ODIA Samaj Munich (OSM)

Name: Suvendu Rath

Position: President

Manifesto

OSM Vision

To unite and empower the Odia Samaj Munich community by preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage, language, and traditions of Odisha, while fostering inclusive growth, education, and social responsibility.

OSM Mission

Our mission is to build a strong, supportive network of Odias in Munich that promotes cultural pride, provides educational and professional opportunities, supports community welfare, and contributes to the social and economic development of Odisha.

Core Objectives

• Cultural Preservation: To celebrate and promote Odia festivals, art, dance, music, and language among current and future generations.
• Community Building: To connect Odia individuals and families across Germany through events, forums, and collaborative projects.
• Education & Youth Empowerment: To provide scholarships, mentorship, and career guidance to Odia youth.
• Social Welfare: To support charitable initiatives in healthcare, education, and disaster relief—especially in Odisha.
• Global Representation: To represent Odia interests at national and international forums and promote Odisha’s contributions globally.
• Collaborative Development: To partner with government and NGOs for the betterment of Odisha.

Key Activities

• Conducting Odia language classes and heritage workshops for youth
• Conducting Odissi & Sambalpuri dance classes for all generations
• Hosting OSM Kids platform (journal writing, webinars, presentations, etc.)
• Organizing cultural events (e.g., Rath Yatra with Shree Jagannath Seva Germany, Utkal Divas, Pana Sankranti, Nuakhai, Raja, etc.)
• Executing OSM book library in collaboration with Odisha Govt.
• Executing OSM Health Group to support each other with health issues, questions, blood requirements, doctor appointments in Germany or India
• Organizing an annual Odia food festival to showcase the taste of Odisha
• Enabling Odia artists (dance, painting, singing, etc.) to showcase their skills
• Supporting & promoting Odia entrepreneurs & NGOs from Munich & Odisha
• Hosting networking meets, conferences, and webinars for professionals
• Running charitable drives (e.g., cyclone relief, flood relief, school supply donations)
• Publishing newsletters, magazines, and digital content about Odisha
• Collaborating with the Indian Embassy & other Indian and international community organizations
• Ensuring full digitalization of the OSM website & timely information sharing for members

My Details

Dear Members of Odia Samaj Munich,

My name is Suvendu Rath, and I am honored to stand as a candidate for the President of Odia Samaj Munich (OSM). I currently work at BMW AG here in Munich and have been an active and hands-on member of OSM from the very beginning. From leading the creation of our first draft of OSM Satzung to coordinating and supporting our cultural events—not just in planning, but often happily contributing as a cleaner and cook—I have always believed in leading from the front and by example.

I am standing for president because I believe OSM is ready to take its next big step forward. I want to bring fresh ideas, inclusive leadership, and a renewed sense of purpose to our community. My vision is to make OSM a vibrant platform that not only preserves our cultural roots but also embraces innovation, transparency, and broader participation.

I humbly seek your support and your vote, so together, we can write the next chapter of Odia Samaj Munich—with pride, unity, and purpose.

Name: Rosalin Priyadarshinee

Position: President

Manifesto

I’m here not just to lead, but to listen, learn, and stand with you — and for you.
We are part of a beautiful community — one that thrives on our shared language, rich traditions, flavorful food, and deep-rooted connections.
I believe the time has come for us to grow stronger together — not only to celebrate where we come from, but to build a community that cares more deeply, speaks more boldly, and stands more proudly — for one another, and for the country we proudly call home.

Vision

To make the Odiya Samaj not just a cultural body — but a symbol of unity, voice, and action for national, social, and community causes.
A strong community doesn’t just celebrate together — it stands together.

What I Believe In — And What I’ll Work For

• Transparency. Simplicity. Accountability
  
  • Open communication, being neutral, and total accountability.
  • Community members will be part of key decisions through polls.
  • Time-to-time meetings to collect feedback and provide updates on decisions and finances.
• Culture That Feels Real — Not Just Ritual
  
  • Rath Yatra and Utkal Divas are important, but our identity runs deeper.
  • Let’s bring Odia culture into everyday life — from food festivals to folk tales, from music to language learning sessions for kids.
  • Let’s make it something we live, not just perform once a year.
• No One Should Struggle Alone
  
  • Life throws curveballs — job loss, illness, bereavement.
  • We’ll set up a community care group — not just a small fund, but a network of people ready to check in, reach out, and help.
  • Because a real community means showing up when it’s needed.
• Give the Youth / Kids More Than a Mic
  
  • Our young kids don’t just need a stage — they need opportunities, mentors, and belief.
  • We’ll create a wing that offers career advice and job/internship info.
  • We’ll guide parents on the German school system and offer tips for raising kids without extended support.
  • Let’s give Gen-Z roots — and wings.

Why Me?

1. Because I believe we’re more than a community of attendees — we’re a family who look out for one another.
2. Because I don’t want us to just gather for rituals — I want us to stand for each other.
3. Because if leadership isn’t about trust and action, it means very little.

Name: Sandhya Rani Rout

Position: General Secretary

Manifesto

About Me

Mu Sandhya, born and brought up in the culturally rich city of Rourkela, Odisha. For the last eight years, I’ve called Munich my second home, where I live with my loving family. I work as a Mechanical CAD Designer and pursue my passion for the arts — I am an Odissi dancer, enjoy baking, and love keeping the traditions alive by celebrating Odia festivals here in Munich.

