CBS Office
8 Jul 2023
Embracing Excellence and Uniting Cultures at the 54th Annual OSA Convention, Chicago, USA
The 54th annual convention of the Odisha Society of the Americas (OSA) commenced in Chicago, marking a momentous celebration. The event was graced by the presence of the esteemed spiritual leader, Dr. Chandra Bhanu Satpathy ji, who honored the occasion as the chief guest. During his address, he eloquently emphasized the rich heritage, culture, literature, and art of Odisha, expressing his strong belief in the state's resurgence.
Dr. Satpathy ji also lauded the exceptional achievements of the talented Odia community residing in the USA. He praised their excellence in various fields, including sports, education, port-based commercial activities, and the IT sector. The spiritual leader commended Odisha's notable progress in education, healthcare, and disaster management, acknowledging the state's advancements.
The convention commenced with a significant moment as Mayor Scott Wehrli of Nville presented an honorary citation to Dr. Satpathy ji, recognizing his outstanding service and spiritual contributions as a global ambassador. In a gesture of gratitude, Dr. Satpathy ji felicitated the mayor by presenting an Ashok Stambh, symbolizing appreciation for his support and involvement in the event. The convention promises to be a platform where the achievements and aspirations of the Odia community and their contributions to society can be celebrated and shared.
Under the guidance of Gyan Patnaik, President of OSA, the event welcomed esteemed personalities, including Consulate General Mr. Somanath Ghose, Swami Sharanananda from the Chinmaya Mission, and Dr. S. K. Dash, Chairman of Dash Foundation & Kalinga Hospital.
On this momentous occasion, Dr. Satpathy ji was bestowed with the prestigious "Distinguished Humanitarian & Spiritual Ambassador" Award by OSA.
For more than five decades, the annual convention of the Orissa Society of the Americas has been a cherished tradition, dedicated to promoting Odia culture and heritage in North America. As the largest and most well-organized Odia organization outside Odisha, OSA has played a pivotal role in nurturing the Odia identity across borders. The International OSA 2023 Convention in Chicago, held under the theme 'Aarohi,' has drawn Odias from various corners of the world, showcasing the beauty of their language, culture, art, and forward-thinking vision.
Spanning over three days, the 54th Convention has attracted business and social leaders from both Odisha and North America, fostering collaboration and envisioning a brighter future for the Odia community. Amidst the festivities, the event has featured spiritual ceremonies, including Lord Jagannath rituals, along with symposiums, talks, and engaging activities like spirituality, yoga, meditation, bhajan, Odia language, literature, poetry, and religious discussions, keeping participants captivated and involved.
With a remarkable attendance of over 700 participants from America, Canada, and India, the convention serves as an ideal platform for cultural exchange, networking, and embracing the essence of being a part of the global Odia community. As the convention unfolds, it promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Odisha's timeless traditions, remarkable achievements, and inspiring aspirations, creating cherished memories for all involved.