Utkalika—Cochin Oriya Association, a socio-cultural collective of Oriya diaspora comprising 150 families in and around Kochi, celebrated ‘Utkal Divas' on Sunday to commemorate the formation of the State way back on April 1, 1956. It coincided with the fourth anniversary of the association.
Prafulla Chandra Ghadai, Orissa's Minister for Finance and Culture, was the chief guest of the function that was held at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Auditorium. Mr. Ghadai said as against popular perception, Orissa was a rich State, rich in minerals and other natural resources. “The culture of Orissa is among the best in the country. Same is the case with the standard of education in the State,” he emphasised. “Janani janma bhoomischa swargadapi gareeyasi,” he quoted the Ramayana to enunciate the point that wherever an émigré be, motherland to him/her is dearer than heaven.
Mr. Ghadai also released ‘Chandrabhaga 2010', the souvenir of the association, on the occasion. B.C. Nayak, president of the association, touched upon the richness of Oriya culture in his presidential address and said that even the world-renowned ‘Angkor Wat' (temple at Angkor in Cambodia) owed its architectural splendour to Orissa's rich temple architecture tradition.
He also said that it was important for the younger generation to evince an interest in the tradition and culture of Orissa.
Netajee Patro, secretary of the organisation presented a report on the activities of the organisation and thanked the Orissa government for extending its support to the migrant Orissa communities. “There are about 300 Oriya families in the State and the organisation seeks to promote the intellectual, artistic, social, educational and cultural advancement of the members of the association and works for the interest of the Oriya community in general,” he said.
Odissi dance, showcased by the Bhubaneswar-based Nrutyaprativa's Prativa Panda and troupe, added colour to the function.
The programme was sponsored by the Orissa Department of Culture. Earlier, the children of Utkalika members rendered ‘Bande Utkala Janani' as the welcome song.
Utkalika members Manisha Dandapat and A.. Panda spoke on the occasion.
