TNI Bureau: The World Odisha Society (WOS) successfully organized Utkala Utsaba, a grand celebration of Odia identity, unity and excellence, bringing together eminent personalities from India and across the globe.

Former Governor of Odisha Prof. Ganeshi Lal, Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, Khordha MLA Prasanta Kumar Jagadev, National President of Rashtriya Patrakar Mahasangha Dr. Pabitra Mohan Samantaray and senior administrator Sanjeeb Kumar Pattajoshi lauded WOS for its efforts in uniting Odias worldwide and wished the organization continued success. On the occasion, the WOS souvenir “SWARNIMA” was formally released by the dignitaries.

USA-based renowned cardiologist, Founder of the Orissa Cultural Centre at Houston and Chairman of Utkal Hospital, Dr. Aditya Kumar Samal, was conferred the First Biswa Odia Samman for his outstanding contribution to the global Odia community and protection of Odia interests. Former Governor Prof. Ganeshi Lal received the First Utkal Mitra Samman for his deep and enduring bond with Odisha.

The Second Prabasi Odia Samman was jointly awarded to Ravinder Nath Pradhan, Secretary of Hauz Khas Jagannath Temple and noted social leader, and Pritish Ranjan Dash, Prime Mentor of WOS. The Prabasi Odia Samman was also conferred posthumously on late Prof. Dr. Digambar Mishra, a leading promoter of Brand Odisha in the USA, which was received by his wife Jyotsana Mishra.

Several distinguished personalities from diverse fields were honoured with the prestigious Ratnashri Puraskar for their remarkable achievements. The awardees included Rajya Sabha Member Sujeet Kumar, MLA Prasanta Kumar Jagadev, HURL Managing Director Siba Prasad Mohanty, National Monuments Authority Chairman Prof. Kishor Kumar Basa, Internal Auditor of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations Er. Ashok Basa, Director of Bhoomika Group Dr. Bhumika Rath, renowned litterateur Dash Benhur, State Bank of India CGM Debasish Mishra, HPCL General Manager Ramesh Chandra Bagh, Principal of Miranda House Bijaylaxmi Nanda, Principal Commissioner of DDA Chittaranjan Dash, Director of National School of Drama Chittaranjan Tripathy, Founder of Odisha Positive advocate Sanjib Kumar Mohanty, corporate consultant Dr. Kulamani Biswal, Vice President of Metro TV Sushmita Mohanty, Founder of Suryakhetra Foundation Dr. Sukanti Mishra, noted diplomat Amarendra Khatua, senior central government physician Dr. Santosh Kumar Sahoo, President of RPOP Minaketan Samal, senior journalists Sumit Awasthi, Lopamudra Ray, Bibhuti Pati, Pravas Pradhan, Ram Chandra Nath and Vinayak Das, former President of the Press Club of India Gautam Lahiri, President of the Press Club of India Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty, WOS Secretary General Siba Ranjan Biswal, Presidium Member Debarshi Mallick, General Secretary Biswabhusan Sahoo, Delhi and NCR Branch General Secretary Jnana Prakash Jena, Joint General Secretary (Office Administration) Basudeb Jena, Cuttack Unit President Ajay Mishra, founders of BM Foundation Braja Panda and Meera Mishra, Founder of Sulagna Group of Institutions Dr. Ghanasyama Biswal, Founder of Build India Group Biraja Mohapatra, Founder of Jaga Kalia Charitable Foundation Umakanta Jena, social activists Rabi Ray, Bibhu Sahoo, Sangram Samal and Sridhar Parida, President of Kalinga Bharati Foundation Akshay Samal, President of Pravasi Odia Vikas Samiti CS Dr. Surya Narayan Mishra, President of Samudayik Vikas Samiti Dr. Manoranjan Mohanty, founders of Mahakankhya Foundation Bimal Bhal and Pushpanjali Barik, and Founder of Vijayani Foundation Reeta Patra.

At the outset, a high-level brainstorming session titled “Vibrant Odisha Summit: Golden Odisha @2036” was held. Eminent panelists including former Odisha Minister Prasad Harichandan, renowned litterateur Dash Benhur, diplomat Amarendra Khatua, Jajpur MP and WOS Patron Rabindra Narayan Behera, MD of Atmosphere Group Souvagya Mohapatra and Vice Chairman of WOS Dr. Nalini Pati deliberated extensively on Odisha’s future at the completion of 100 years of its formation and the prospects of the state emerging as one of India’s leading states by 2036. The session was ably moderated by CA Sudhir Kumar Dash.

Prominent dignitaries present at the event included Odisha Legislative Assembly Secretary Satyabrata Rout, senior administrator Rabi Narayan Tripathy, Editor of Aparahna Banshidhar Jena, Founder of WOS Dr. Arundhati Debi, Adviser Dhirendra Kar, Vice Chairman Pradeep Kumar Rath, President of Women’s Wing Dr. Sunanda Mishra Panda, International Coordinator Akshay Mohanty, Joint International Coordinator Banojini Nayak, Cultural Secretary Dr. Kaveri Behera, and office bearers of WOS including Badri Mahapatra, Sanjay Das, Dr. Renuka Jena, Biswa Ranjan Sahoo, Dr. Sital Kumar Pal Babu, Pitambar Barik, Sukanti Rout and Hrushikesh Patra.

The cultural evening, a major attraction of Utkala Utsaba, featured a colourful cultural extravaganza. Renowned singer Anindita Das and CA Sudhir Kumar Dash enthralled the audience with their scintillating musical performances. The programme was seamlessly anchored by Pratima Sharma, while Nandan Dwibedi and Ankit Maurya efficiently managed the digital control room.

WOS India Chapter President Dr. Bipin Bihari Mishra proposed the vote of thanks, marking a successful conclusion to the grand celebration.