Canberra: Odias from all over Australia gathered at Green Hills Centre here to celebrate the rich art, vibrant culture and strong bonding of Odisha at Saptaranga 2023.
The three-day biennial convention, organised by Australia’s Odia Samaj Orioz Inc., was held after a gap of five years due to COVID-19 disruptions.
The picturesque venue of the mammoth gettogether — surrounded by mountains, waterfalls and magnificent bushlands — created a wonderful ambience for the celebrations.
The mega community event saw close engagements, interactions and exchange of fellow feeling among people of all ages which gave them a feeling of home away from home.
Saptaranga was inaugurated by Narender Rana, the representative of Indian High Commissioner, and Shanti Reddy, president of FINACT.
President-elect of Orioz Dr Manoj Nayak and newly-elected executives took charge of the organisation from outgoing president Dr Nalini Pati and his team.
Dr Pati expressed his gratitude to Orioz family for the overwhelming support and unstinted cooperation to his committee during their 3-year tenure. Despite serious challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, Orioz earned worldwide recognition and acclaim in Odisha due to the hard work of his team, Dr Pati added.
Expressing his satisfaction over the success of Saptaranga, Dr Nayak said it had united the Odia community who lived over a vast geographic spread and made them feel like one big family.
Dr Nayak said the highlight of the unique gathering was the communicative skills demonstrated by kids and youths of Orioz.
Community veteran Charu Chandra Mishra was felicitated during the occasion for his exemplary contribution for the advancement of Orioz.
A quiz competition, held for the first time based on the theme of heritage and history of Odisha, was an instant hit among the audience. A health awareness programme was also held.
A colourful cultural jamboree saw 55 heart-touching performances by artistes belonging to all age groups.
The attending delegates were treated to mouth-watering Odia delicacies.
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