Author: BIBHUTI PATTNAYAK

April 1st marks Odisha Day (Utkal Divas), commemorating the historic moment in 1936 when Odisha became the first Indian state to be formed on a linguistic basis. This remarkable milestone not only reinforced the importance of cultural identity in governance but also set a precedent for the post-independence reorganization of Indian states. A Long Journey to Statehood Prior to 1936, Odisha was divided among various provinces under British rule, which weakened its linguistic and cultural coherence. However, through the tireless efforts of iconic leaders like Madhusudan Das, Gopabandhu Das, and Krushna Chandra Gajapati, Odisha’s distinct identity was established—serving as a…

London’s vibrant culinary scene has a new rising star – Squeezed. Located in the bustling heart of southwest London, this innovative eatery is more than just a restaurant; it’s a movement redefining the way people experience food. Led by the passionate duo of Samir Sharma and Sabin Sharma, alongside seasoned entrepreneurs Amir Hossain and Partha Panda, Squeezed is making waves with its unique approach to healthy and flavorful dining. The Vision Behind Squeezed Squeezed began as a dream nurtured by Samir Sharma since the age of 16. With years of experience in the hospitality industry, Samir, together with Sabin—who honed…

Leicester recently witnessed a spectacular and historic celebration as the Brits Desi Society successfully hosted its first-ever Grand Holi Mela indoors, offering a fresh take on the traditional festival by celebrating with flowers instead of colours. The event brought together people from various communities, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere of joy and cultural harmony. A Night of Music and Dance The Grand Holi Mela was an electrifying experience, featuring a live music band that performed Holi-themed and Indian cultural songs, filling the venue with festive energy. The event also showcased stunning dance performances by talented young artists, captivating the…

London, 4th March 2025 – The House of Lords was transformed into a vibrant celebration of linguistic and cultural diversity as the 25th International Mother Language Day was marked with grandeur in Committee Room 4. Hosted by The Rt. Hon. Baroness Garden of Frognal in partnership with the Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence, the event showcased a rich blend of languages and traditions from across South Asia. Beginning at 6:30 PM, with delegates entering through the Cromwell Green entrance, the event spotlighted 25 languages from South and Southeast Asia, including Assamese, Bengali, Odia, Punjabi, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu, Tulu, Marathi, Sindhi,…

Prayagraj 23-02-2025 – The India Foundation, in collaboration with the Government of Uttar Pradesh, hosted the ‘Kumbh Global Summit on Development and Sustainability’ on 21st February, 2025, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This significant event brought together a diverse group of leaders, scholars, thinkers, and experts from various fields to address crucial issues such as net-zero development, energy-neutral societies, climate change, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and solutions like Life Style for Environment (LiFE). The Pre-Inaugural Special Session on “Integrating Dharma and Governance: A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Development” at the Kumbh Global Summit featured a compelling discussion on the intersection…

London, 19th February 2025 – The historic House of Lords at the UK Parliament became the epicentre of global diplomacy and leadership as the World Leaders Conclave & Awards 2025 convened an array of influential figures from around the world. This prestigious event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and visionaries to discuss pressing global challenges and recognize outstanding leadership achievements. A Global Platform for Change The World Leaders Conclave & Awards is recognized as a premier gathering that facilitates dialogue and innovation. It provides a crucial platform for fostering international cooperation and discussing key issues such as climate change, economic…

London, 29 January 2025 – A conference addressing gross human rights violations in Sindh and Balochistan was held today at 2 PM in Committee Room No. 8 of the House of Commons, London. The event was hosted by British MP Bob Blackman and organized by the Asian Human Rights Forum (AHRF) in collaboration with the Baloch Human Rights Council (BHRC) and the World Sindh Congress (WSC). The room was filled with participants from various human rights organizations and advocacy groups, highlighting the significance of the issue at hand. During his opening remarks, Bob Blackman MP underscored the importance of the…

London, January 2025 – Commander Biswajit Nayak, a name synonymous with leadership and innovation, has charted an extraordinary journey from the decks of Indian Navy warships to corporate boardrooms. An alumni of the prestigious IIM Ahmedabad and the Indian Naval Academy, Cdr Nayak’s career reflects his unwavering dedication to serving humanity, fostering innovation, and building sustainable futures. A Distinguished Naval Career Cdr Nayak began his illustrious career in the Indian Navy, serving as a military operations leader on various warships and naval establishments. His expertise in strategy and leadership positioned him for prestigious roles, including mentoring cadets at the National…

London, 30th November 2024 –Bali Jatra, meaning “Voyage to Bali,” is a historic festival celebrating Odisha’s ancient maritime legacy and the adventurous spirit of its seafaring ancestors. Traditionally observed along the banks of the Mahanadi River, the festival highlights the state’s thriving trade and cultural exchanges with Southeast Asian countries like Bali, Java, and Sumatra, which date back over a millennium. Merchants from Odisha, known as Sadhabas, undertook daring voyages in robust boats called Boitas, transporting goods such as textiles, spices, and gemstones. Today, the festival’s traditions, including the floating of miniature boats and vibrant cultural displays, serve as a poignant…

Oxford, UK — November 15, 2024 – The Oxford Hindu Society (HumSoc) has expressed strong condemnation over the Oxford Union’s decision to invite speakers allegedly involved in anti-Hindu rhetoric and linked to organizations associated with Hindu genocide and terrorism. The society’s letter to the Oxford Union highlights concerns about platforming individuals they claim promote hatred and violence against Hindu communities. The controversy stems from a debate scheduled on November 14, 2024, where the Oxford Union invited Ms. Naz Shah, MP, Mr. Khwaja Asif, Mr. Zafar Khan of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), and Mr. Muzzamil Ayyub Thakur of the…