‘Aseema Odisha’ to hold first global Odia conclave on Sunday

Odisha Sun Times Bureau:
Bhubaneswar, Dec 25:

‘Odisha without Border’ aka‘Aseema Odisha’, the apex organization of Odia organizations worldwide is all set to organize global Odias’ conclave at the KiiT auditorium here on Sunday.

The conclave with the theme “Rediscovering the Global Identity of Odisha – A Call for Action” is expecting to welcome over 500 delegates from different parts of the globe. It is primarily an initiative by the Pravasi Odias (Odia diaspora) that aims at creating an environment and developing a network to yield benefits to the state and its people, an OwB member informed.

“Each progressive state in the country is sincerely reaching out to the diaspora to tap the vast resources available, at least in terms of global knowledge, rich experience and technical expertise, if not wealth. If such initiative has borne appreciable results elsewhere, then why not in Odisha? This is a humble attempt by this diaspora under the umbrella Odisha without Border (OwB),” Nihar Ranjan Samantara, the Chief Mentor of the organization said.

Speaking at a press conference held on Wednesday, Khirod Kumar Jena, Chief Coordinator of OwB and Convenor of OwB Global Odias’ Conclave 2014 said, “The conclave humbly attempts to unite all Odia Associations on a single platform and deliberate on the issues pertaining to the growth of the state”.

“It has been a long cherished dream for the millions of Odias to propagate their perspective for a progressive province in the Asian context. OwB will provide a place of prominence to all the key stakeholders representing industry, academia, governance, art, literature, entertainment and other allied aspects,” he added.

Addressing the media, Kuna Tripathy, noted Ollywood actor and brand ambassador of OwB said, “Aseema Odisha is not just another Odia organization. It means much more than it sounds. It’s a serious thought to promote Odia language, art and culture and endeavours to enhance the pride of Odisha and Odias worldwide.”

“The goal of OwB is to connect to Odia Organizations based at different places across the world and develop a blueprint to support the Odia community outside the state and also do something good for the larger development of the state. The state and its citizens must come forward to welcome and embrace this resourceful community for all-round development,” he added.

Among others Surya Prakash Mohapatra, President; Pranab Kishore Pani, OwB Central Secretariat Director, Bibhu Ranjan Mishra, General Secretary and  Dilip Satpathy, Vice-President (Odisha Zone) were also present.

The event will have an inaugural and valedictory sessions where the Governor and Chief Minister will grace the occasion as chief guests.