EXPATRIATES from the East Indian state of Orissa came together for a cultural function at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh recently. The function was organized by the Riyadh Orissa Socio-Cultural Association (ROSA), a community group comprising of expats from Orissa. Yasmin Farook, daughter of the Indian Ambassador MOH Farook, was the chief guest, Indian Consul S.S Mohapatra the guest of honor, and Sumitra Mohapatra, headmistress of Delhi Public School, Riyadh, the special guest. Addressing the gathering, the guests lauded the efforts of the organizing group for arranging socio-cultural activities for the Orissa community in the region as well as for honing the talents of the youths through competitions and cultural programs. ROSA president Mohammad Fazal Haque welcomed the guests while Dr A. Meher presented the group's annual report. Dr M.k.Patra, advisor and cultural committee coordinator, along with his team members entertained the audience with dances, skits, songs, mimicry, etc. The event, sponsored by Saudi Indian Company for Cooperative Insurance (SICCI), was attended by expat families from other Indian states as well. Organizers said that one of the aims of the function was to popularize the rich culture and art forms of Orissa, such as, the classical Odissi dance, stone sculptures, silk saris, etc., among the Indian expat community here. Engr. Shamsher Ali gave the vote of thanks. __
