July 4th,Dr. Achyuta Samanta,founder of KIIT,KISS,and KIMS,opened the 57th Convention of Odisha Society of the Americas (OSA) in Minneapolis. A big moment in his journey. As Chief Guest,he said attending was a dream come true,stressing OSA's role in preserving Odia identity and aiding Odisha's development.
Before crowd of over 1,000 Odia families,Dr . Samanta thanked organizers for invite. He called it a lively celebration of Odisha's language,culture,heritage . The atmosphere? Warm and united. “The entire convention reflects Odisha. The decorations,songs,dance competitions,even the conversations are in Odia,” he said,proud of how the community keeps its roots,despite distance from home.
He praised OSA members for their dedication,earning them U.S. recognition. Acknowledged their help in crises: “Whenever Odisha has faced floods,cyclones,COVID-19 pandemic,you've always come forward.” He noted Odisha's transformation: “Odisha is no more the Odisha it used to be . It's become one of the most happening states in India,Bhubaneswar one of the country’s most vibrant cities.”
At event,a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between KIIT,KISS,KIMS,and OSA. This pact aims to boost long-term collaboration in education,healthcare,sports,AI,community engagement. It seeks to connect Odisha with global Odia community through scholarships,student exchanges,internships,research.
The MoU's highlight? Launch of Summer Odisha Immersion program. North American students will dive into Odisha’s language,history,culture,innovation. It aims to spark connections between KIIT,KISS students and global Odia diaspora.
Collaboration spans healthcare,incubators,innovation labs,encouraging professional exchanges . Promotes partnerships between KIIT,KISS faculty and OSA’s educators,physicians,researchers,tech leaders.
Notables at signing and convention? Dr. Sita Kanta Dash,founder of Kalinga Hospital; Shree Somnath Ghosh,Consul General of India in Chicago; OSA President Nageswar Rajanala. Plus other Odia diaspora,academicians,community leaders from U.S.,Canada…
