London, April 20, 2025 — The Odisha Society of United Kingdom (OSUK) marked a historic milestone with the grand celebration of the 90th Utkal Dibas on Saturday, April 12, at Drapers’ Academy in London. The full-day event drew a large and enthusiastic crowd of Odias from across the UK and beyond, turning the venue into a vibrant hub of tradition, culture, and community spirit.
The celebration commenced with a heartfelt welcome by Mr. Sumant Mansingh, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp in the esteemed presence of Deputy Lieutenant Mrs. Mandip Kaur Singh, the royal representative of His Majesty King Charles III. The event was further honoured by the presence of several distinguished guests, including acclaimed Ollywood actor, director, and former Member of Parliament Shri Prashant Nanda; Mr. Amarjeet S. Bhamra from the Secretariat of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Indian Traditional Sciences; Mr. Manoj Kumar Panda from the Indian High Commission; and OSUK directors Dr. Bibhuti Bhusan Pattnayak, Mr. Pravat Mishra, Dr. Prakash Dey, and Mr. Srikanta Padhi.
Deputy Lieutenant Mrs. Mandip Kaur Singh delivered an inspiring address, expressing her delight in joining the community to celebrate the formation of Odisha and the remarkable accomplishments of its people. She highlighted the state’s rich cultural legacy and its enduring values of unity, resilience, and progress, urging everyone to honour both Odisha’s proud history and its bright future. She warmly concluded her remarks by extending greetings for Utkal Dibas and invoking the spirit of “Jay Jagannath.”
Legendary Ollywood figure Shri Prashant Nanda shared a deeply emotional message, reflecting on his journey across continents to reconnect with fellow Odias. His heartfelt words conveyed a profound sense of love and belonging, deeply resonating with the audience.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Bibhuti Bhusan Pattnayak passionately affirmed his identity, declaring his pride in being Odia and speaking the Odia language. He underscored OSUK’s ongoing mission to amplify Odia voices on the global stage through cultural initiatives, environmental efforts, student exchange programs, and notably, its role in supporting the first tribal Odia cricketer’s entry into Yorkshire Cricket.
A highlight of the event was the conferring of the “Utkala Viswa Gaurab Samman” upon Shri Prashant Nanda for his lifelong contributions to Odia language, cinema, and culture. The prestigious honor symbolized the community’s deep respect for his impact across generations.
The cultural program captivated attendees with classical dances, soulful folk music, and storytelling performances by both children and adults, weaving together the tapestry of Odisha’s artistic expression.
Adding to the event’s significance was the launch of the “Mon Library” initiative by Priyanka and Dr. Pattnayak. This unique campaign combined literature and philanthropy—promoting book exchanges while raising funds to provide sanitary products for tribal girls at Dindayal Orphanage in Odisha’s Nabarangpur district. The initiative raised an impressive £1,062, matched in full by Dr. Nityananda Pattnaik, demonstrating a shared commitment to empowering vulnerable communities.
The day also spotlighted entrepreneurial insights and development opportunities in Odisha. Prominent speakers including Mr. Sukant Jena and Ms. Sweta Mohanty shared visions for Odisha’s growing prominence in technology and real estate. Women entrepreneur Ms. Sonali Panda emphasized the importance of local business engagement and strategic marketing. Literary presentations featuring works like “Amon Nataka” and “Saunta Phula” celebrated Odisha’s literary depth.
Real estate firms Vaterland and Axiom Living showcased Odisha’s dynamic property market, underlining the state’s attractiveness to international investors due to its strategic location and rapid urban development.
The evening culminated in a high-energy musical performance by Ollywood star Shasank Sekhar. His multilingual repertoire united generations in a joyous celebration, perfectly capturing the festive spirit.
Guests were treated to an authentic culinary experience featuring traditional Odia delicacies such as Mutton Kasa, Machha Besara, and Dahi Baigana—expertly curated by Mr. Partha Sarathi Panda and Mr. Subha Kanta Das.
The celebration concluded with a powerful group rendition of “Bande Utkal Janani” followed by the much-loved “Rangabati,” leaving attendees with a deep sense of connection and cultural pride.
The 90th Utkal Dibas in London was more than a commemoration—it was a heartfelt reaffirmation of identity, belonging, and the global Odia community’s enduring dedication to Odisha’s cultural and developmental future.
