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www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know Odisha Society Of The Americas Holds 57th Annual Convention In Minneapolis T he 57th Annual Convention of the Odisha Society of America (OSA), Milana Taranga – Tides of Har- mony, concluded successfully in Bloomington, Minnesota, drawing more than 1,000 attendees from across North America and beyond to celebrate their shared heritage, culture, and community. Hosted by the Minnesota Odia community, the three-day convention featured inspiring keynote sessions, a landmark Business Symposium, and the launch of Odisha Impact Magazine, showcasing the achievements of the glob- al Odia diaspora. The inaugural ceremony was graced by esteemed guests, includ- ing Consul General of India in Chicago Somnath Ghosh, Chief Guest Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Guest of Honor Dr. Sitakantha Dash, keynote speaker Kirtan Behera, Dr. Omkar Nath Mohanty, Toshit Panigrahi, entrepreneur Ritesh Agar- wal, and members of the OSA Executive Committee—President Nagesh Rajanala, Vice President Utkal Nayak, Secretary Snigdha Hota, Treasurer Sanjeeb Rout, and Chapter President Subhransu Mishra. The convention was coordinated by Con- venor Anjan Pradhan, along with Co-Con- venor Suchismita Swain, Treasurer Devi Pattnaik, and Secretary Shakti Tripathy. The convention’s cultural and com- munity programs received widespread acclaim. Highlights included the Odissi Festival commemorating the Birth Centenary of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, featuring mesmerizing Odissi dance performances by Aruna Mohanty and Sujata Mohapatra, Champu and Chhanda recitals, an Odia drama, a vibrant fashion show, the Pitha Competition, Sahitya Charcha, the Odisha Heritage Library, and stellar performanc- es by renowned comedian Harihara Mo- hapatra and celebrated singers Sangeeta Gosain, Mohaprasad Kar, Najia Alam, Manmath Mishra, Diptirekha Padhi, and Sashank Sekhar. Dedicated programming for children, youth, senior citizens, and individuals with special needs further reflected OSA's commitment to inclusivity. Authentic Odia cuisine and immer- sive cultural décor—including Rasikiya Pana Dokan, Raghubhai Dahibara, Odia Barna Matra, the Ollywood Red Carpet, Manabasa Gurubar, Khudurukuni Osha, and many more attractions—created a memorable experience that transported attendees to the heart of Odisha. The organizing committee and hundreds of volunteers expressed gratitude to the sponsors, donors, artists, performers, del- egates, chapter leaders, and community members whose collective efforts made. By a StaffWriter Dancers performing at the Odisha Society of America’s 57th Annual celebrations. PHOTOS:ODISHA SOCIETY OF AMERICA CRYket 2026 – Beyond The Pitch : Cricket For A Cause T he non-profit organization Child Rights and You, America, CRY-America, announced August 12, 2026, the details of its upcoming 2026 Annual CRYket Tournament. This year, CRYket will unite more than 10 teams in the Youth, Women’s and Men’s categories on the pitch at Johnson Park, Piscat- away NJ on August 15th. Bringing together local athletes, community leaders and cricket enthusiasts, CRYket 2026 aims to harness the power of sports to raise awareness for the cause of chil- dren’s rights and to raise funds to eliminate issues of lack of access to education, malnutrition and vulnerability to exploitation. Patrick Bocco, CRY America’s Director of Fundraising, inviting players said, “Your participation here ensures that the underprivileged children we serve have a chance at happy and safe childhoods where they can play in- stead of earn.” Arshia and Haresh Lala, the father and daughter duo who have been organizing this successful event for the past few years. “Every champion was once a beginner who refused to give up. Today, we play not just for victory, but for the dreams of every child who deserves a brighter tomorrow,” they are quoted saying in the press release. The proceeds raised through CRYket will go towards removing obstacles that lead to deprivation, thus ensur- ing children have their basic rights to live, learn, grow and play, organizers said. About CRY America: CRY, Child Rights and You America Inc (CRY America) is a 501c3 non-profit which enjoys the support of more than 35,334 donors and 2,000 volunteers. “CRY America has impacted the lives of 825,539 children living across 5,064 villages and slums through support to 111 Projects in India and the USA,” it said. By a StaffWriter Logo of CRY America. PHOTO:PROVIDED News India Times (August 15, 2026 - August 21, 2026) August 21, 2026 10 Community