Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Expatriates from the Indian eastern state of Odisha residing in Riyadh and Al-Kharj area came together to celebrate a grand event in Riyadh on the weekend to popularize the culture, art and ethos of Odisha. The program included speeches, prizes, felicitations, a raffle draw and cultural programs under the umbrella of Riyadh Odisha Socio-Cultural Association (ROSA). The chief guest of the evening was Dev Mohanty, a businessman and philanthropist of Odisha origin and the chairman and managing director of ASMACS Group. In his welcome speech, ROSA President Mohammad Shamsher Ali reminded the audience of the important role of Indian expats and explained his organization's mission to make “Odisha visible to the rest of the world.” The chief guest congratulated the ROSA members for serving the community, developing talents of young children and spreading the goodwill of Odisha in this foreign land. He cited many examples of historical success of Odisha and wished for the success of the state in future. Mohd Fazal Haque briefed the audience about the culture and traditions of Odisha. The program was anchored by Safa Fazal Haque, Zaib Shaheen and Bilquiss. A special souvenir edited by Bilquiss Ali, Mohd. Shamsher Ali, Mohd. Fazal Haque and supported by Razik Wakil was released to commemorate the occasion. The ROSA president urged the members to come forward in developing literal activities. General Secretary Debasis Rout read out a report on ROSA activities and the development of its website (www.rosaparivar.info). Vice President Sisir Mund offered the vote of thanks. The whole executive committee, members and families put their best efforts to make the evening a memorable one. The central attraction of the event was a cultural program masterminded by the ROSA adviser M.K. Patra and supported by cultural secretaries Saroj Panigrahi, Azeem Uddin and Sisir Mund. ROSA children and elders presented excellent dance performances, which were choreographed by Deepa Panigrahi and Sampa Mund. The later part of evening included an innovative quiz program, Dandia dance by elders and comedy skits anchored by Dr. Durga Samantarai, Gulnaaz, Mehnaz and Dr. Renuka Patra. The evening came to a close of the successful evening marked raffle draw co-hosted by Razik Wakil, Hadu Bandhu, Azeem, Vivek and nice dinner arranged by Kalim, Ramazan and Simanchal. ROSA, with its motto “We Dream, We Believe, We Care and We Achieve,” is on a mission to showcase the Odisha community among the expatriate population. “The cultural event and the souvenir are effective media to achieve that. It depicts the dreams and accomplishments of Oriyas,” said a statement released by the organization.
