People of Odisha — Documentary Stories from Odisha, India

"I was a small-town boy with big dreams. I never thought I'd build something the world would notice."

Ritesh Agarwal

Founder & CEO, OYO Rooms · Born in Bissam Cuttack, Rayagada, Odisha

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Latest Stories

Bhubaneswar, Odisha

He told us there was only enough money for one and it should be you.

— Arjun Mishra

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Cuttack, Odisha

He never once told me he was proud of me. It took me thirty years to understand what he was actually saying.

— Adesh Nayak

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Latest Series

The Archive

Some stories can't be told in a single photograph. Our series go deeper into the themes that keep coming up — on the land, the craft, the communities, and the cultures that make Odisha what it is.

Communities

Every city has an Odisha in it.

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New York, USA

Odias in New York

One of the oldest Odia communities in North America. Home to the OSA NY/NJ chapter, keeping language, food, and festivals alive since 1969.

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San Francisco, USA

Odias in San Francisco

From Silicon Valley engineers to Bay Area dreamers — Odias building the future while holding on to their roots.

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Washington DC, USA

Odias in Washington DC

One of the earliest OSA chapters, established in 1984. A community of professionals, diplomats, and families across Maryland, Virginia, and DC.

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Events

We are planning our first gathering of the people of Odisha — storytellers, makers, builders, and dreamers. Events are coming soon.

Photo by Team Locavore

People of Odisha

Every story, in your inbox.

New portraits and dispatches from across Odisha.