Report by Rashmi r Parida, New Delhi: Pacific Northwest Odisha society to host the 43rd Annual Convention of the Orissa Society of Americas (OSA). It will be held in Seattle from 5th - 7th July 2012.

The opening ceremony speakers will include Ambassador Malay Mishra, Member of Parliament Jai Panda, eminent local leaders and a video address by Dr. Sam Pitroda. The theme of the convention this year is "Eka Mana, Eka PrAna, Eka PrAnta, Eka Chinha– Bringing Odias together".  It promises to bring the young, new, and old generations - from all over the village, we call the World to experience the rich and diverse Odia culture miles away from the epicenter. The Newport Performance Theater in Bellevue, WA will be the venue for the evening programs and other competitions.

OSA is a non-political, non-profit and voluntary organization dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in the promotion and propagation of Odia culture in North America, and brings together all people interested in Odisha through socio-cultural events and developmental activities.

This year's convention venue, Seattle, is special not only because of the mesmerizing beauty of the Pacific Northwest but also for its special place as the first great American host city to "bridge" Canada and the USA, the two primary countries of the Odia Diaspora. Moreover, the Port of Seattle recently established its first Indian sister port relationship in Odisha. The annual journal, published in both digital and print media during the convention caters to over 3000 members & families throughout North America as well as many Odishan businesses and leaders abroad.

The annual convention, which usually attracts 800-1000 attendees from the North American Diaspora and abroad, showcases Odia culture and heritage by hosting cultural shows & professional artistic performances and competitions, business symposium and thematic, issue-based seminars. It also features Indian icons and leaders, great networking opportunities, and sumptuous ethnic food. The Annual OSA convention promotes cultural diversity and understanding by integrating American and Odia values, provides a platform for American organizations doing business in India, and fosters friendship between the two people.

This year's convention venue, Seattle, is special not only because of the mesmerizing beauty of the Pacific Northwest but also for its special place as the first great American host city to "bridge" Canada and the USA, the two primary countries of the Odia Diaspora. Moreover, the Port of Seattle recently established its first Indian sister port relationship in Odisha. The annual journal, published in both digital and print media during the convention caters to over 3000 members & families throughout North America as well as many Odishan businesses and leaders abroad.

The members of the Pacific Northwest chapter are putting together a great infotainment package that will cut across multiple generations and appeal to everyone. The cultural package, Ranga Taranga, includessome enthralling performances from professionals depicting the richness of the Odia culture. Other attractions include Odia drama competition.

Music

The featured artists this year include the legendary Sunanda Patnaik, a Sangeet Natak Academy award winner and an iconic Hindustani classical singer. She started singing in 1955 and has done many concerts in India and is known internationally. She is best known for her tarana; she sings at a high pace and is considered one of the best contemporary interpreters of Odissi music.

For more than four decades now Praffula Kar has audiences and fans in Orissa and abroad with his distinctive singing, compositions and lyrics. His position as a performer is pre-eminent, and the compelling power of his music continues to attract a large cross section of the listening public.

SangitGosain has captivated audiences with her ability to sing in 17 different languages. She has received multiple accolades and awards for her achievement and the OSA attendees will experience some of it in the convention. She will be travelling with a group of live musicians.

Dance

Established in 1975, Urvasi Dance Company has practiced and promoted the research and practice of classical Odissi/Orissi dance from India in Seattle and Olympia, Washington, USA.The Classical Odissi dance, as performed by the Urvasi Dance Company, is in the little-known Mahari tradition of Guru Pankaj Charan Das. Led by Dr. Ratna Roy, this group will be performing some scintillating Odissi items.

Guru Sri Devraj Patnaik is a prodigious dancer and percussionist. His native talent for dance has been nurtured by the tutelage of Kalashri Chitralekha Patnaik, Srimati Aruna Mohanty, Padmabibhusan Kelucharan Mohapatra, Padmashri Pankaj Charan Das, and Kalashri Ellora Patnaik. Kumari Ellora Patnaik has won international acclaim as a dancer and actor. Many revered Gurus contributed to her training including: Kalashri Chitralekha Patnaik, Srimati Nandita Patnaik, Padmabibhusan Kelucharan Mohapatra, Padmashri Pankaj Charan Das, and (late) Padmashri Sanjukta Panigrahi. She has been teaching dance and performing professionally since 1980.

The convention provides a great platform to the next generation to showcase their talents. This includes Subrina Biswal Competition in Performing Arts, Sharada Sashi for Tiny Tots and Odissi, Champu and Chandda competition. Each event has different categories and a great opportunity for the kids and alike to participate, have fun and learn the Odia tradition.

In addition, there are multiple Youth activities planned to keep them engaged and network with others from the different part of the country. There are city tours, social nights, career discussions and lots of other stuff. The youth of Pacific Northwest chapter is putting together a great package.

With the objective of making new connections, understanding education and discussing some critical social aspects, the team has organized a series of talks and discussion forums. This will provide the members with an opportunity to get introduced to NGO work and join the force; connect with mentor-mentee through Mentorship panel. Some distinguished speakers include Adyasha Das, Sangita Gossain, Uma Rao, Ankita Mohanty, Surendra Ray and eminent physicians. This year, there is a renewed focus on Women right and they evolution in the modern society. There are multiple seminars led by women session that highlight their growing influence.

An event of such a scale can never be successful without the painstaking effort of volunteers who dedicate countless hours. The Odia diaspora of Pacific Northwest Chapter, though small when compared to other areas in the continent, are rallying to ensure it is a memorable experience for the attendees. This year the team is led by
Convener – Mr Amulya Das, Chapter President – Mr Priyadarsan Patra, Co-Convener – Ms. Kuku Das, Co-Convener – Mr Pradeep Sahoo and Co-Convener – Mr Rakesh Patnaik.