The Global Odia Community : A Story of Connection and Celebration
By Lokanath Mishra
The Odia diaspora is a vibrant and diverse community spread across the globe, with a strong presence in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, the United States, Singapore, and Norway. Despite being geographically dispersed, the Odia community has managed to stay connected and celebrate their rich cultural heritage through various organizations and initiatives.
One such organization is the Odisha Society of Canada, which serves as a platform for Odias in Canada to come together and celebrate their culture. Similarly, the Odisha Society of United Kingdom (OSUK), Odia Society of Ireland (OSI), and the Odisha Society of the Americas (OSA) work tirelessly to promote Odia culture and provide a sense of community to Odias living abroad. The Norway Odia Community and the Odia Society of Singapore (OSS) are other examples of country-level organizations that are doing remarkable work.
In addition to these country-level organizations, there have been attempts to unite all Non-Resident Odias (NROs) residing abroad through online communities. Pravasi Odia is one such online community that provides a platform for Odias to connect, share, and celebrate their culture. The virtual Global Odia Mahotsav 2020 event is another example of how the Odia community came together to advance international cooperation and development in Odisha.
The Non-Resident Odia Facilitation Center is an organization that works in liaison with the Government of Odisha to facilitate the connection between NROs and their homeland. The center takes the form of a Public-Private-People-Partnership, with representation from the government, NROs, and the community. This initiative aims to promote the interests of NROs and provide a platform for them to contribute to the development of Odisha.
The Odia community has produced many notable individuals who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Bibhu Mohapatra is a renowned American fashion designer, while Bhanumati Devi is a celebrated film and theater actress. Jogesh Pati, Ashok Das, and Bhakta B. Rath are notable physicists who have made significant contributions to their field. Prasanta Pattanaik is a distinguished economist, and Prasant Mohapatra is a prominent computer scientist.
Other notable Odias include Bhubaneswar Mishra, a computer scientist; Jyoti Mishra, a British musician; Saraju Mohanty, an American scientist and author; Gita Mehta, an American writer and documentary filmmaker; Ellora Patnaik, a Canadian actress; Lisa Mishra, an American singer; Ritwik Behera, an American cricketer; Anshuman Rath, a Hong Kong cricketer; Anil Dash, an American technology executive and entrepreneur; P. K. Mahanandia, a Swedish artist; Ashok Swain, a Swedish academic; and Swarup Ranjan Mishra, the founder of Mediheal hospitals in Kenya and a former MP.
The Odia community is a testament to the power of connection and celebration. Despite being spread across the globe, the community has managed to stay connected and promote their rich cultural heritage. Through various organizations and initiatives, the Odia community continues to thrive and make significant contributions to their respective fields. The story of the Odia community is one of resilience, determination, and a deep connection to their roots.
The Inspiring Journey of Bhubaneswar Mishra: A Renowned Computer Scientist
Bhubaneswar Mishra, also known as Bud Mishra, is a distinguished Indian American computer scientist and professor at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences of New York University. Born on November 9, 1961, in Cuttack, India, ( His father Late Purna Chandra Mishra was Assistant Post Master General and he belonged to Gopinathpur Shasan of Mukti Mandapa Pandita Sabha) Mishra has made significant contributions to the fields of bioinformatics, cybersecurity, and computational finance. His work has been widely recognized, and he is listed as an ISI highly cited researcher in Computer Science.
Early Life and Education
Mishra’s educational background is impressive. He received a B.Tech. degree in Electronics and Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur in 1980. He then pursued his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Science from Carnegie Mellon University, completing them in 1982 and 1985, respectively. His Ph.D. thesis advisor was the renowned computer scientist Edmund M. Clarke.
Career
Mishra began his scientific career as an instructor at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences. Over the years, he has held various positions, including visiting scholar at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and co-founder of OpGen, a computational biology company. He is also the principal investigator at the Center for Malicious Behavior and Model Checking.
Awards and Honors
Mishra’s contributions to computer science have been widely recognized. He is a fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery (2007), the IEEE (2009), and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2010). These accolades are a testament to his dedication and expertise in his field.
Research and Impact
Mishra’s research has had a significant impact on various fields, including bioinformatics, cybersecurity, and computational finance. His work has been published in numerous papers and has been cited extensively. He has also supervised several doctoral students, including Amy Greenwald and Laxmi Parida.
