RIYADH — The expatriate community from eastern Indian state of Odisha celebrated a colorful 11th Annual Cultural Function here recently. Under the banner ROSA (Riyadh Odisha Socio-cultural Association) the community-organization has been endeavoring for last 11 years in developing the young talents through various extracurricular activities, as well as showcasing the rich heritage and modern developments of Odisha.

Indian Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed was the chief guest, while Mrs. Farha Sayeed and eminent NRI entrepreneur cum philanthropist from Odisha Dr. Dev Mohanty were the guests of honor.

Among the other dignitaries who attended this year were the convener of steering committee of Indian community in Riyadh Zaigham Khan, Saudi Gazette ex-Managing Editor Shams Ahsan, Embassy official Sri Dolamani Meher, representatives of Odisha associations in Jubail named Utkalika, Odisha association in Dammam named Kalingan, other state representatives and many business executives. ROSA members were enthusiastic to receive more than 200 Indian expatriates from Odisha and other states.

Ambassador Dr. Sayeed appreciated the efforts of ROSA in serving the community and propagating arts and culture of Odisha. He was happy to mention that Odisha is in the path of good economy growth under a stable government. He also recollected his acquaintance with some prominent NRIs from Odisha during his previous assignments in USA and Jeddah. The ambassador praised Dr. Dev Mohanty for his entrepreneurship and philanthropic achievements.

Referring to various new initiatives of Indian Embassy he said that the embassy is ready to support the communities if they want to organize art and cultural festivals, either on state basis or few states jointly. In terms of India-KSA business initiatives, he informed that there are good opportunities available and the embassy is ready to provide ample support if entrepreneurs with good proposals come forward.

Dr. Mohanty said that he is happy to be a part of the ROSA Parivar (family) for many years. By citing a patriotic stanza in Odia language he explained that a person cannot be called as learned unless he loves his motherland and mother tongue. Referring to the glorious history of Kalinga (Odisha) he said that the Kalinga war had changed King Ashoka from a warrior to a pacifist.

President of the organization, Raziq Wakil, welcomed the guests and explained the goals and achievements of ROSA. The advisor Dr. Mohammad Fazal Haque talked about the 11 years’ successful journey of ROSA. Advisors Engr Shamsher Ali and Engr Debashis Rout jointly released a souvenir.

Prize distribution ceremony of various competitions were conducted by ROSA Vice Presidents Saroj Panigrahi, Azeemuniddin Khan, Cultural Secretary Prabir Das and Sports Secretary Simanchala Sahoo. The sponsors of the evening were felicitated which included ASMACS, SecurEyes, Masdar AlHayat, Almarai, Red Chilli and Malabar Gold.

The main attraction was the cultural program presented by the ROSA artists, which comprised of tiny tots, young and adults. The cultural items included Sambalpuri, Odishi, Bharat Natyam dances, Bollywood numbers along with skits, comedy, speech etc. and extempore speech by Ms. Sara Sheikh of Kalingan-Dammam was very impressive.

Prabir Das and joint-secretaries Manas Swain and Sukant Patra supervised the programs. ROSA choreographers Chandana, Lopamudra, Mehwish, Bilquis, and Bhavna worked hard to train the artists and presenters to showcase their best performances. The anchors of different events included Manahil, Rayyan, Adya, Areeba, Affan, Afsana, Tasneem, Shreyan, Sambit and Tushar.

The tireless efforts of ROSA executive members & volunteers including Hadubandhu, Simanchal, Pribir, Manas, Sukanta, Tushar, Sambit, Jugal, Himansu, Tirthabrata and more, as well as efforts of ROSA ladies made the function a grand success. — SG