New Delhi / London– June 14, 2024 – A recent online summit, titled “Promoting Positive Thinking and Empowering the Indian Diaspora, particularly Women, to strengthen Cultural and Social Ties between India and the UK,” successfully convened prominent figures from the Indian community in the UK and India. Hosted by Ram Janaki Sansthan Positive Broadcasting House (RJS PBH) in collaboration with Inspiring Indian Women UK, the event served as a significant platform to discuss the achievements, challenges, and future aspirations of the Indian diaspora, emphasizing unity, cultural preservation, and the transformative power of positive thinking.
The program underscored the vital role of Indian culture as a bridge connecting the two nations, highlighted the importance of political and social engagement abroad for community representation, and outlined RJS PBH’s ambitious future initiatives, including the international “TIFA 25” event and the continuation of its “Granth” book series. Throughout the discussions, the resilience of the Indian diaspora in overcoming challenges and their significant contributions were consistently recognized.
Uday Kumar Manna, Founder of Ram Janaki Sansthan Positive Broadcasting House (RJS PBH), initiated the summit by articulating the platform’s core mission: promoting “positive thinking” (Sakarātmak Soch) and the deeply ingrained Indian ethos of “Guest is God” (Atithi Devo Bhava). He highlighted the significant role of Inspiring Indian Women UK in connecting women globally, fostering positive thinking, and thereby contributing to the prevention of societal conflicts and the promotion of peace. Mr. Manna announced the upcoming “TIFA 25” (Team Independence Day Function August 2025) in Delhi, an international event aimed at celebrating India’s Independence Day, which will also honor couples, underscoring the importance of family units. He stressed RJS PBH’s commitment to documenting all events through newsletters and upcoming book publications, with the fifth book, “Granth 5,” expected in August as part of the “Amrit Kaal ka Sakaratmak Bharat Uday” (Positive India’s Rise in the Auspicious Era) series. This “Granth” initiative, he explained, aims to honor parents and freedom fighters, inspiring future generations. Mr. Manna proudly stated that RJS PBH operates without external donations or government funding, relying on the collective effort of its members. He also announced plans to engage directly with government ministries in August to advocate for the diaspora.
Antara Rakesh Tallam, MS Psychotherapy Presenter Radio, TV from England, UK, skillfully moderated the discussions, welcoming guests and facilitating conversations on personal journeys, challenges faced by Indians in the UK, and contributions to the community.
Cllr Aarien Uday Areti, Deputy Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Central London, UK, shared his compelling journey from an immigrant student to a prominent political figure. He emphasized that “service to mankind is service,” and that “only through political will can one transform their region.” As the first Indian councilor in an area with a limited Indian population, he discussed the challenges of establishing a political profile, noting it takes approximately “five years to build up the profile” and that “it’s not about how popular you are, it’s about how few enemies you have.” Mr. Areti detailed his efforts in supporting the Indian community, assisting the Indian High Commission, connecting constituents with Members of Parliament (MPs) for visa/passport issues, and engaging with various Indian cultural organizations for events like Yoga Day. He also highlighted his role as Vice Chair of the Europe India Forum for Business and Industry, a think tank focused on shaping policies for mutual growth between Europe and India, including free trade agreements. He noted Kensington’s historical connections to India, including figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Dr.Ambedkar, and the presence of the first Sikh temple outside India.
Cllr Smita Rajesh, Deputy Mayor and former City Councillor of Sandford City, UK, provided a candid account of her challenging personal and professional journey as an Indian woman in the UK, including initial difficulties with the recognition of Indian qualifications. Her 15-year dedication to social service included establishing a charitable organization, ‘Vanita,’ specifically for abused women. She subsequently entered politics, currently holding positions within the local council, including Deputy Cabinet responsibilities for Housing, Responsibility, Leisure, and Culture. A significant achievement she highlighted was leading the initiative to establish the first Hindu temple in her city, culminating in its consecration (Pran Pratishtha) ceremony. Ms. Smita Rajesh strongly advocated for increased Indian participation in politics to ensure the community’s voice is heard in national decision-making, as she feels their substantial contributions (e.g., tax payments) are often overlooked. She expressed a personal view that individuals should carefully consider migrating to the UK, suggesting that “India is very good, there are many facilities there, here there are none at all.” She acknowledged facing racism, stating, “if there is any injustice, for example racism, that is also not understood as anything,” implying a lack of official recognition or effective action on such issues. She noted that Indians are “so tolerant” that they are accustomed to enduring these challenges while moving forward.
