If 2021 was the mark of resilience, 2022, despite all the challenges and losses, remains a year of celebration. After the dark nights, grim days, and unforgettable moments of overcoming struggle, Britons still have many reasons to celebrate. This year has been synonymous to the word ‘kindness’ and the absolute power that comes with it. In many ways this kindness brought justice for the community and fulfilled the dream of having a more inclusive and multicultural Britain.
The continued and tireless efforts of organisations in providing free and hot food, clothes, heating, care, and the magnanimous contribution of pharmacies helped the community and the country sail through 2022.
At the start of the year, while we were still fighting new variants of the Covid-19 virus, facing staff shortages and other day-to-day issues, our healthcare workers, especially doctors and nurses braved through the nights and days despite the NHS backlog. They ensured that more than 74.5 million vaccinations have been given since the NHS opened its programme to all adults in England.
Speaking to the newsweekly about 2022 and its achievements, Dr Indranil Chakravorty MBE PhD FRCP, Consultant physician said, “This year 2022 has been a peculiar one for healthcare in the UK.”
Dr Chakravorty discussed what might be the answer be for the world to get through this year and the next. He said, “The answer may lie in a fundamental but elusive human emotion of kindness and compassion. Although often described and felt as a human emotion, kindness is recognised to much more. It is an act if commission not merely a feeling. Kindness is the demonstration of an act of pure benevolence to another where there is no gain for the giver. In healthcare, kindness and empathy are fundamental.
“There has always been a debate between schools of thought, one (often in a minority) describing it as a profession like any other and then the vast majority believing that it's a vocation, a way of life. Healthcare professionals are therefore expected to be kind in every walk of their life. The law and their regulatory systems are often holding them to much higher moral and ethical standards.”
In January 2022, the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) working alongside grassroots professional organisations, stakeholders from NHS and the academics developed a consensus standard for ‘Dignity’ in healthcare. These standards were launched at a summit in the Royal College of Surgeons by NHS England's National Medical Director Sir Stephen Powis. Following this NHS England's People's office has launched a pilot to implement Dignity Standards in the NHS. The first phase pilot includes Kings College Hospital London, Leicester University Hospitals and St Georges, Epsom and St Helier group of hospitals. This project will help set standards of excellence in behaviours, interpersonal kindness is and respect, restoring dignity in the workplace. Each organisation will appoint and train dignity champions who will be leading the work in developing role models, provide training. Assessments of effectiveness will be conducted by academic teams from Universities of Hertfordshire, East Anglia and Glasgow.
This project will be the first of its kind where voluntary professional organisations will lead the work in collaboration with government organizations to transform the workplace. The project draws on the kindness and compassion of volunteers in helping transform the workplace into one of kindness and empathy, Dr Chakravorty told the Asian Voice.
Milestone year for championing diversity
No one will forget the Diwali of 2022, which will go down in British and South Asian history, all because of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Little did he or anyone think that Liz Truss would step down only 45 days after becoming the Prime Minister, and Britain would get its first British Asian Prime Minister who has roots in India and Africa. Sunak also shut down all rumours of the so called ‘debacle’ of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement and went ahead to shake hands with Indian PM Narendra Modi, affirming that the Living Bridge is not weak after all.
In an official statement to Asian Voice, the Conservative Friends of India said, “Despite the political challenges of this year, 2022 has been a milestone year for championing diversity in public life. We had the most diverse leadership campaign within the Conservative Party in history, with men and women from a wide range of ethnic, social and cultural backgrounds. The appointment of the UK’s first Prime Minister of colour in Rishi Sunak was a landmark occasion for Britain and of course for CF India. It reflected how we have shattered the glass ceiling and proving that anyone can excel and prosper in this great country. The Conservative Friends of India continued to engage with members, Parliamentarians, Lords and the Indian High Commission. We hosted a variety of events, Diwali and conference receptions, held hustings with the final two leadership candidates and hosted roundtables discussing issues that impact our members and wider geopolitics We forward to building on a strong and eventful year in 2023 and look forward to being joined by many of you.”
The return of Diwali at the Square
This year marked a massive celebration of Diwali at the Square, a first proper celebration, two years after the pandemic. Despite the unrest caused by bogus social media elements that led to communal riots at Leicester, continuing to champion diversity, The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan told the newsweekly how ethnic minority communities continue to have a positive effect. He said, “This year we have been able to once again celebrate the strength and rich diversity of our city with the return of some of our most important cultural events, which have brought people and communities together. We saw the glorious and joyful return of Eid in the Square – which celebrated the end of Ramadan with Londoners and guests of all backgrounds joining together, showcasing the hugely positive effect Muslim communities have in our city. More recently, we welcomed the return of the fantastic Diwali celebrations for the first time since the pandemic. This event brought an incredibly vibrant atmosphere, swathes of colour and culinary delights to the heart of our city. I’m proud that our capital was able to host one of the biggest Diwali celebrations outside India and was delighted to see so many Londoners and visitors come together in celebration.
“Everyone in the UK and around the world has the right to live in peace and to practice their faith freely and proudly. In London, we are proud of our diversity, we celebrate it – and this makes our city better, brighter and more prosperous for everyone.”