What Being Odia Means to Me

"Being Odia is not just who I am — it's the soul I carry, wherever I go."

What OSM Means to Me

For me, Odia Samaj Munich (OSM) is more than a community group — it is our extended family. OSM connects us with our roots, gives our children a space to grow within our culture, and keeps our heritage alive in this distant land.

My Vision for the Next 2 Years

• Strengthen our cultural events with creativity and inclusiveness — for example, celebrating festivals like Raja, Kumar Purnima, and Nua Khai.
• Launch engaging platforms for our youth and children — for example, by promoting exposure to Odia literature.
• Boost our visibility and pride as a united Odia community in Munich.
• Build a vibrant, welcoming, and closely connected OSM.

My Mission for Our Community

• Preserve our traditions while embracing diversity.
• Encourage volunteerism, active participation, shared leadership, and an open feedback culture.
• Promote a respectful, united, and positive atmosphere.
• Ensure every member has a voice.

Nurturing Young Talent

I dream of building dedicated programs for our children — to teach Odia language, dance, music, art, and stories. Let’s raise a generation proud of their roots, even in a foreign land. Let’s empower them with identity, confidence, and creativity.

Communication – My Core Strength

I believe effective communication builds strong communities. I promise to:

• Speak and listen with politeness and respect.
• Share decisions clearly and honestly.
• Stay approachable and responsive to everyone.

My Message to the OSM Family

Dear Odia Samaj Munich Family members,

I’m not just running for a position — I’m stepping forward with purpose. Together, we can shape a vibrant, proud, and thriving Odia community in Munich. Let’s build something meaningful — not only for ourselves but for the next generation.

“ଆମେ ସଂଯୁକ୍ତ ହେଲେ, ଐତିହ୍ୟକୁ ଉତ୍ସବ କରିପାରିବା ଓ ସମୁଦାୟକୁ ପରିବାର ଭାବେ ଗଢ଼ିପାରିବା।”
(Together we can turn tradition into celebration and community into family.)

Name: Silky Mishra

Position: General Secretary

Manifesto

About Me

Born and brought up in the smart city of Rourkela, Odisha. In 2016, my family and I moved from India to Munich. I initially worked at Bavarian International School, teaching mother tongue (Hindi) to children from 2016 to 2018.

Alongside this, I actively contributed to the promotion and expansion of Odia Samaj Munich from 2016 to 2022. I was responsible for organizing cultural programs, drafting Minutes of Meetings (MOMs), scheduling meetings, and anchoring events.

As the PR representative, I managed social media activities and partly handled event management. I was also one of the leading members involved in drafting the first version of the OSM Satzung.

Currently, I work in a childcare facility in Germany, where I care for young children daily. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my kids, writing blogs, and reading thrillers.

I sincerely and humbly ask each member of this community to show your support and love by casting your vote and electing me as the General Secretary of OSM. Together, we can make our cultural community a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive place where everyone is proud to belong.

Mission

To foster a strong, vibrant, and engaged Odia community where every member feels valued, heard, and supported. As General Secretary, I aim to facilitate effective communication, promote active participation, and ensure transparent and accountable leadership.

Vision

To create an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone feels represented and heard, and every member can contribute to the community’s success.

Aim and Objectives

• Communication: Ensure clear and effective communication between community members and the leadership.
• Meeting Coordination: Plan and coordinate regular community meetings and events — including setting the agenda, notifying members, and ensuring smooth execution.
• Cultural Events: Carefully plan, execute, and promote Odia events and festivals to ensure they are impactful. Use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to reach a wider audience and foster community cohesion and social value.
• Drafting MOM: Maintain accurate and up-to-date Minutes of the Meeting (MOM) for all community meetings.
• Conflict Resolution: Act as a mediator in disputes among community members and work towards fair and amicable resolutions.
• Youth Engagement: Young people are the future of our culture. I propose:
  • Mentorship and cultural education programs to engage and empower youth.
  • Organizing webinars and providing platforms for young members to publish or showcase their writing, art, journals, or blogs that reflect Odia culture, tradition, and heritage.

Name: Pinkle Panda

Position: Treasurer

Manifesto

About Me

My name is Pinkle Panda and I am born in the city of Lord Jagannath,Puri, raised and spend my cherished childhood in the city of temples, Bhubaneswar. The holy trinity of three cities of Cuttack( my ancestral decend), Bhubaneswar and Puri were epicentre of my childhood and continue to be an extension of my existence. My love for western Odisha was much before I met my beloved husband and now Rourkela is a proud addition to my life. Hence, Odisha, odia culture , food, tradition and odia vibes are all that I crave for.

My journey with Odia Samaj Munich began in 2022, a turning point that brought me closer to a vibrant Odia community abroad. Volunteering for OSM Utkal Diwas was a true blessing. For the past three years, I’ve proudly supported event finances and worked with dedicated friends who became like family.

Though currently based in Würzburg, Munich has been my second home since 2018. I studied at TUM, work in Munich, and travel weekly despite the distance—because home is where the heart and community are. Volunteering fuels me. My primary driver is to continue the volunteer spirit and do my share for the community which I call home which has given me elder and younger brothers and sisters, friends and tiny cute little children who transitioned me to the Aunty space!. I’m also an avid traveler—on a quest to experience the world and collect stories that stay with the soul.

"Let’s connect, contribute, and make Odisha’s presence felt across the globe."