Legacy
Bhubaneswar Mishra’s journey is an inspiration to aspiring computer scientists and researchers. His contributions to the field of computer science have been substantial, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations. As a renowned professor and researcher, he continues to shape the minds of young scientists and push the boundaries of human knowledge.
The Flavors of Odisha: A Culinary Journey
Odisha, a state in eastern India, is known for its rich cultural heritage and delicious cuisine. The traditional food of Odisha is a delightful journey of flavors and textures, with a focus on simplicity, freshness, and wholesomeness. In this article, we will explore the top 10 famous foods of Odisha that you must try, which are available in the UK and USA.
1. Rasagola
Rasagola is a sweet dish made from chhena (Indian cottage cheese) and soaked in sugar syrup. It is soft, spongy, and irresistibly sweet. Odisha celebrates Rasagola Dibasa to honor its connection to this iconic sweet. Rasagola is an essential part of Odisha’s culinary identity and one of its most famous dishes.
2. Pakhala Bhata
Pakhala Bhata is a fermented rice dish typically eaten with curd, fried vegetables, and fish. This traditional dish is often enjoyed during the hot summer months because of its cooling properties. The tangy flavor of fermented rice, combined with the fresh accompaniments, makes Pakhala Bhata a staple in Odia households.
3. Chhena Poda
Chhena Poda, literally meaning “burnt cheese,” is a popular dessert that stands out in Odisha’s sweet offerings. Made from fresh cottage cheese, sugar, and cardamom, this dessert is baked until it develops a caramelized crust. The result is a rich and smoky flavor that has earned Chhena Poda a special place among Odisha’s most beloved sweets.
4. Dalma
Dalma is a simple yet wholesome preparation of lentils and vegetables. What makes Dalma unique is its minimal use of spices, allowing the natural flavors of the lentils and vegetables to shine. Cooked with vegetables like raw banana, pumpkin, and brinjal, Dalma is typically served with steamed rice.
5. Macha Ghanta
Macha Ghanta is a traditional fish curry made with freshwater fish, potatoes, and a mix of spices. This dish is often prepared during festivals and special occasions and is typically served with steamed rice. The flavorful gravy, combined with tender fish, makes Macha Ghanta one of the most popular and famous dishes of Odisha.
6. Chingudi Jhola
Chingudi Jhola is a spicy prawn curry prepared in a tomato-based gravy, flavored with cumin, turmeric, and mustard seeds. The rich and aromatic gravy complements the succulent prawns, making Chingudi Jhola a favorite among seafood enthusiasts.
7. Khaja
Khaja is a crispy, flaky pastry soaked in sugar syrup, and it is an integral part of temple offerings in Odisha, particularly in Puri. This sweet treat is often associated with festivals and religious rituals, making it a significant part of Odisha’s traditional food culture.
8. Santula
Santula is a traditional Odia vegetable curry made by boiling vegetables such as brinjal, potatoes, and pumpkin, and then seasoning them with mustard seeds, cumin, and green chilies. The mild seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables, making it a nutritious and wholesome dish.
9. Dahi Vada-Aloo Dum
Dahi Vada-Aloo Dum is a flavorful combination of two dishes. Dahi Vada consists of lentil dumplings soaked in spiced yogurt, while Aloo Dum is a spicy potato curry. The contrast of the cool, creamy Dahi Vada with the fiery Aloo Dum makes this dish a popular snack among locals.
10. Khechudi
Khechudi is a simple and comforting dish made with rice and lentils, seasoned with minimal spices. Often served as prasad in the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Khechudi holds a spiritual significance in Odisha’s food culture. It is typically served with fried vegetables, papad, and chutney, making it a wholesome and filling meal.
Conclusion
The famous food of Odisha offers a rich blend of flavors, deeply connected to the state’s cultural and religious traditions. From the refreshing tang of Pakhala Bhata to the sweet indulgence of Chhena Poda, Odisha’s cuisine is a testament to its rich heritage and love for wholesome, flavorful food. Whether you’re savoring the coastal delicacies like Chingudi Jhola or indulging in the sweetness of Rasagola, the famous dishes of Odisha promise to offer a culinary experience like no other.