Kuwait Odisha Association (KOA) a socio-cultural body registered with Indian Embassy Kuwait since 1989, celebrated the “Utkal Divas” function, on 19th April 2024 on the eve of ODISHA FOUNDATION DAY (1st April 1936) commemoration, in the auditorium of IBS School, Fahaheel, Kuwait.
Mr. Dev Mohanty, most coveted dignitary of Odias in Kuwait, graced the occasion as Chief Guest Joined by Guest of Honour Mr. Manas Raj Patel, the First Secretary (Community Welfare & Labour) of Indian Embassy, Kuwait, & other dignitaries for Deepa Prajwalana. The Deepa Prajwalana ceremony combined with the playing of shlokas in the background, brought a serene atmosphere.
KOA President Mr. Umesh Panda in his opening remark remembered the early days of Odisha State and recollected the glorious past of the great land called The Kalinga and their traditions.
Chief Guest Dr. Dev Mohanty, addressed the gathering with his sweet speech while encouraging and motivating the people of Odisha in Kuwait.
Guest of Honour Mr. Manas Raj Patel, in his key address, expressed his gratitude to KOA in their contribution keeping up Odisha’s glorious culture in far country of Kuwait.
Our Dearest Mr. Akshya Parija’s video message on this occasion to all Odias in Kuwait has given all a boost to take forward the program with more enthusiasm and it was like an ice tipping in the cake.
Then the podium was graced by the opening song “BANDE UTKAL JANANI” by our own Odia people in Kuwait and with beautiful Odissi & Bharatnatyam dance numbers from our own Odia Kids followed by many scintillating local cultural programs performed by our own Odia kids and adults and all these dance events are choreographed by our own Odia ladies and kids. The dance items were pleasant, and the audience enjoyed it fully.
A colorful souvenir KOA Smaranika_2024, edited by Mr. Santosh Mishra & Mr. Sunil Panigrahi with a beautiful cover page designed By Mr. Ishan Padhy, encouraging & motivating Messages from Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, Odisha Chief Minister, Puri Gajapati Maharaja, KOA President & General Secretary and containing many Odia articles by our own Odia people staying in Kuwait and also the photos of the various events conducted by KOA during the year 2023-2024 was also released capturing the literary talents of Odia’s in Kuwait.
KOA felicitated Mr. Prasanta Kumar Samal & Mr. Kamal Lochan Beuria both very popular Odias in Kuwait, for their selfless services to the community for last 20+ years.
We have invited Famous singers from Odisha, Mrs. Anindita Das, Mr. Deepak Kumar, Mr. Swayam Padhy & Ms. Pragyan Hota the stars of Odisha cine industry. They performed beautifully with their own composed songs and some amazing songs from Ollywood & Bollywood, when they were performing with their solo and duet songs, they transformed all local Odias to come to the Dias and dance with them. The interactive sessions between the singers & audience were savored by every Odia present inside the hall.
The stage was ably managed by Mr. Girija Padhy, Mrs. Manaswini Goth, Mrs. Sudrakshya Tripathi & Mr. Tushar Mishra supported by Mrs. Minoo Padhy, Mrs. Mamta Shaoo, Mrs. Rashmita Tripathy, Mrs. Arpita Bedbak backstage. Stage Program AV coordination was superbly managed by Mr. Manas Ranjan Panda. Mr. Umesh Basantia & Mr. Akshaya Shau took care of the snacks and dinner activities respectively. Mr. Girija Panda, Mr. Akshay Pradhan, Mrs. Minoo Padhy, Mr. Rakesh Raut, Mr. Kamal Lochan & Volunteers extended their back-end support for smooth functioning of the program.
The function was concluded with a vote of Thanks by KOA General Secretary Mr. Satyabrata Sutar and followed by dinner comprising delicious food, sweets prepared by popular restaurant The Mughal Mahal.