It has almost been two years since most of us have returned to the homeland and the majority have travelled, unless an emergency or an urgent trip.
The launch of VTLs and commercial flights were a sudden boost of courage for a trip back home to meet near and dear ones. Many of us planned a trip back home, and I wish all a happy, pleasant and safe journey.
Twenty-four months have passed on, yet we are still under the fear of the pandemic. At times we feel the challenge has been conquered with vaccination, but then comes a new variant - this time Omicron. While data is insufficient to draw conclusions today, one thing is certain that we need to continue to do our part to stay safe and be cautious.
At such a time, OSS launched the online program OSS Got Talent in December as an avenue to engage and entertain the community. Through this medium, we saw various hidden talents came to light from different fields. It was really heartening to see the participation where age was not a bar, proven by looking at the contestants. Thanks to all for the participation.
A new avenue identified, OSS launched a competition for the youth under the banner – “Discover Our Roots”. This took form through a seminar where the youths presented videos of the various topics and they were tasked to research about. It was amazing looking at our youth’s confidence in the quality of work and handling the judges’ panel in addressing both online and real-time questions. Thanks for the great participation and Congratulations to the winners! Special thanks to the parents for their encouragement and support.
This is the 2nd publication of our E-Patrika and once again our LMW chapter has tried their best to capture the key events and festivals. Huge appreciation to all for their contribution and for the overwhelming responses. Hope you all enjoy the publication.
Last but not the least, like in Odisha we celebrate different festivals throughout the months in a year, in Singapore we come across the same in this multi-racial society. Privileged to experience different cultures and customs. Dashera, Deepavali, Hari Raya, Christmas, New Years and many more. Besides the English New Year, the Chinese New Year is approaching too. This would be the year of “Water Tiger '' which falls in 60 years. Hope the situation will be better in 2022 and we will get a chance to meet face to face.
“ ଆଶା ରେ ବିଶ୍ୱାସ ଏବଂ ଭରସା. “
With this, on behalf of the OSS committee I thank all the OSS members and supporters for their participation and support, and wish all a Very Happy New Year 2022 and Best Wishes for a great year!
Yours,
Alok Panda
President, Odia Society of Singapore
