A glimpse into the cultural extravaganza and community celebrations.
Dear Members,
Greetings! First and foremost, Happy Utkal Divas to all of you. ବନ୍ଦେ ଉତ୍କଳ ଜନନୀ
We have just crossed another major milestone commemorating the 87th year of Odisha's foundation day celebration – our existence and identity. The OSS members had put together a great culturally rich and fun filled program to celebrate the day. I am heartened to see the kind of involvement our youth have had in the program through leading and participating in various segments of the event. Kudos to them as well as the proud parents for instilling that richness of the "odianess" in our next generation. This gives that proud feeling and the recollection of the phrase "ଆମେ ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଭାରି ବଢିଆ".
In this section of the E-Patrika, we will be covering three key segments. The first theme to be discussed is regarding our own identity, which I have already covered above.
In the 2nd segment, you will find some details of the stepping stones for OSS in establishing our existence in Singapore as an Indian community and moving towards our vision to walk alongside the other organizations proudly in contributing towards the integration of Odias in the broader community and promoting Odia arts and culture. Beyond a focus just within Singapore, we look towards becoming a resource platform that can link both Odia people in Singapore as well as those back in Odisha by supporting them in pursuing their endeavours.
The 3rd segment revolves around the idea of how as a society we integrate into the mainstream Singapore community in supporting the various noble causes. OSS as an Immigrant Association (IA) is one of the privileged partners of People's Association which participated under the "Happy Project" community service initiative in porridge distribution during the Ramadan period for the less fortunate of all races and religions. Our members have participated island wide and supported this noble cause wholeheartedly, reiterating once again that we as a community stand together to lead and support good causes. Kudos to all volunteers for their efforts and time spent. I would also like to take this opportunity to once again wish our Muslim brothers and sisters "Happy Eid" — ଇଦ୍ ମୁବାରକ.
Last but definitely not the least, with the transition towards an endemic state and regulatory laxation on Covid-19 measures, we are planning for future events to be carried out physically, and look forward to seeing you all soon. Namaskar 🙏
The journey started on 5th October 2021 when Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) signed a non-binding partnership agreement with 24 diaspora organisations (named as the Federation of Indian Organizations – FSIO) to work with a united voice on issues affecting the South Asian community in Singapore. The signing ceremony took place on the side-lines of SICCI's Fireside Chat with Goh Chok Tong, Emeritus Senior Minister and former Prime Minister.
Moving ahead in this journey, SICCI organized a gala dinner event on 12 May 2022, graced by Honorable President Halimah Yacob highlighting once again the government's support and focus on addressing the South Asian community's issues.
It was a proud moment for us all that on behalf of OSS I had the privilege to sign the MoU with the Emeritus SM and former PM and to receive the memento from the Honorable President of Singapore.
During our upcoming AGM, the OSS committee would share more on how we can leverage these platforms for the benefits of our community here. Please stay tuned!
On 16th April 2022, Odia Society of Singapore's Utkal Divas was a spectator to a marvellous concert of different styles of dance which despite being online, transformed the event into a memorable and enchanting one. Ranging from dances on modern remixed songs to pure classical pieces, the performances were beautifully choreographed as a group or individually by Guru Sasmita Pal, T Vani, Swati Acharya, and Atasi Rath.
The whole event was well orchestrated wonderfully by our two anchors — Pratyusha Hota and Sara Samanwita Sahu who kept our audiences engaged throughout.
We will forever be thankful to all the talented performers, choreographers, anchors and volunteers for working so hard to light up our evenings with their graceful and jabardast performances.
Started in 2015 under the "Happy Project" community service initiative, Immigrant Association (IA) partners have partnered with the CC Malay Activity Executive Committees (MAEC) organising porridge distribution projects and other Ramadan activities to reach out to the less fortunate of all races and religions.
Odia Society of Singapore (OSS) is one of the privileged IA partners of People's Association. We participated in the Porridge Distribution / Ramadan projects those were carried out during the month of Ramadan from 3 April to 2 May 2022.
Our members have participated island wide and supported this noble cause wholeheartedly, reiterating once again that we as a community stand together to lead and support good causes. Kudos to all volunteers for their efforts and time spent.
Providing warm meals to the less fortunate during Ramadan
Serving all races and religions with compassion and unity
OSS members actively involved island wide
Privileged IA partner since 2015
Sing
