The Ramada Ruislip is a favourite venue for the India Association’s annual dinner, but 15th July 2017 marked a special occasion as it was charity walker Bobby Grewal’s last function in his role as Chairman.
Mr Grewal is a respected and loved figure in society and tirelessly raises hundreds of thousands of pounds walking the length of the UK and India.
The whole evening was marked by a wave of affection and nostalgia towards the slim, bearded soon to be ex - chairman who maintained his composure and dignity while speakers sincerely told the audience of his dedicated work for others.
After canapés, a gold-dressed troupe called the Angel Dancers took centre-stage to lively music and launched proceedings with some energetic film dances.
There were prominent names among the audience. Jo Sidhu, QC, Virendra Sharma, MP, Professor Colin Green (retired) from Northwick Park Hospital, Dr Parvin Kapoor, BDM at Sterling Dental in Southall, Narinder Kumar, JP, Parminder Jinder, and Kewal Singh, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon from Hillingdon Hospital were among those present. A lively, informal Asian toastmaster kept the evening moving.
Virendra Sharma, MP for Ealing Southall, gave a speech and exclusively told Asian Voice afterwards, “Bobby Grewal has contributed hugely to charitable work and promoting the relationship between India and Britain. The main light of the organisation is Bobby Grewal who personally raised huge sums of money through his own efforts by walks. As this is going to be the last event organised under Bobby Grewal’s leadership, I wish him a happy retirement.”
When Bobby spoke early on in the evening, he made the important comparison that all the ladies present at the event must have at some point in preparation looked into their mirrors as they got ready. But in India, there are so many who cannot see due to corneal blindness, and that was one of the good causes –Saksham- that money was being raised for.
Jo Sidhu QC and his wife were supportive of Bobby too. Jo told Asian Voice exclusively, “It’s an enormous privilege to be one of so many people who wish to pay tribute to one of our community’s shining exemplars, a man who is the essence of selflessness in this world!”
Hardip Singh, Director at Vitabiotics told AV, “I know Bobby and he is doing very good work for charity that no one else does. It’s a pity it’s his last function. He does very admirable work. I’m not sure that anyone who follows will be able to do what he does.”
Professor Colin Green said in his speech that the near- £200,000 that Bobby Grewal has raised for Northwick Park at the age of 70 saved the special medical centre then run by Professor Green from collapse. That act of survival meant that now the centre is secure for the foreseeable future since recently a millionaire has added funds to the big strong foundation laid by Bobby.
A cheque for £20,000 was given to Professor Colin Green’s charity, the International Medical Education Trust. £25,500 went to Great Ormond Street Hospital. It was accepted by GOSH AMBASSADOR Farah Idris. £20,000 was given to the British Asian Trust. That evening, over £15,000 was raised for SAKSHAM (blind charity). Professor Green was also presented with a vase in honour of the work that he has done in his life.
Narinder Kumar, JP, said, “We’re here to support another worthy cause- SAKSHAM- and equally to acknowledge the monumental efforts of Bobby Grewal, our beloved president, who steered the India Association ship and ensured that it passes into good hands.”
Parminder Jinder, who is in the automobile repair business said, “Bobby Grewal is a gentleman, very humble. We want him to carry on. We love him.”
After the big cheques were presented by the executive committee and gratefully received, another poignant highlight was when Mrs Grewal, Bobby’s wife, took to the mic with a prepared speech. She confidently said, “Balwant walks 5,500 miles for suffering people. He put his heart and soul into the India Association. I appreciate this from the bottom of my heart... Prayer is the secret weapon which will get you through all troubles.” She finished her speech by singing a heartfelt film song that was later played in the original version.
We wish Bobby well and are sure he will be active and continue to surprise us in the years to come.
