Cllr Ramji Chauhan, pictured, was sworn in as the new Mayor of Harrow at a special Mayor-making ceremony and the annual full council meeting on Thursday 18 May 2023 at Harrow Arts Centre. He is Harrow’s first East African Mayor who was born in Uganda.
Cllr Ramji will be Harrow’s First Citizen for the year 2023-24. Ramji announced the appointment of Sadhu Yogvivekdas Swami as the Mayor’s Chaplain. Sadhu Yogvivekdas is the Head of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden.
Ramji was handed the chain and robe, officially marking the start of his Mayoralty – taking over the reign from the outgoing Mayor Cllr Janet Mote. The occasion was made special as Cllr Chauhan did his own personal prayer, giving respect to past mayors who have passed away and those lost to coronavirus around the world.
Born in Uganda and evacuated to Britain during the expulsion of Asians from the country in the 70s when he was a young boy, Cllr Ramji Chauhan, 58, has lived in Harrow for more than 30 years. His life in politics started in 2010 when he was elected as Cllr for Harrow Weald after taking a close interest in the ward – in particular, protecting the greenbelt and standing up for local residents. He has served as councillor for more than a decade and also sits on a number of committees and panels at the council. He represents the council in local environmental and conservation organisations. Away from politics, he’s a dedicated family man and works in the fine pharmaceutical industry, he has two sons, and his wife works in Northwick Park Hospital.
The new Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Chauhan said, “It is an honour to be sworn in as the new Mayor and first citizen of Harrow. My theme this year is Unity and Diversity – I hope to continue to unite everyone together, celebrate our differences and embrace cultural diversity.”
