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Rekha Senapati receives British Citizen Award for community service
She was honored for more than 25 years of voluntary service supporting charities, vulnerable communities, cultural initiatives and healthcare causes across Britain.
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Bhavana P - Sat, 22, Aug 2026
- 17:16 EDT
- 46
Rekha Senapati / Instagram/ rekha.senapati
Indian-origin community volunteer from Lancashire, Rekha Senapati, was honored with the British Citizen Award for her contributions to communities across the United Kingdom.
The award was presented to Senapati by television presenter and journalist Matt Allwright and Dame Mary Perkins, founder of Specsavers and patron of the British Citizen Award, at a ceremony held at the House of Lords, Palace of Westminster.
According to the award citiation, Senapati has dedicated more than two decades to supporting patients with life-changing and terminal illnesses at Moya Cole Hospice, advocating for women from ethnic communities, assisting disabled children with complex needs and bringing communities together through creative arts and cultural events.
She has also raised funds for Moya Cole Hospice and other health-related charities, helping support resources aimed at improving patient care and the quality of life of patients and their families.
Also read: Indian-origin professor Sanjay Shete wins MD Anderson faculty award
A native of India’s Odisha, Senapati has played a leading role in organizing the state’s renowned Ratha Yatra festival, which has grown into a large-scale religious and cultural event in Greater Manchester and the North West of England. The event attracts more than 800 devotees and promotes understanding of social values and cultural traditions among different communities.
Her community engagement also extends to the arts. Since 2004, Senapati has performed folk, Bollywood and semi-classical dances across the UK. Her ability to sing in five languages has led to invitations to perform at cultural festivals and other events.
She has additionally organized and donated food during festivals to support charities serving disadvantaged and homeless people.
Commenting on the honor, Senapati said she was “honoured and incredibly grateful” to receive the British Citizen Award, describing the recognition as a moment she would “cherish forever.” For the ceremony, she wore an Odisha silk saree, saying it carried “a small piece of my roots, heritage, culture and civilisation” with her to the historic venue.
“Standing in such a historical place and being recognised for making a positive impact in the community is a moment I will cherish forever . This award is not about me- it’s about every person who has supported , encouraged and believed in the journey ,” Senapati said in a social media post.
According to the official website, The British Citizen Award proudly recognizes and commends individuals whose acts of courage, selflessness, and dedicated civic leadership significantly contribute to the enhancement of our society throughout the United Kingdom.
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