presented Nari Ratna Puraskars to women of substance from different walks of life like Dr Sharmila Behera, Purnashree Raut, Dr Puspashree Mishra, Dr Nibedita Giri, Dr Snehaprava Samantaray, Lipsa Patnaik Mohanty, Pushpanjali Barik, Reeta Patra, Meera Mishra, Sasmita Tripathy, Prabhati Nayak Mishra, Alpana Chawla, Lili Jenamani, Sujata Singhania, Vani Madhav, Pratima Sharma, Damini Chopra, Dibyasha Samantaray, Ipsa Pratibimbita Sadangi, Swarnaparva Pati for their sterling services in emancipation of womanhood.
The special attraction of the Mega Event was the presentation of colourful cultural extravaganza by superstars of musical world. Noted vocalist Anindita Das and Renowned Bollywood singer Jeet Pramanik, enthralled the audiences with their soul soothing and heart wrenching numbers. Nari Ratna Award winner Ace Anchor Pratima Sharma conducted the proceedings of the programme in a smooth and seamless manner. Nandan Dwibedi and Ankit Arya efficiently managed the digital control room.
The entire arrangements of Shakti Utsaba was successfully executed with the active support and co – operation of organisers like Vice – President of Women’s wing Reeta Patra, General Secretaries of WOS Umakant Jena, Pushpanjali Barik, Kaveri Behera, President and General Secretaries of New Delhi and NCR Branch Bimal Bhal and Jnana Prakash Jena respectively and senior member Priyatma Kar.
Prominent personalities present include Media Adviser of WOS Alok Sharma, Vice Chairman, WOS Dr Nalini Pati, Senior Journalist Nigamananda Prusti, Laxmi Narayan Bebarta, Chairman of Bhoomika Group Bhishma Rath, Silver Gandhi Mohan Mohapatra, Chairman of WHRPO Abhinna Hota, Secretary of Noida Jagannath Temple Dr Manoranjan Mohanty, Vice – President Pramod Bhal, Krupanidhi Biswal, Dr Sukant Srichandan, Pradeep Satpathy, Ramesh Das, Prof. Dev Prakash Mishra, Poonam Mishra, Bishnu Pradhan, Suranjita Rana Dash, Sareeta Mohapatra, Archana Parida, Rabi Ray, Sukanti Samantaray, Alpana Patnaik, Braja Panda, Rashmi Rekha Mishra, Rakhi Garg, Deepak Agarwal and Hrushikesh Patra.
