# Odisha Society Of United Kingdom

The Odisha Society of UK (OSUK) was established in 1980 to provide a cultural and social platform for the Odia community in the United Kingdom. Its mission is to preserve and promote the heritage and culture of the Indian state of Odisha. In 2023, OSUK was officially registered as the Odisha Society of United Kingdom (OSUK) as a Community Interest Company (CIC) on 10 October 2023..

## History

OSUK was established by a group of Odia doctors and families residing in the UK. The initial idea began with informal gatherings led by Dr. Ramachandra Maharana and Mrs. Shobha Maharana. The first formal convention was organized by Dr. Padmalochan Panigrahi in Leeds on 15 November 1980. The organization was initially named the Orissa Doctors Association. In 1981, it was renamed the Orissa Medical and Associates of UK.
In 1998, the organization adopted its current name, the Odisha Society of UK. Over the years, OSUK has evolved into a registered Community Interest Company (CIC) as of 10 October 2023, with a mission to connect the Odia diaspora and serve as a bridge between Odisha and the UK.

## Objectives

The key objectives of OSUK are:
* To promote Odia culture and heritage in the UK.
* To organize cultural events and celebrations, such as Utkala Dibasa, Bali Yatra and Annual Convention.
* To provide a networking platform for professionals within the Odia community.
* To support charitable activities in both the UK and Odisha.

## Activities

OSUK organizes several events throughout the year, including:
* Annual conventions featuring cultural performances, seminars, and networking opportunities.
* Workshops on Odia language, dance, and music.
* Fundraising initiatives to support educational and healthcare projects in Odisha.
The society also collaborates with various organizations to strengthen the cultural ties between Odisha and the UK.

## Logo and Trademark

The official logo of the Odisha Society of UK (OSUK) was registered as a trademark with the UK Intellectual Property Office under trademark number UK00004027129 in 2024. The logo represents the identity of the organization and symbolizes its mission to connect the Odia community in the UK.

## Leadership

The organization is led by a committee elected by its members. The committee oversees the planning and execution of various cultural, social, and charitable initiatives.

## Chapters in UK & Ireland

OSUK is organized into various regional chapters across the United Kingdom, allowing for more localized engagement and activities. Each chapter focuses on promoting Odia culture and heritage within their specific areas. The chapters of OSUK and their respective formation years are listed below:
OSUK Regional Chapters :
| Chapter | Formation Year |
| Kent | 2022 |
| London | 2015 |
| Bath | 2020 |
| Leeds | 1980 |
| Manchester | 2015 |
| Reading | 2018 |
| Croydon | 2016 |
| Milton Keynes | 2022 |
Each chapter holds events and activities, contributing to OSUK's overall mission of connecting the Odia diaspora in the UK.

## Annual conventions

Each year, the Odisha Society of UK (OSUK) organizes an annual convention in different cities across the United Kingdom. The convention serves as a platform for the Odia community to celebrate culture, heritage, and achievements. Below is a list of recent conventions:
| Year | Location | Description |
| 2023 | London | The 44th Annual Convention featured cultural events, discussions, and the visit of seven Odia women entrepreneurs. The event was highlighted by coverage from various news outlets. The 44th Annual Convention also featured a special message from Odisha's Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik. |
| 2022 | Manchester | OSUK organized the 43rd Annual Convention, which featured **CINEODISHA**, a special film platform celebrating the rich cinematic heritage of Odisha. This initiative was designed to showcase timeless films from the region, offering a dedicated space for Odia cinema to gain international recognition. |
| 2021 | Loughton, Essex | 42nd Annual convention organised by Essex chapter. |
| 2020 | Online | The 41st Annual Convention of OSUK was conducted online due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions. Despite the challenges, the virtual format allowed for widespread participation, with many individuals successfully joining the event. |

## Utkala Dibasa Celebrations in the United Kingdom

OSUK Utkala Dibasa Celebration :
| Chapter | Year | Description |
| London | 2024 | On April 15, 2024, the Odia community living in England celebrated Utkal Divas, marking the foundation day of Odisha. The event was a vibrant celebration of Odia culture, showcasing traditional music, dance, and food. The festivities were part of the ongoing efforts of the Odisha Society of United Kingdom (OSUK) to preserve and promote Odia heritage abroad. The London chapter played a key role in organizing the event, which attracted many Odias from across the UK. |