Odisha-Born Entrepreneur and Former Army Captain Arun Kar Honored at United Nations
Arun Kar, a London-based entrepreneur and retired Indian Army captain originally from Odisha, along with his wife Nidhi Kar, were recently felicitated at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The recognition was awarded for their significant contributions to advancing key UN sustainable development goals, including health, sanitation, gender equality, social inclusion, environmental responsibility, and fostering global partnerships.
Motivation Rooted in Resilience and Service
In an exclusive conversation, the couple shared the driving forces behind their humanitarian commitments. Arun Kar revealed that his inspiration stems from witnessing the devastating 1999 super cyclone in Odisha, where he observed homes vanish and livelihoods collapse, yet saw people rebuild with unwavering dignity. "That early exposure to resilience shaped me deeply," he stated, adding that the foundation was laid by his parents. His subsequent service as an officer in the Indian Army reinforced the belief that service is a lifelong commitment, not merely situational.
Nidhi Kar emphasized that compassion and community responsibility have always been central to her upbringing. "I feel that if you have the ability to help, you have the responsibility to act," she explained, highlighting the ethical imperative behind their joint efforts.
Implementation of Grassroots Initiatives
The couple detailed how they implement their programmes through a robust combination of personal oversight, coordination with the diaspora community, and strong on-ground partnerships. A notable sanitation and menstrual hygiene initiative in Odisha's Nabarangpur district, launched in 2025, is currently ongoing. This project involves collaboration with the district administration, local representatives, and a social activist.
- Financed the construction of a secure, roofed sanitation facility.
- Provided sanitary pads to 38 girls for a duration of three months.
Support for Athlete and Cultural Innovation
Beyond sanitation, the Kars have extended support to air pistol shooter Satabdi Dash in the UK since 2025. Their assistance includes:
- Direct financial aid during critical training and competition phases.
- Mentorship conversations focused on discipline, mental resilience, and long-term planning.
- Encouragement through diaspora networks to bolster psychological confidence.
Their cultural initiatives stand out within the Odia community in the UK. By organizing the Global South Maritime Heritage Summit & Bali Jatra UK in 2025, they aimed to reclaim maritime memory on a global stage. "Heritage is powerful—but only when it evolves," Arun noted, explaining that the event was not just about celebration but about repositioning heritage as a reminder of Odisha's historical leadership in global trade routes, maritime diplomacy, and cross-border exchange.
Combatting Plastic Pollution Through Innovation
Addressing environmental concerns, the couple founded Earthnest, a business venture developed not solely for financial gain but to tackle plastic pollution. They have created 100% plastic-free, biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastic bags. These products are:
- Made from natural, non-toxic materials.
- Fully biodegradable and compostable.
- Waterproof and oil-resistant.
- Designed to dissolve safely in hot water (around 80°C) and leave zero microplastic residue.
Vision for Odisha's Global Relevance
Reflecting on Odisha's potential, Arun Kar outlined a path to global relevance through green manufacturing. "Historically, Odisha was globally connected through maritime trade. Today, it can become globally relevant through green manufacturing," he asserted. He proposed that Odisha could build biodegradable manufacturing clusters and offer tax incentives or subsidies for eco-friendly product development. This strategy would enable Odisha to supply not only domestically but also to markets like Europe, effectively merging heritage with a sustainable future.
