Abu Dhabi : India Social and Cultural Centre (ISC), Abu Dhabi witnessed the grandeur and vivacity of Odisha and its many dimensions on the day when the expat Odia community celebrated Utkal Divas and “UTKARSHA-2017” in this distant land in an effort to revitalize their roots with their motherland. The grand celebrations and cultural programs were witnessed by families of the expat community and eminent personalities from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. The members of Odia Samaj Abu Dhabi organization is humbled and overwhelmed by such huge support and extends its heart-felt gratitude to all those who made the program a grand success. The Odia community also takes this opportunity to thank all local Odia artists, members of the organization, and children who contributed immensely to the colourful and diverse cultural programs. These programs were of such high standard that nearly 500 plus audience remained glued to their seats and enjoyed thoroughly.
The program commenced with a prayer for the motherland. Eminent Odia Comic poet (Hasya/Byanga Kabi) Sri Gyana Hota travelled all the way from Odisha to entertain and mesmerize the audience with his soulful rendition of poems and magical comic sense. The expats present in the auditorium became nostalgic hearing his poems and spoofs. Biddu Sir’s ‘Team Sizzlers’ came from Bhubaneswar to demonstrate their exquisite dancing skills in front of the august gathering. The dance stole the show with their rhythmic dance routines. The audience was spellbound when they performed ‘Rangabati’ and tried to match their steps in a synchronized manner from their seats. Another highlight of the cultural program was a dance-drama staged by the members and their children, which depicted the festivals of Odisha. The presentation was engrossing that the audience travelled back in time to remember all those festivals that were close to their hearts. Kids also demonstrated mature acting skills when they staged a musical program, titled ‘Odiya pua Bhari Swabhimani’ and their superb talent in Odishi dance by staging a dance fusion choreographed Guru Kundan depicting the culture and heritage of Odisha. The members of the organizations staged a drama titled ‘Pathua College Ra Natua Chua’ directed by Ashok Panda and also mesmerized the audience with melodious Odia and Hindi hit songs and medley taking everyone down the memory lane. “UTKARSHA-2017” presented a bouquet of memorable musical and cultural programs including a fashion show based on Odisha culture for six hours, which celebrated the fragrance of Odisha, and imbibed its importance to the existence of all those present there.
Under the able guidance of Mr. Pradeep Kumar Rath – President of the organization and the prominent members of the managing team Mr. Ashok Panda, Mr. Himanshu Dash, Mr. Kamal Kumar Panda, Mr. Siddarth Dash, Mr. Manas Udgata, Mr. Ashish Mishra, Mr. Abdur Rauf, and Mr. Rohit Patel played key roles in successfully organizing the grand event. Other than these, Mr. Sudhansu Patra, Mr. Siddarth Sabat, Mr. Kartika Singh, Mr. Ranjit Dash, Mr. Arun Malik, Mr. Rabi Narayana Dash, Mr. Narayana Pradhan, Mr. Susanta Mohapatra, Mr. Satyabrata Patra, Mr. Pratik Dash, Mr. Saugat Nayak, Mr. Sanjib Patel had provided valuable feedback and support in making the event a grand success. Last but not the least, Advisor Mr. Ashok Kumar Mohanty expressed his gratitude and heartfelt thanks on behalf of Odia Samaja Abu Dhabi to one and all for making “UTKARSHA-2017” a grand success and a memorable event and also making it to touch everyone’s hearts and souls. He also appreciated the efforts of the expat community in highlighting and spreading the culture, traditions, and the essence of Odisha in UAE and making everyone proud to be associated with the historic motherland.
Comments are closed.