‘Colour, race no bar to success’ in UK: British Indians – Times of India

LONDON: British Indians were ecstatic that Rishi Sunak was to become the UK’s first British Indian and Hindu prime minister saying it demonstrated how far the UK had come in multiculturalism and meritocracy. Many pointed out how auspicious it was that his rise to the most powerful position in the British government happened on Diwali.
Lord Raminder Singh Ranger said: “Rishi has given Mother India, where his roots, are the biggest present ever on Diwali given by anyone.” He said the appointment to the highest position in the country demonstrated loudly that “in Britain colour and race are no bar to success.” He said British Indians would join the Conservative party “in droves now”.
“Sunak has shown self-sacrifice and that he has morals and he has demonstrated he will be a more effective prime minister. He is transparent and ethical with no scandals behind him. He is a wholesome family man, a loyal friend, and a conscientious and ethical person. He only left Boris as he was not happy at laws being broken. He will uphold the highest office of the land with honour, dignity and respect.”
Kapil Dudakia, an Indian-origin socio-political analyst based in the UK, said: “On Diwali day Britain has been gifted a blessing of monumental proportions. The nation will have its first non-white and non-Christian Prime Minister. This shows the extent to which British society has developed since India became independent. PM Sunak can bridge divides within society, as well as across the world.”
Rajnish Kashyap, general Secretary of the Hindu Council UK, said this was a “historical day”. “Regardless of political views, we think it is very inspiring to see someone from our background reach these heights. It will encourage others to follow in similar footsteps across all industries.”
Trupti Patel, president of the Hindu Forum of Britain, said: “We are proud to have him as the first PM of Indian origin. He is a hard-working MP from the hard-working Indian community who contribute to the UK economy way more than the percentage they are in the population”. “It proves that British society has moved forward to accept people as they are, with the right skills to do jobs, rather than their race.”
A spokesperson for The 1928 Institute, a British Indian think tank said: “It is incredible to see a British Indian as PM. Many of our grandparents were British subjects and now to see someone of Indian heritage in the UK’s highest office is truly wonderful.”