Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has honoured a London resident of Asian descent for his contributions to cricket and positive impact on the South Asian community. Himanshu Jain, co-founder of a charity cricket community for South Asian men, was bestowed with the daily Points of Light award on April 10th.
Himanshu established the club to offer opportunities for over 1,000 South Asian men from Barking, Sutton, Kent, and Southend communities to engage in cricket, ranging from beginner sessions to participation in professional leagues. Since its formal inception in 2021, the club has expanded its scope to include training for women and children, as well as hosting the ‘Bharat Premier League’ and mini-tournaments every weekend.
Here, Himanshu shares his elation on being bestowed with the honour and his community work.
How does it feel to be recognised for your efforts in promoting cricket and making a positive impact on the South Asian community?
It feels incredibly rewarding to be recognised for our efforts with the Bharat Cricket Community. This acknowledgement not only validates the hard work and dedication of our entire team but also shines a light on the importance of community integration and healthy living. Through cricket, we’ve been able to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among the South Asian community in the UK. Seeing the positive impact on our members’ lives, from increased physical activity to enhanced social connections, truly underscores the significance of our mission. It motivates us to continue our work and explore new ways to enrich our community further.
Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind founding the charity cricket community for South Asian men? What motivated you to start this initiative?
The Bharat Cricket Community began informally among friends who shared a love for cricket but soon evolved into a formal charity as more individuals showed interest. Founded on the belief in cricket's power to unite cultures, particularly within the South Asian community, and driven by a desire to address social isolation and health disparities among South Asian men in the UK, the initiative aims to promote physical well-being, social integration, and cultural exchange. Secondly, recognising the challenges that South Asian men face in terms of social isolation and health disparities in the UK, I was motivated to create a platform that not only promoted physical well-being through sport but also facilitated social integration and cultural exchange. By providing a space for these men and their families to come together for cricket, learning, and competition, the community seeks to foster belonging and strengthen multicultural bonds.
What, according to you, is the importance of community engagement and giving back?
Community engagement and giving back are fundamental to building a strong, supportive, and resilient society. In my view, these activities are not just about helping others, but about creating an interconnected community where each member feels valued, supported, and part of a larger whole. Moreover, community engagement is crucial for personal development. It allows individuals to gain new skills, build networks, and develop empathy. For our community at the Bharat Cricket Community, volunteering has been a gateway to understanding and addressing broader societal issues, enhancing our members' awareness and their ability to contribute positively. It’s about nurturing a culture of mutual support and continuous engagement, which is essential for the vitality of any community.
What are your future plans and aspirations for the Bharat Cricket Community? Do you have any new initiatives or projects in the pipeline?
As we look to the future, our vision for the Bharat Cricket Community is to significantly expand our reach and deepen our impact. We are actively working to extend membership to an even broader segment of South Asian men across the country, along with a concerted effort to enhance our women's and children's cricket programs. We are also initiating support structures for South Asian students and workers who are new to the UK. These structures aim to help them navigate the challenges of settling into a new country, providing a supportive community through our network. Additionally, we plan to increase our volunteering efforts, with new opportunities for our members to give back to the community in meaningful ways. And lastly, we are exploring partnerships with educational institutions to integrate sports into educational achievements and personal development.
What message would you like to convey to other individuals who are passionate about making a difference in their communities?
To everyone driven to make a difference in their communities, my message is one of encouragement and resilience: Start small but dream big, and believe in the power of grassroots movements. Your passion is the key ingredient in initiating change. Focus on what matters most to you, remembering that every small effort counts. Listen, adapt, and be open to learning—every community, every initiative, and every individual you meet can offer invaluable insights.
Moreover, don’t hesitate to collaborate with others. Partnerships can significantly amplify your impact, bringing diverse perspectives and resources that might otherwise be inaccessible. Reach out to existing organisations, community leaders, and other like-minded individuals. Finally, celebrate every success, no matter how small, and use these achievements as fuel to keep pushing forward. Remain committed and patient, as change doesn’t happen overnight and challenges are inevitable.
What are some of the other initiatives you volunteer for?
I spearhead several impactful initiatives, including the Leprosy Control Programme targeting leprosy in India, focusing on early detection and vaccination advocacy. Additionally, I contribute to Jainpedia, preserving and digitising ancient Jain manuscripts for global access. Lola’s Homeless Ladder, which supports over 500 homeless individuals weekly in East London, is another project I'm deeply involved in. Moreover, I'm honoured to serve as the incoming District Governor for Rotary in London for the year 2024-25, where I will lead community service projects in line with Rotary's mission of service above self.
