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.[1].
 | |
| Abbreviation | OSUK |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1980 |
| Type | Community Interest Company (CIC) |
| Purpose | Awareness of Odia Language, Culture and Heritage |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Location |
|
Official language | Odia English |
| Website | OSUK.org.uk |
History
editOSUK 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
editThe 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
editOSUK 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
editThe 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. [2]
Leadership
editThe 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
editOSUK 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:
| 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
editEach 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.[3] The event was highlighted by coverage from various news outlets.[4] [5] [6]
The 44th Annual Convention also featured a special message from Odisha's Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik[7]. |
| 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. [8] |
| 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. [9] |
Utkala Dibasa Celebrations in the United Kingdom
edit| 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.[10][11][12] |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ UK Companies House
- ^ "Odisha Society of UK logo trademark". trademarks.ipo.gov.uk. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ "7 women entrepreneurs to visit UK this week". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ "44th Annual Convention Event". All Events. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ "44th Annual Convention in Kanak News". YouTube. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ "44th Annual Convention in Argus News". YouTube. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ "Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik's Message for the Annual Convention". YouTube. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ "Odisha Society of UK to host Cine Odisha - Timeless Cinema of Odisha fest in collaboration with Jitendra Mishra". Pragativadi. 27 August 2022. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ "Odisha Society of UK holds 41st Annual Convention". The E News Insight. 10 December 2021. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ The Times of India, "Odias in UK celebrate Utkal Divas," Times of India, September 20, 2024. Available online.
- ^ The Times of India, "Utkal Divas celebrated in London," Times of India, September 30, 2024. Available online.
- ^ The News Times, "89th Utkala Dibasa celebration brings Odisha’s vibrant culture to London," The News Times, April 8, 2024. Available online.