Kuwait Odisha Association (KOA) registered with Indian Embassy, Kuwait since 1989, celebrated the “Utkal Divas” function, commemorating the Odisha Foundation Day (1st April 1936) on 6th April 2018, in the Auditorium of Indian Community School, Khaitan, Kuwait.
Sri Sunil Panigrahi, President, KOA formally declared opening of the Function. Mr. Khalid Hamdan Al-Saif, renowned Industrialist, CEO NAPESCO group, Kuwait, the chief Guest for the evening graced the occasion and opened the function with the lighting of candles, along with the artist guest of honor Mrs. Rajashree Kumbhar and other dignitaries. The Lamp Lighting, combined with the chanting of slokas by kids and the flute play by Taniya Mishra in the back ground, brought a serene atmosphere.
Mr. Khalid Al-Saif, in his key address, expressed his gratitude to the entire Indian Community, in particular, the Odias in Kuwait, for their contribution towards building the new Kuwait and cracked a joke while leaving the venue which shows his sense of humor and affection for Indians.
Mr. Khalid Al-Saif unveiled a colorful souvenir on the eve of UTKAL DIVAS function. The Souvenir is designed & edited by a team comprising Sri Gobinda Chandra Mishra (Chief Editor), Sri. Sunil Panigrahi and Sri Manindra Pratap, capturing the literary talents of Odia’s in Kuwait, was also released. KOA Smaranika 2018 presented the pictorial details of various annual activities, like Raja Celebration, Annual Picnic, Annual Function, Children`s Competitions and also talented Odia Children for their exemplary achievements in Kuwait.
Famous Odia singer, Mrs. Rajashree Kumbhar enchanted the audience with old and new Odia song numbers along with tribute to Bollywood actress Srideviji with a famous song from her film.
The cultural programs, electrified the night with Odia Patriotic Fusion Song comprising Vande Utkala Janani by children & music directed by Sri Manindra Pratap. The Sambalpuri Dance on Rasarkeli, Rangabati & e baula, choreographed by Mrs. Rashmita Panda hypnotized the audience. The dance item by girls on a patriotic song “Asila Utkala Dibasa’, choreographed by Mrs. Swagatika Mishra (Popularly known as Bubbly) has given the feeling of patriotism to the audience. Ladies and Odia children also danced & thrilled the spectators, with popular Odia numbers like O lala & Chudi jo khanke, Rasarkeli, Jab Chudi Baaje Chham Chham, Aaj kal Tere mere etc. choreographed by Mrs Swagatika Mishra (Bubbly), Mrs. Lipsamayee Sahu, Mrs. Sanghamitra and Mrs. Shivani Ravi .
Star attraction of the evening, The Odiani Fashion Show captivated everyone`s attention, when Ladies showcased famous Odia handicraft textile industry by displaying world renowned colorful Bomkai, Sambalpuri, Pashapali designs, choreographed by Mrs. Rashmita Panda.
Soon after the prizes were distributed to talented Odia Children for Elocution, Drawing and Chess Competition, Odia Ladies, the winners of Rangoli Competition were also appreciated with trophies, medals for participants amongst rounds of applause. The function was concluded with a VOTE OF THANKS by Sri Kamal Lochan Beuria, General Secretary, KOA and followed by dinner comprising delicious food, sweets etc prepared by popular restaurant The Mogul Mahal, Kuwait Mrs. Manaswini Goth compered the Function guided by Sri Tushar Mishra.
The organizers and the volunteers put up good efforts to make the cultural evening a grand success with the guidance from the seniors and advisers.