First overseas Biju Patnaik birth centenary celebrated in Dubai

Sambad English Bureau Published On : Apr 12, 2016 at 1:00 PM Updated On : Apr 13, 2016 at 2:46 PM

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Apr 12:

With a lot of fanfare, the Odia Diaspora in UAE celebrated the birth centenary of Legendary Biju Patnaik in Dubai. This special event was organized by the Odia Samaj of UAE and a photo exhibition on Biju Babu was unveiled by Debi Prasad Mishra, Minister of Industries, School & Mass Education, Govt of Odisha. Remembering the life and time of the great leader, the minister said that Biju babu continued to inspire people in his own land, as well as overseas.

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While appreciating the role of non-resident Odias for the development of the State, the Minister said that many Odias have become successful and affluent in their career across UAE . He invited them to bring more opportunities to Odisha in the future.

An event titled ‘Utsav 2016’, showcased Odisha in the fields of culture, tradition, art, music and dance. More than 500 Odias attended the program including guests from neighbouring countries like Oman, Kuwait, Sharjah, etc. Deepa Jain, head of Chancery and Consul (Protocol and Culture) of the Indian Consulate in Dubai, graced the event as the chief guest. Similarly, Mr. L.M. Asthana, Chief Executive, GCC Operations of the Bank of Baroda was the Guest of Honour. More than 60 children, men and women presented a dazzling cultural program of dance, drama and music. Famous Odia comedian Papu Pom Pom also regaled the crowd with his humour and antics.

“This event is designed to bring Odias living in the UAE and the neighbouring countries together. It has become the biggest gathering of Odias in this region and is growing in stature with each passing year”, said Mr. Amiya Mishra, president of Odia Samaj of UAE.

Noted filmmaker and business leader Akshaya Parija released the souvenir during this occasion. Other dignitaries like MLA Priyadarshi Mishra, Capt. Soumya Ranjan Pattnaik, Debashis Pattnaik (Chairman of Invest Bhubaneswar and Director Hotel Crown), Sanjay Pattnaik (Excutive Director, TATA Sponge) and Arun Mishra (Managing Director, TATA Gopalpur SEZ) attended the occasion.