Kuwait Odisha Association (KOA) the socio-cultural body, registered with Indian Embassy Kuwait since 1989, celebrated the “Utkal Dibas” function, commemorating the Odisha Foundation Day (1st April, 1936) on 7th April’2017, in the Auditorium of Indian Embassy, Kuwait.
Shri Sibi Udayarajan IFS, the Second Secretary to Indian Embassy Kuwait, graced the occasion on behalf of His Excellency Mr. Sunil Jain and opened the function with the lighting of Lamp, along with other dignitaries. The Lamp Lighting program, combined with the playing of Shantakaaram Bhujanga Sayanam in the back ground, brought a divine atmosphere.
The President of the Association, Sri Sunil Panigrahi reminded the significance of Utkal Dibas celebration and congratulated the community for arranging such function, even far from motherland Odisha.
Sri Udayarajan, in his key address, expressed his adoration of Green Countryside of Odisha and spoke with high feelings about the rich heritage of Odia culture, while paying rich tribute to distinguished Odias, during creation of this unique State.
A colorful souvenir, capturing the literary talents of all Odias living in Kuwait was also released. KOA Smaranika_2017 also presented the pictorial details of various annual activities, like Raja Celebration, Cricket Tournament, Annual Picnic, Annual Function, Children`s Competitions.
KOA felicitated Sri Siba Prasad Mohanty popular Odia in Kuwait, for his selfless services to the community for last 25+ years. KOA also felicitated representatives of ASMACS, MaRRs Intellectuals, Al Mulla Exchange, Mughal Mahal, TAIBA hospital, 4SALE, GULF SPIC, Al Julaiah, CGC, DJ Inspections, RAITH Engg., Ahlea Switchgear, Al Khorayef, Burhani Jewellers, Malabar Gold, SPETCO, Asha Play School and NAPESCO to name a few for their continued support towards the community.
The cultural programs, electrified the night with Odia Patriotic Fusion Song Jahara Kole Janam Hei Sikhili Kathaa- Mo Odisha Mo Odisha, a musical orchestra, Sangat: Tribute to Guests directed by Manindra Kumar Pratap. This was followed by dances to popular tunes, like Tatubali, Chham Chham Chham, Pinga Pakodi, Radha Nachiba Nachiba, Jaga Haatare Pagha choreographed by Mrs. Kalpana Samal (Rany), Paada re Paada Chhanda choreographed by Mrs. Lipsamayee Sahu. The Sambalpuri Dance on Jai Phula lo Jai Phula, choreographed by Mrs. Jyoti Patel hypnotized the audience. Odia children also danced & thrilled the spectators, with popular Odia numbers like, Ama Padaa ke nai Aaiba buli, Nua Odhani choreographed by Mrs. Swagatika Mishra (Bubbly).
Odia ladies group also danced on a medley of Ollywood numbers and brought audience to the front of their seats.
The evening was decorated with programs with artists from Odisha. For this great occasion, KOA had arranged performances of Odia singers Mrs. Susmita Das and Sri Abhijeet Mishra who adorned Kuwait, despite their busy schedules. Soon the auditorium filled with the claps, foot tapings and hand waving, matching to each song and their melodious voices.
Popular Odia Poet of Humor and Satire, Odia Television and Cine Artist, Sri Gyanananda Hota, enthralled entire audience with his hilarious comedy bullets studded with important social messages.
Cultural Functions were followed by Prize Distribution Function program conducted by the Vice President Sri Biswaranjan Sahu and Cultural Secretary Sri Ranjan Samal and assisted by Miss Ishika Padhy and Miss Poorvi Mishra. Invited Guests distributed prizes to talented Odia Children for Fancy & puppet show, Elocution, Drawing and Chess Competition, Odia Ladies for Rangoli Competition under the canopy of appreciations and applause. The function concluded with a vote of thanks by KOA Secretary Sri Kamal Lochan Beuria and followed by dinner comprising delicious food, sweets prepared by popular restaurant The Mughal Mahal.
The stage was ably managed by Sri Girija Padhy, Sri Tushar Mishra, Mrs. Manaswini Goth and assisted by Abhipsa Panda, Ayushi Aishwarya Panigrahi, Taniya Mishra, Prakruti Swain, Ishan Padhy, Bhargavee Das.