Global Odisha Conference begins in Washington

Washington:  Global Odisha Conference today kicked off in Washington. The event is inaugurated by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Odisha Tourism Minister Ashok Chandra Panda and Odisha Industry Minister Devi Prasad Mishra and spiritual Guru Sri Chandrabhanu Satapathy at the historic Kennedy Center of Performing Arts, Washington DC.

Addressing the gatherings Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan urges Odias based in USA to be part in the development process of the state. He hails the initiatives of The Odisha Society of The Americas (OSA) .

The event is being organised by The Odisha Society of The Americas (OSA) . Global Odisha Conference (GO 2015) is will continue till July  2, 2015 in conjunction with the Odisha Society of the America’s 46th Annual OSA Convention on July 2 – 4, 2015.

Odisha Society of the America organising The Global Odisha Conference (GO 2015) to unite the Odias living abroad such as at Great Britain, Australia, Dubai, Singapore, Russia, France, Germany, Canada, Japan, China, Bahama, African and Latin American countries. This is an event to let all Odia Prabasis share their common joy and pain, build a global network, and make their and the compatriots’ lives richer and better.

Children of these communities will also initiate acquaintances to build a global network. And such global networks will bring unity and build a stronger setu (Bridge) between Odisha and the rest of the world. GO 2015 is going to unite scholars, professionals, artists, social workers, and organizers on a common platform so that they are empowered to address their common challenges. GO 2015 will provide opportunities to various overseas Oriya villages to unite and foster friendships towards a common goal. The intention of the organizers is to rotate the Global Odisha Conference among different countries at 2-3 year interval.

GO 2015 will bring delegates of highest reputations to deliberate on areas such as: (1) Education – Formation of a Think Tank to put Odisha at the fore front of educational map (2) Jagannath – Cross the World (3) Communication – Adopt modern practices in Media and Press (4) Tourism – Road Show/Enhancement of Buddhist Tourisms and Natural resources (5) Business – Attracting Foreign Investors and foster Joint Ventures (6) Art, Culture – Exposing Odia arts to Western World (7) Spiritual – Odia philosophies / Yoga (8) Oriya Film Festival – Odia films and Films made by Overseas Odias (9) Odia Literature – Seminars & Promoting Odia language (10) Expert assistance to the Governments – Issues, suggestions and remedies.   GO 2015 is working on programs to be held at the White House, United States Capitol, United States Department of Commerce, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Smithsonian, Kennedy Center of Performing Arts etc. The program is envisaged to be co-sponsored by the Government of India, the Government of Odisha and various private organizations.

The 46th OSA Annual Convention will continue from July 2 to July 4, 2015 at the Gaylord Resort with the first day dedicated to the Odisha Development Day and other workshops. The annual OSA convention typically features presentations and workshops on literature, women’s issue, poetry reading, youth events, dance and music competitions, cultural performance by invited artists, inter-chapter drama competition, shows, food samplings, art and crafts, vendor displays, employment opportunities, investment opportunities, corporate displays, etc.

Pratap Das has been selected as the Convener for both of the events. Tapan Padhi, President of OSA, Sikhanda Satapathy, Vice President of OSA, and Prakash Sahu, President of Washington DC Chapter of OSA are leading the planning of this momentous event on behalf of OSA.  Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Maryland, the location selected for hosting this event will offer you the flavors of the Capital city while the activities within the venue will take you back to the memories of growing up – surrounded by the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.

The resonating sound of the Odishi music and dance, enthralling experience of Mehfil, Drama, Chau, Jatra, Gotipua, Tala Badya Kacheri will be deeply embedded in your memories for times to come. Creating a conglomeration of Odias based all over the world will provide us a platform to pursue our common goal – promoting our culture, opportunity for networking and crafting of ideas that address development of our state.