About Our Chairman
About the Chairman of the Jaga Kalia Charitable Foundation (JKCF)
About Our Chairman – Adv. Umakanta Jena :
Umakanta Jena, the esteemed Chairman of Jaga Kalia Charitable Foundation (JKCF), is a visionary leader and grassroots social worker with over 34.5 years of distinguished service in the Government of India.
Born in Village Solampur, near Jajpur Town, under the Bhandaripokhari Assembly Constituency, Bhadrak District, Odisha, Mr. Jena completed his High School education at NKP Uchha Bidya Pitha, Maninathpur, and subsequently studied I.Sc. & passed B.Sc (Maths Hons.) in 1984 from N.C. College, Jajpur. Passed M.Sc. in Mathematics in 1986 from Utkal University, Vanivihar followed by M.Tech in IT, LL.B. from Delhi University and LL.M. from Kurukshetra University. Thus holding multiple degrees of Mr. Jena exemplifies his diverse expertise in both technical and legal fields.
Rising from humble beginnings, he advanced to become a Senior Scientist/Senior Director (IT) at the National Informatics Centre (NIC) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. He retired in February 2023 after contributing significantly to India’s digital transformation. Additionally, he served as General Manager (Admin & Legal) at NICSI, a Section 8 company under NIC, excelling in administration, HR management, legal operations, and coordination for the ICT Projects of Apex bodies of India and key Central Ministries.
Mr. Jena’s outstanding leadership and organizational skills were especially pivotal during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he ensured the delivery of crucial IT services that saved lives. His tireless efforts earned him several prestigious accolades, including the Corona Warrior Awards , the Rashtriya Ekta Samman, and numerous Social Service Awards.
As Chairman of JKCF, a not-for-profit organization, Mr. Jena spearheads initiatives in areas such as education, healthcare, environmental protection, women empowerment, rural development, and promoting the consciousness of Lord Jagannath. His leadership in organizing more than 25 national-level events for NIC and NICSI, along with his involvement in various socio-cultural organizations, underscores his deep commitment to community development.
For over 30 years, Mr. Jena has been an active participant and leader in socio-cultural organizations in Delhi, NCR, and Odisha. He has served in various capacities, including Honorary President, Working President, Vice-President, General Secretary, Patron, and Advisor. He is currently the Chief Coordinator (Delhi & NCR) for the World Odisha Society and Patron of Sarvjan Sukhaya Seva Samiti. He has also served as Honorary President, Vice-President, and Secretary of NIC Employees Co-operative Thrift & Credit Society Ltd., New Delhi. His past roles include General Secretary and National Treasurer of the All India NIC S&T Officers Association. Additionally, he is a Life Member of organizations such as Kalinga Bharati Foundation, Manav Kalyan Samiti, and the Indian National Cartographic Association (INCA), among others.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Jena is actively involved in the Lions Club International (Dist.-322-C4), Bhubaneswar and has contributed to numerous charitable and cultural causes. His leadership qualities, honesty, dedication, and action-oriented approach have earned him respect in both professional and social circles.
Guided by the principle that “Actions Speak Louder Than Words”, Umakanta Jena continues to inspire and work relentlessly toward bringing positive change to society.