Last week, a renowned “community activist” and former local radio presenter passed away after contracting Covid-19. Tributes poured in on social media following 59-year-old Sujata Barot's death.
The first South Asian faces in local media who made her name across multiple platforms including BBC Radio Leicester, was known for her work in the Belgrave community and had close ties to the local police and residents. Over she went on to present on Radio 2 as well as working with actor Sanjeev Bhaskar on the Network East television show. She also played an active role in Leicester, and stood as an independent candidate for the Leicester East constituency in the 2017 general election.
In a post shared on Facebook, BBC Radio Leicester presenter, Kamlesh Purohit wrote, “I cannot believe you're no longer with us. Suj joined BBC Radio Leicester a year or so after me. Those were pioneering days of British Asian broadcasting, with a new crop of young, talented broadcasters coming through, eventually laying the foundation for what went on to become the national BBC Asian Network.
“In her later life – despite her own health issues, she fought passionately for the community on issues like the Belgrave library closure. She was devoted to her mum who is still in hospital with Covid. Let's pray for her, and for Suj's soul... farewell my friend, rest in peace in the abode of the Almighty, you are now reunited with your amazing dad, Babubhai Barot – and I can just picture the two of you making beautiful music in heaven."
