Chairman of Board of Trustees of Indian Association Oldham (UK), Mr Bharatkumar Sisodia, of Greater Manchester, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in Her Majesty the Queen's New Years Honours list 2022, in recognition of his lifelong voluntary services for the community. He has dedicated over 50 years of service in helping to preserve cultural heritage, community cohesion and support for the community through a wide range of organisations.
Upon receiving this very prestigious Award Bharatkumar said, “It’s a great honour and a joy. I am very much touched and humbled by this award. It is wonderful to see such recognition from the Head of State for those who have done their best for the county. Serving those who are in need is itself a great honour that brings immense satisfaction. I am very grateful for both having had the opportunities to serve and in receiving this prestigious award”.
Over the years Mr Sisodia has also engaged in many fundraising projects that have proved immensely beneficial for the community which include raising over £50,000 for the first MRI Scanner for the Royal Oldham Hospital.
With regards to engaging in voluntary work, he said “Volunteers do amazing work that is filled with love, compassion and care. The world desperately needs such volunteers. Life is all about cultivating love through rendering selfless service. Opportunities to engage in charitable work that suits every individual are all around us. We just need to open our eyes, see and get engaged in helping wherever there is a need. Even during this Coronavirus lockdown, there are many opportunities to assist those in need. I and a team of volunteers joined a project called “Phone Your Friend” run by Sri Sathya Sai Baba Organisation in India to teach English to school teachers in remote parts of India. We take a lesson once a week teaching English from the comfort of our own homes.”
