Kishan Parshotam was born and raised in London, UK, to parents who emigrated from Mozambique after the civil war. His family history is rich and diverse, with his maternal grandparents being born in South Africa and Mozambique whilst his paternal grandparents are from India. He traces his roots back to Gujarat, India. This multicultural background has profoundly shaped Kishan’s identity, instilling a deep appreciation for various cultures and traditions including seva. Growing up, studying and working in London has allowed Kishan to blend his heritage with the diverse influences of my surroundings. Kishan has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London award recently. This is on the back of his work as a Magistrate in the City of Westminster and the City of London, a Trustee at Avanti Schools Trust and Co-Chair of Governors at Mount Stewart Federation. He also volunteers with several organisations and plays an active role in pro bono work as a solicitor. Here’s his exclusive interview with Asian Voice:
Kishan, what does receiving the Freedom of the City of London mean to you personally and professionally?
Receiving the Freedom of the City of London is a profound privilege for me personally and professionally. Personally, it connects me to the rich history and traditions of the city where I was born and raised, symbolising recognition of my contributions to the community. Professionally, it represents a significant milestone, affirming my dedication and hard work. It also provides unique opportunities for networking and collaboration within a prestigious community of freemen. I hope to inspire other young people, especially from the Indian diaspora, to have positive influences on their communities.
Can you describe some of the key contributions you’ve made as a Magistrate in the City of Westminster and City of London?
I was appointed as a Magistrate last year. Magistrates are the gateway to the criminal justice system, dealing with the vast majority of cases. As of 2023, 7% of magistrates were from Asian or Asian British ethnicity and only 18% were below the age of 50. As a young professional, I am keen to improve the diversity of the Magistracy so that it better represents the community we serve.
How has your role as a Trustee at Avanti Schools Trust and Co-Chair of Governors at Mount Stewart Federation influenced your perspective on education and community service?
I first became a school governor in Stanmore when I was 18 years old - becoming one of the youngest governors in the country. I have always believed that education is the greatest gift we can give and receive and I am passionate about making sure that schools give every child an opportunity to be the best version of themselves.
My role as a trustee at Avanti Schools Trust and co-chair of governors at Mount Stewart highlighted the critical role of education in shaping future generations and the importance of providing a nurturing, inclusive environment for students. This experience has deepened my understanding of the challenges schools face and the impact of effective governance on educational outcomes. It has also reinforced my commitment to community service, emphasising the value of collaboration, accountability, and support in creating positive change and fostering strong, resilient communities.
Both Avanti and Mount Stewart are excellent educational institutions and I have been lucky to be involved in both of them.
What motivates you to volunteer with various organisations and engage in pro bono work as a solicitor, and how do you balance these commitments with your professional responsibilities?
My motivation to volunteer with various organisations and engage in pro bono work as a solicitor stems from a strong belief in helping others and a desire to give back to the community. I am driven by the impact that legal assistance can have on individuals' lives, particularly those who cannot afford it and those who do not know what rights they have. Juggling these commitments with my professional responsibilities requires effective time management, prioritising tasks, and maintaining an easy-to-follow calendar. I find that my pro bono work enriches my professional life, offering new perspectives and skills that enhance my practice. This balance is sustained by a passion for helping others and a commitment to making a positive difference.
How do you incorporate principles of diversity and inclusion in your various roles, and why do you believe they are important in your work and community engagements?
Diversity is important to get a diversity of views, which helps decision-making - whether it’s in a panel of three magistrates, a board of governors or a team providing legal advice. Different perspectives breed better ideas and better scrutiny of ideas. Incorporating principles of diversity and inclusion in my various roles is paramount to me. It's not just about meeting quotas or ticking boxes; it's about fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard. I actively seek out diverse perspectives, whether in board meetings, legal consultations, or community initiatives. By championing inclusivity, I believe we unlock innovation, creativity, and empathy within our teams and communities. Moreover, diversity isn't just a moral imperative; it's also good for business and society. Embracing diverse viewpoints leads to better decision-making, more robust solutions, and a stronger sense of belonging for all.
