Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The Odisha Society of the Americas (OSA) is the largest and most organized Odia organization outside of Odisha, India. Odias have worked tirelessly to promote Odia culture and tradition in North America since its foundation more than 50 years ago. The International OSA 2023 Convention in Chicago, USA, this year, will host the largest meeting of Odias outside of India. The growing Odias will give a peek of our language, culture, art, and futuristic vision under the convention theme ‘Aarohi’.
Aarohi represents Odias who are progressive, optimistic, aspiring, and heroic. It represents our historical awareness of the people of Odisha’s battle for independence and self-determination. Aarohi is the epitome of a modern individual whose purpose has been to progress. The convention is a tribute to the individual. Odias in India and North America have been successful in combining the best of our traditions and culture with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to succeed in the modern day. Odias from all over the world have been encouraging new businesses, hospitals, educational institutions, and STEM students in order to help Odisha.
“We have the New/Now Odias who have opened Hospitals, provided Ambulance services, helped in Eye and Palate clinics, etc. Through philanthropy, they have helped various community projects all over Odisha. They have worked to open new Higher Education, institutions like IIT and other educational institutions, etc. in Odisha,” OSA stated.
They have made significant contributions in North America and other nations as scientists, professors, doctors, philanthropists, executives, and entrepreneurs. Using our forefathers’ historic brilliance as a springboard, the Now Odia is mirrored in the topic and context of the contemporary convention. Apart from displaying traditional and modern culture via an extravaganza, the 54th OSA conference is also holding seminars for Odisha development, Health Clinics, Public Libraries, Women empowerment, Odia identity, mental health, and so on.
The seminars for the Next Generation Odias focus on the difficulties they will face in the twenty-first century. The 54th Convention has gathered business and social leaders from Odisha and North America to collaborate on moving Odias forward. Furthermore, the Now Odia has not abandoned its religious and cultural origins. There are Lord Jagannath events, symposiums, and talks, as well as Spirituality, Yoga, Meditation, Bhajan, Odia Language, Literature, Poetry, and Religion.
“Kavitha Patha, Odissi, Champu/Chhanda, Pitha Competition etc. These programs highlight our roots. The Convention is bringing Odisha and USA/Canada together. We are proud of where we have come from, where we are now and where we want to be in future. We miss you all and wish you were here with us,” OSA further stated.
