Kanti is a distinguished social activist who grew up in Kampala, Uganda. In 1972 he arrived in UK, after the expulsion of Asians from Uganda by Idi Amin. Kanti worked as a Social Worker for Harrow Council and during his 12 years at the council, he help create the Harrow Race Relations Council and campaigned for a vegetarian ‘meals on wheels’ service.
In 1982 he founded the Sangat Centre, providing support and advice to people from all background helping them feel at home in new surroundings. Kanti has been an Honorary Secretary of Confederation of Indian Organisations in the UK, President of National Congress of Gujarati Organisations (UK) and an active member of Greenford Lions Club. Kanti was invested with MBE by Her Majesty The Queen in New Year 2020 Honour List for services to charity in UK. He is married to Bhanu and has two sons, Dipen and Rupen and three grandsons.
1) Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
Kampala, Uganda, this is where I grew up. a wonderful city on 7 hills and evergreen.
2) What are your proudest achievements?
Making Harrow Council to stop checking children’s passports for primary schooling, make Harrow Council (the then Leader, said over my dead body) provide vegetarian meals to those elderly who are strict vegetarians, establishing a Community Centre primarily for Asians MBEmany more but being awarded MBE for services to the community.
3) What inspires you?
Making sure that voiceless people get their rightful share of public services.
4) What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
Lace curtain racism, beaurocretic hurdles.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
Mr. Terry Bamford, the then Director of Social Services at Kensington Council. He encouraged me
to solve people's problems and stand against injustice.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
I work as a legal advisor and represent clients at Tribunals be it Immigration Tribunal or Welfare Benefits Tribunal.
7) And the worst?
Inarticulate people weeping for their rights.
8) What are your long term goals?
Retire and enjoy the life while helping others.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
Stop the sleaze and be honest, not only to the country but to myself as well.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why.
Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel and understand from him as to why he tolerated Gandhi and Nehru’s wrongdoings.