Service and kindness are the backbone of a happy and harmonious society
Speaking to Asian Voice, about the year gone by, Yogvivekdas Swami, Head Swami of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, UK & Europe said, “For thousands of devotees and well-wishers here in the UK and worldwide, 2022 has been a particularly memorable year as we celebrated the birth centenary of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The year was not only marked with many joyous moments of celebration, from the awe-inspiring 10-day ‘Festival of Inspiration’ at Neasden Temple to the Diwali celebrations themed ‘In the Joy of Others’ at Trafalgar Square, but also many opportunities to continue to be inspired by and implement the ideals embodied by Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
“This was seen foremost in the BAPS volunteers who rushed to the frontline earlier this year to help those fleeing the devastating war in Ukraine. Travelling thousands of miles and placing their own livelihoods on hold, they continued Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s legacy of selfless service during times of humanitarian need. Closer to home, BAPS has brought together the generosity of many individuals to support the Trussell Trust with food provisions to help families across the country through the current cost-of-living crisis.
“These values of compassion, service and kindness are the backbone to a happy and harmonious society and therefore remain at the heart of our activities this year and beyond.”
Inspiring and selfless generosity by community organisations
London Assembly Member Krupesh Hirani AM, told us, “It has been a tough year for everyone. The rapid rise in the cost of food, fuel, utilities, rent and mortgages has impacted us all. Many families in London, and across the country, have had to make sacrifices to cope with the cost-of-living crisis. Those who were already struggling to make ends meet have borne the brunt of it. Many people, including key workers, have been forced to look to their communities for support. I’m proud to say that my community in Brent and Harrow have rallied to the aid of those in need. The generosity and selflessness shown by community organisations has been inspiring. I want to pay special tribute to organisations, of all faiths and none, who have been working tirelessly throughout 2022 to combat food insecurity. London’s Community Kitchen, Brent Food Bank and many others have done so much to ensure that the most vulnerable haven’t gone hungry. In a nation as wealthy as ours, it is tragic that such a desperate scenario has become reality under this government. But we can take hope and inspiration from those who have selflessly met the needs of others. For your kindness, I thank you.”
Community’s young poet laureate
Iona Mandal, 16, Birmingham Young Poet Laureate 2022-2024 told the newsweekly, “As a young British Asian living in Birmingham, this year proved to be eventful, with a balance of triumph and tumult. I am sure that my community has continued to coexist by supporting one another in universally difficult situations, whilst celebrating our successes as a diverse and talented group of people.
“Personally, being appointed as the Birmingham Young Poet Laureate 2022-2024 was a particularly gratifying moment for me, as I was given the privilege of occupying a fairly influential position within my city, besides allowing me to represent many young South Asians who are not always equipped with the support and encouragement required to flourish in the Arts.
“I believe that we are capable of anything as a community, and this can only begin by dismantling entrenched generational barriers which hinder us from achieving our full potential. I hope to bring light to issues relevant to the South Asian community within my responsibilities as Young Poet Laureate, as well as inspire people like me to pursue something out of the ordinary. I look forward to the many achievements of my community in years to come and have no doubt that we will continue to blossom as an integral part of the UK.”
Stupendous success of Commonwealth Games 2022
The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games demonstrated the very best of Global Britain to the world, showcasing the region’s strengths of being connected and accessible; youth and inclusivity; and a focus on regeneration and rejuvenation. Ilika Mandal, Library Services, Birmingham City Council, the mother of Iona Mandal said, “I’m a proud Brummie and the highpoint of 2022 for me was undoubtedly the Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham during the summer of ‘22. The city centre’s landmarks including the Town Hall, Victoria Square and the Alexander Stadium, centrepiece of the Games and venue of the gorgeous opening and closing ceremonies, underwent incredible transformation, decked in the colours of the Games and looking more beautiful than ever! What I was immensely proud of was to see the games uphold the image of Birmingham globally.”
Bob Blackman MP for Harrow East told us, “Looking back on this, there are definitely positive lessons and achievements to be drawn. I am pleased that the UK now has its first ever Hindu Prime Minister in Rishi Sunak, who I have no doubt will guide the country wisely and proficiently. Additionally, it is evident that the country has moved forward from the pandemic in a constructive manner, having adapted to new models of working and a significant development of healthcare practices. It has also been humbling to watch our country, and so many others around the globe, rally in support for Ukraine at this exceedingly difficult time for the nation. It is in moments like this when comradery, solidarity and hope thrives. As we look forward to the year ahead, I hope that whatever challenges we face, 2023 is a year of unity, kindness and resilience. There is much to look forward to with the India Trade Deal, improvements in the cost of living crisis and the King’s Coronation to name but a few.”
However, 2022 will unfortunately also be the year Britain lost its beloved Queen Elizabeth II. Even within the period of mourning, there was a huge symbolic lesson for Briton hidden right there, in many forms than one. There was a point when people belonging to five different faiths came together at the same time and bowed down to the Queen’s Coffin while it was laid in Westminster. Kindness also comes with unrobing vanity and bureaucracy. Ace footballer David Beckham stood in the queue of more than 10,000 people who wanted to catch a last glimpse of the Queen without breaking it and set an example for the rest of the world, that with a little kindness, both to the living and the dead, we all can make this world a better place.
