I have just finished reading ‘A British Subject’ by Lord Dolar Popat and wish to share my reflections with the readers of AV. Firstly, once I started reading, I could not put the book down. It is a compelling read not because I also originate from East Africa and am of Indian origin, but the depth of transparency and passion of Dolar Popat is mesmerising. There are many points that resonate strongly for me that he talks about in his book.
I can resonate with the same unarticulated connection to Britain growing up as a child in Thika Kenya, which was another country in the British Empire. Although we were living amongst Africans and Europeans we never integrated and kept to our own. We must not make the same mistake in our new host country which is the future of our grandchildren and take steps to integrate at all levels, social, commercial, and political.
I second his endeavour to encourage more Indians to contribute to the political infrastructure of Britain. The first- and second-generation British Indians need to overcome the mentality that ‘politics is a dirty game’ and encourage the young generation to be politically proactive.
The British Indian young professionals have already proved themselves in the medical, legal, and financial sectors amongst many more. They need to do the same in the political sector. It is possible to have the passion to make a difference to society through the political system and still adhere to values of humility and integrity.
I was deeply touched by the highs and lows in his life and his courage to be open about the most vulnerable times in his life. I am astonished by the incredible amount of effort he puts in as an activist and despite being an enormous game-changer in the British Commercial and political landscape he talks about his endeavours with modesty.
I had the privilege to meet Dolar Popat when we were both promoting our respective books at a Thika reunion event.
We are both exuding our pride as British citizens while preserving our multifaceted identity and culture.
Hansa Pankhania
By email