Sunil Kumar Singh, Director, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), emphasized the critical importance of unity among the Indian diaspora in the UK, stating that Indian culture serves as the strongest medium for fostering this unity. He explained ICCR’s role as a division of the Ministry of External Affairs in promoting Indian culture globally and supporting cultural events abroad, such as “poetry gatherings” (Kavi Sammelans). He advised organizers and individuals to maintain direct contact with the Nehru Centre and the Indian mission in the UK for their proposals, assuring positive consideration and support from ICCR. He acknowledged the difficulties in obtaining dates for cultural events at the Nehru Centre, noting it can be a “very long process,” highlighting bureaucratic hurdles.
Ms Rashmi Mishra, Director of Inspiring Indian Women UK and a co-organizer of the event, stated her organization’s primary mission is to act as a “bridge” connecting India and the UK. She outlined three core aims: facilitating global women’s connection, sharing inspiring success stories, and promoting self-reliance (Swavalambi) among women, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India). Ms. Mishra detailed efforts to support women entrepreneurs, including developing an e-commerce platform (“dot.org”) to help them sell homemade products in the UK market without commission. She shared her personal journey of balancing a professional teaching career with extensive community work since 2016, emphasizing the “sleepless nights” and constant effort required for networking. Proudly, she stated that Inspiring Indian Women operates without external donations or funding, relying solely on dedicated effort. She discussed the dual focus of their work: grassroots empowerment, skill training, and health check-ups for underprivileged women in India, and mental well-being support for women in the UK. Ms. Rashmi Mishra expressed a strong desire to expand their work and impact within India, recognizing the vast potential for positive change there.
Sarita Kapoor, a member of TIFA 25 and a co-organizer, highlighted the importance of promoting positive thinking and maintaining cultural connections within the Indian diaspora, particularly for “today’s generation.” She emphasized the pivotal role of women, particularly their emotional strength, in fostering positive change and uniting the community.
She expressed her personal motivation for joining RJS PBH to contribute to this positive movement and shared her participation in the upcoming RJS book, where she will dedicate a tribute to her parents, underscoring the significance of moral values and honoring one’s roots. She also announced an upcoming program on June 15th dedicated to addressing issues concerning the welfare of elders.
Rajendra Singh Kushwaha, Guest Editor of the RJS Newsletter, announced that the upcoming issue, covering all monthly activities and the details of the current program, is scheduled for publication on June 30th and will be distributed in PDF format.
Dr. Kavita Parihar Tifa 25 recited a powerful poem that served as a tribute to Rashmi Mishra and a strong affirmation of women’s capabilities, challenging the “petty thinking” (ghatiya soch) that women cannot achieve great things. Nisha Ji from Hyderabad recited an inspiring poem that underscored the themes of unity, collective effort, and unwavering dedication, encouraging the Indian diaspora to work together “shoulder to shoulder” (kandhe se kandha milakar) to build a new future while preserving and showcasing their rich culture and values.
Sweetie Paul, Former Manager of India Trade Promotion Organisation, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, and a member of TIFA 25, expressed immense satisfaction and encouragement from witnessing the collective efforts of the speakers, particularly praising the achievements of women in the diaspora. She emphasized her strong belief in the boundless capabilities of women, stating that they “can do everything,” and highlighted the significance of such a large and influential group convening for a common positive cause. She requested continued guidance and collaboration from the speakers for future initiatives, reinforcing the spirit of mutual support. She also emphasized that the Indian diaspora are “our own” and contribute significantly to India’s honor.
Dayaram Sarulia, an artist from Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, passionately praised the remarkable achievements of women in contemporary society, citing examples of women excelling as pilots and directors in various industries. He underscored the indispensable role of women in societal progress and their inherent capacity to achieve anything they aspire to.
The summit concluded with a strong call for continued unity, positive thinking, and proactive engagement from the Indian diaspora. Speakers reiterated the importance of cultural preservation, community welfare, and political participation to ensure the diaspora’s voice is heard and their contributions are recognized, ultimately strengthening the bond between India and the UK. The event highlighted a vibrant and active diaspora committed to both their heritage and their adopted homes, presenting a clear roadmap for future engagement and empowerment. RJS PBH also aims to engage with schools and colleges through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to disseminate positive thinking among youth, ensuring the legacy continues. The “Granth” series, documenting these efforts, is intended to serve as a resource for the next generation, preserving the history of freedom fighters and the contributions of parents. The program also acknowledged the participation of Padma Shree awardee Bhairu Singh Chauhan, a Nirgun Kabir singer from Madhya Pradesh, although technical issues prevented his direct address.
