Berhampur: Rekha Senapati, a native of the silk city now residing in Manchester, United Kingdom, has been honored with the prestigious Mayor's Citizenship Award. The recognition comes for her decades of voluntary service dedicated to individuals battling life-threatening and terminal illnesses, as well as her efforts in promoting women's empowerment.
Award Ceremony in Salford
Heather Fletcher, the ceremonial mayor of the city of Salford, presented the award to the 59-year-old Senapati during a function held on Wednesday in Manchester. In a post on her social media page, Fletcher described Senapati as having dedicated over 25 years to voluntary service and called the award very well-deserved.
Recognition of Selfless Service
Expressing her gratitude, Rekha Senapati stated that the award is a recognition of her selfless service to people suffering from critical illnesses, particularly cancer. She is the wife of Dr. Siba Senapati, a weight loss surgeon. Rekha continues her charitable work through fundraising and organizing social, cultural, and religious events. Over the years, she has raised approximately 100,000 British pounds from various charities, including contributions from British and Hindu communities.
Establishment of Support Organization
Rekha established an organization in Manchester that provides housing and care for individuals suffering from critical diseases, including cancer. Additionally, she has organized various festivals of Odisha. Her family has played a leading role in the establishment of the Jagannath temple in Manchester and in organizing the annual Rath Yatra.
Community Service and Previous Awards
Settled in the UK for over 30 years, Rekha and her husband began their community service 25 years ago. In recognition of her contributions, she has received several other awards in the UK. These include a Popular Choice Award from an Inspiring Indian Woman in 2025 held at the Houses of Parliament in London, the People's Choice Award at the Odisha Society National Convention in 2025, the Lifetime Service Award from Kaushalya UK 2025 held in Birmingham, and the Shakti Award in March, among many others.
Family Pride
Rekha's brother, K. Ravi Kumar, who runs a business in the silk city of Berhampur, expressed pride in her achievements. He noted that a woman from Berhampur receiving recognition from the ceremonial mayor in Manchester is a source of pride not only for his family but for the entire silk city.
