Jasvir Singh CBE is a prominent community activist within the British Asian community, renowned for his work as a family law barrister and media commentator. He serves as a trustee for several faith-based organisations, including CitySikhs, Faith Forums for London, and LGBTQ+ charities such as Kaleidoscope Trust. Additionally, Jasvir is the co-founder of South Asian Heritage Month, an annual event dedicated to celebrating and honouring South Asian art, culture, history, and identity.
Speaking to Asian Voice, Jasvir reflected on how his diverse roles shape his approach to both work and life, stating, “Everything I do is rooted in my faith. As a practicing Sikh, the principles of Sikhi guide both my professional and community work. The values of hard work and giving back are inseparable in my life. Whether I’m supporting clients in family law—often during some of their most vulnerable moments, or engaging in community activism, my focus is always on creating positive change. At the core of this is my commitment to Kirat Karni (honest work) and Vand Ke Chakna (sharing with others), which influence everything I do. These principles are not just religious tenets, they are a way of life.”
He also spoke about the role of lived experience in shaping inclusive policies, emphasising, “To effect meaningful change, it’s essential to engage directly with the people the policies impact. Their voices must be part of the process. Change cannot be imposed from above with a paternalistic approach, assuming what’s best without consulting those directly affected. While such an approach may work for guiding children, it’s inadequate for adults with complex lived experiences. Lived experience is crucial, only by walking in someone else’s shoes can we truly understand their reality. As a lawyer, I handle emotionally complex cases. While I may not have lived through these situations, I provide professional guidance. But when it comes to shaping change, those most impacted must have a seat at the table, as their perspectives are critical for authentic progress.”
Speaking on staying hopeful and motivated despite slow progress on inclusion and equity, Jasvir shared, “My outlook is rooted in the Sikh principle of Chardi Kala—remaining in high spirits even in adversity. It’s about finding the positive and pushing for lasting change. But it’s also about calling out what’s performative. For example, if an organisation claims to be an ally but is absent when support is needed, that’s not allyship—it’s performative. True allyship means standing with people in both good times and bad, not just when it’s convenient. We must challenge this behaviour to foster genuine inclusion and build a compassionate community.”
On championing diversity and inclusion, Jasvir advised, “Start with small, meaningful steps. My journey into leadership took years of commitment and support. Initiatives like City Sikhs and South Asian Heritage Month didn’t happen overnight. My advice is to begin with what you can contribute now, even on a small scale, and build a supportive network around you. Start small, think big, and stay committed. Every big movement begins with that first brave step.”
For future generations, Jasvir emphasised, “An inclusive society relies on respect and understanding. In today’s divisive environment, it’s crucial to listen and be open to different perspectives. My hope is that the next generation will carry forward a spirit of empathy and inclusivity to bridge divides.”
