# 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.

## 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.
Leadership Details. :
| Name | Director | Appointment Year | Status |
| Partha Sarathi Panda | Director | 2023 | Active |
| Dr Bibhuti Bhusan Pattnayak | Director | 2024 | Active |
| Dr Prakash Dey | Director | 2024 | Active |
| Pravat Mishra | Director | 2024 | Active |
| Salil Kumar Das | Director | 2024 | Active |
| Srikanta Kumar Padhi | Director | 2024 | Active |
| Sasmita Rajhansha | Director | 2024 | Active |
| Dipti Mohanty | Director | 2024 | Active |
| Subhakanta Das | Core Committee Member | 2024 | Active |
| Sweta Mohanty | Core Committee Member | 2024 | Active |
| Sumant Mansingh | Core Committee Member | 2024 | Active |
| Ambika Padhy | Core Committee Member | 2024 | Active |
| Dr. Nityananda Pattnaik | Advisor | 2024 | Active |

## 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. |

## Bali Jatra Celebrations in the United Kingdom

OSUK Bali Jatra Celebration :
| Chapter | Year | Description |
| Kent | 2024 | On 30 November 2025, the historic Bali Jatra festival, commemorating Odisha’s ancient maritime legacy, was celebrated for the first time in the United Kingdom at Townley Grammar School, Bexley. The event was organized by the Kent Chapter of the Odisha Society of United Kingdom (OSUK) and attracted over 500 attendees, including dignitaries, cultural icons, and community leaders from both the UK and India. The festival, traditionally held in Cuttack, Odisha, marks the voyages of ancient Odia traders (Sadhabas) who sailed to Southeast Asia for commerce and cultural exchange. The UK celebration featured traditional performances, storytelling, exhibitions, and culinary experiences showcasing Odisha’s rich heritage. The event was coordinated by Dr. Bibhuti Bhusan Pattnayak and Mr. Partha Sarathi Panda, who served as the Organising Secretaries. Their efforts, along with the support of OSUK, played a crucial role in bringing this historic festival to the UK for the first time. The initiative aimed to strengthen cultural ties between the Odia diaspora and their homeland while promoting global awareness of Odisha’s maritime history. The milestone event received appreciation from various community and governmental organisations, further enhancing the international recognition of Bali Jatra as an integral part of Odisha’s cultural identity. |

## Awards and Recognitions

The Odisha Society of United Kingdom (OSUK) celebrates and honors individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to society, culture, entrepreneurship, and community service. OSUK presents awards during its flagship events, including Utkal Divas and Bali Jatra UK, to recognize excellence in various fields.
These awards aim to highlight achievements within the Odia diaspora and beyond, fostering a sense of community while promoting Odisha’s cultural and social impact on a global platform.
OSUK Awards Details. :
| Name | Award Category | Year | Status |
| Rag Sandhu | Distinguished Overseas Citizen Award 2024 | 2024 | Active |
| Jordan Meade, Sushmita Rajhansha | Excellence in Social Service Award 2024 | 2024 | Active |
| Orpington Kanda Parivar | Outstanding Community Impact Award 2024 | 2024 | Active |
| Dr.Kanhu Charan Pattnayak | Climate Change Leadership Award 2024 | 2024 | Active |
| Roptia | Digital Pioneer Award 2024 | 2024 | Active |
| Ms Jeeta Mona, Gayatri Panda, and Sonali Panda | The Women Entrepreneur Leadership Award 2024 | 2024 | Active |
| Mrs Debasmita Mohapatra | Social Impact Culinary Award 2024 | 2024 | Active |
| Mrs Upasana Padhi | Home-Based Entrepreneur Award 2024 | 2024 | Active |
| Adwiti Tripathy Pattnayak | Inspiring Young Talent Award 2024 | 2024 | Active |
| Rohit Srivastav and eOdisha | Social Media Influencer Award 2024 | 2024 | Active |