Oshwal Ekta Centre

About Oshwal Ekta Centre

Oshwal Association of the U.K. (OAUK) is the largest Jain organisation in the U.K. It was established in 1967 and registered as a charitable organisation in 1974.

The history of the Halari Visa Oshwal Community dates back to 457 B.C. to the state of Ossiya in Central Rajasthan, India.  The name “Oshwal” is believed to have derived from “Ossiya”.  Due to adverse conditions, Oshwals migrated to Sindh, and then Kutch and finally settled in 52 villages around Jam Nagar and became known as the Halari Visa Oshwals.  To this day, the descent of the Halari Visa Oshwals is traced by reference to one of the 52 villages in India and their “attak”, or clan name, which was derived from the founding members of the family.

The migration of the Halari Visa Oshwals to East Africa commenced in the latter part of the 1890s where they settled mainly as traders and professionals.

The earliest Oshwal settlers to the UK were in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s.  Initially an informal social group was formed and the Oshwal community saw its early beginnings. The first migration from East Africa was in 1968, often referred to as “the exodus”, which saw the community numbers increase.

A strong ethic of hard work and entrepreneurial flair has seen Oshwals establish successful businesses in virtually all sectors and professions in most fields, including; law, medicine, accountancy & financial services.