The Awards is an honor given for a variety of services to any Individual or Institution contributing for the Development and Progress of Odia, Odisha in particular or India in General. The categories of awards are as follows:
Pravasi Odia Samman
The Pravasi OdiaSammanis the highest award of the POVS, was instituted in the year 2015. Any person without distinction of race, occupation, position, gender or religion is eligible for this award. It is awarded in recognition of outstanding contribution or performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavor. On conferment of the award, the recipient receives a Plaque (Sanad) signed by the President of POVS and a Certificate.
Pravasi Odia Ratna
The Pravasi Odia Ratna award was instituted in the year 2015. Except for brief interruptions during the years 2020 and 2021 due to the corona pandemic, these awards have been announced every year on POVS Annual Day or similar big programmes.. This is awarded for “exceptional and distinguished service.
The recipient use the honorifics and receives the following:
The decoration comprises a Plaque (Sanad ) issued under the hand and seal of the President of POVS and a (Certificate).
Selection process
These awards seek to recognize work of any distinction, and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements/service in all fields of activities/disciplines, such as entrepreneurship, trade and industry, protection of Sanatan vidhi vyabastha, creation of employment, art, literature and education, sports, medicine, social work, science and engineering, public affairs, civil service, etc. All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these awards but special focus is on the Odia and Odisha. A committee composed of Jurists, Academia and renowned persons shall recommend the awards after reviewing the nominations. The parameters shall be fixed by the committee.
Annulment of Awards
While there are no specific criteria for withdrawing an award, the POVS as per the awards’ statutes, may cancel and annul any award in the case of any misconduct committed by the recipient.
How to nominate
Any Individual ( just and fair person, solvent having no moral turpitude) may submit a maximum of two nominations per year. Each nomination must be submitted on a separate form. Incomplete forms may be considered ineligible for assessment.
Pravasi Odia Vikash Samiti have a multifaceted approach aimed at supporting the welfare and development of the Odia community. Here’s how each of their stated goals contributes to their overall mission:
Health Support Services: Providing healthcare support services indicates a commitment to the well-being of the community members. This could involve activities such as organizing health camps, awareness programs on prevalent health issues, facilitating access to healthcare resources, or even setting up healthcare infrastructure in underserved areas.
Community Engagement: Community engagement is vital for fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity among members. This could involve organizing cultural events, educational workshops, or social gatherings that bring people together, promote cultural exchange, and strengthen community bonds.
Tourism & Heritage: Promoting tourism and heritage highlights a commitment to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Odia community. This could involve initiatives such as heritage tours, cultural festivals, or efforts to conserve historical landmarks and artifacts, thereby boosting tourism and preserving the community’s cultural identity.
Intellectual Think Tank: Operating as an intellectual think tank suggests a focus on research, analysis, and policy advocacy to address social, economic, and cultural issues facing the Odia community. This could involve conducting research studies, publishing reports, organizing seminars or conferences, and engaging with policymakers to influence decision-making in areas relevant to the community’s development and welfare.
Overall, the Pravasi Odia Vikash Samiti dedicated to holistic community development, encompassing health, culture, tourism, and intellectual advancement, with a focus on supporting and empowering the Odia diaspora.
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About POVS
Pravasi Odia Vikas Samiti (POVS) is a not for profit socio-cultural organization. It was createdby some nationalist non-resident Odias who regularly met and discussed about the state of non-resident Odias and resident Odias and how they will live a comfortable and dignified lifeand their contribution to the Development of Odisha and the Nation. In the year of 2012 it was shaped and registered in 2014 in New Delhi vide registration number district east/society/1451/2015. POVS connects the Odia diaspora staying beyond the boundary of Odisha to be tuned with the root and assimilate with the heritage, tradition, culture, literature, history and present day development. It mobilises the intent of the people for the development of the Odias and diaspora beyond Odisha.
Today, POVS is a strong organization with 5000 or more individual and family members. Thisis possible due to individuals stepping forward to support different activities with innovative ideas which, when implemented, benefit us all. The organization has now spread into major cities in India and abroad, which operate as a social umbrella for different regions in India and the world. The chapters arrange various activities such as religious festivals, social get together, cultural events and participate in the cultural life of the local community as representatives of Odia culture. Besides these, the annual Pana Sankranti Karyakram, which happened to be Odia New Year, is the centerpiece of the organization’s activities.
Pravasi Odia Vikas Samiti (POVS) is an organization whose stated goals are to promote the culture of the Indian state of Odisha throughout the world, facilitate the development of Pravasi Odias and Odisha and contribute in the progress of the Individual and the State to facilitate the exchange of information between Odisha and the World.
It is a democratic set up organization and in every two years the election for the body takes place where the members elect the Executive Committee and from the Executive Members the Office bearers get elected.
