UK-based Odia entrepreneur Arun Kar honoured at UN Headquarters for SDG humanitarian initiatives
By Our Staff Correspondent
Bhubaneswar, Feb. 26: For Odisha, this was more than an honour — it was a defining moment of pride. UK-based Odia entrepreneur Captain Arun Kar (Retd.), son of Prof. Manoranjan Kar and Mrs. Rashmi Rekha Kar, was formally recognised at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for his sustained humanitarian work advancing dignity, public health, sanitation, gender equity and sustainable development. At the world’s foremost multilateral institution representing collective human progress, Arun Kar stood not only as a professional achiever, but as a son of Odisha carrying forward the values instilled by his family and cultural roots. The honour was conferred in the presence of Ambassador Luis Suarez Hernández, Representative of the United Nations, and Dr. Barkha Versha, Chairperson of the United Nations Global Peace Council (UNGPC). The Certificate of Appreciation acknowledged his initiatives aligned with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals — including SDG 3, 5, 6, 10 and 17 — recognising impact driven by responsibility rather than recognition.
Over the past year, Arun Kar, alongside his wife Nidhi Kar and partners across India and the United Kingdom, has advanced a series of community-centred initiatives aligned with the UN SDGs. His work has strengthened sanitation access and menstrual hygiene support for tribal girls in Odisha; delivered seasonal food, clothing and relief assistance to vulnerable communities in Uttarakhand; supported women’s empowerment in competitive sport in the UK; fostered diaspora unity through structured sports engagement; advanced cultural diplomacy through the Global South Maritime Heritage Summit – Bali Jatra UK 2025 at the House of Lords; and promoted environmental sustainability through the Earthnest mission addressing plastic pollution. Collectively, these initiatives contribute to SDGs 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 17 — reinforcing health, equality, environmental stewardship, inclusive growth and international partnership.
Earlier in February 2026, he was also recognised at the New York Times Award 2026, an international forum hosted by the United Nations Global Peace Council in collaboration with UNGM and UNSDG in New York, convening global leaders, diplomats and professionals to advance dialogue on sustainable development, responsible innovation and cross-border collaboration.
A former Indian Army officer and survivor of the 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone, Arun Kar’s journey reflects resilience shaped by adversity and guided by service. From securing an All-India Rank -152 in the UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination on his first attempt to emerging as a British entrepreneur and global development advocate, his trajectory bridges local roots with international engagement. His participation in global policy and innovation dialogues — including platforms in Europe and the United Kingdom — continues to emphasise that technology, enterprise and humanitarian responsibility must move forward together.
As Mr. Arun Kar reflected:
“I believe true service is measured not by recognition, but by responsibility. The values I carry from Odisha -resilience, humility and community have guided every step of my journey. When dignity and compassion shape action, sustainable progress becomes not an ambition, but a duty.”
From the soil of Odisha to global institutions, his journey stands as a testament to how regional identity, when anchored in purpose, can contribute meaningfully to advancing human dignity and sustainable development worldwide.
