New Delhi: Pravasi Odia Vikash Samiti (POVS) – the largest Odia diaspora organisation – celebrated Odia New Year and Maha Vishuva Sankranti with gaiety at Viswa Yuvak Kendra here on Sunday.
Gracing the occasion as chief guest, Rajya Sabha MP Prof. Rakesh Sinha stressed on the need for “positive mind” to accept “positive news”. Emphasising that the debates during the Constitution framing are of high accolade, Prof. Sinha explained how Lokanath Mishra, who was then a member of Constitution drafting committee, had debated secularism.
Stating that the present day television debates deteriorated the standards of debate drastically, Prof. Sinha said the present day television debates are nothing but fierce attack on each other. On social media, he advised that the users should not be the slave of the technology and instead use the social media properly for the growth of the nation.
Presiding the event, president of POVS Surya Narayan Mishra highlighted how the faith and belief of Hinduism in the country is being undermined in the name of minority and how the miscreant does not hesitate to condemn the country. He appealed for the preservation of India’s civilization, literature, language, culture and heritage. Mishra emphasised that the citizens should be vigilant and actively contribute for the democracy.
The event also witnessed a threadbare discussion on ‘Impact of positive news in nation’s growth and development’. Speaking in the session, Rajesh Sundaram, Editor of PTI Video Services, discussed about the menace of fake news and deepfake.
Moderating the session, Prof. Satya Bhusan Dash of IIM, Lucknow stressed on the need of positive news to move the nation forward while stating that media should shoulder the responsibility to disseminate correct news.
Dr. Ajit Thakkar, president of Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) and Sandeep Saksena, CEO of Blitz India, shared their views on the impact of positive news on the growth and development of the nation.
Stating that India’s growth rate is an all-time high, Jayantha Ranganathan, senior director of IIFL Securities Ltd, spoke about the economic opportunities for the country in the ensuing centenary.
POVS general secretary Bijaya Nabami proposed a vote of thanks. Scores of people from Odia diaspora attended the event. The event culminated with a cultural extravaganza where several artists performed. IIM Lucknow student Madhurima created a painting on Pana Sankranti.