I Always Wanted To Name My Daughter India": Bath's First Indian-origin Mayor On Identity & Roots

Описание: In a candid and inspiring conversation with India Today Global, Councillor Professor Bharat Pankhania- the first Indian-origin mayor of the historic city of Bath - shared the story of his extraordinary journey from Kenya to the UK, rooted deeply in his Indian heritage. Born to Gujarati parents who migrated across the Indian Ocean to Africa, Pankhania reflected on his family’s bravery, colonial history, and their eventual resettlement in Britain as British passport holders.

Now leading the World Heritage City of Bath, Pankhania describes his position as 'ceremonial but powerful,' built on public love and respect. He is using his platform to push for equitable access to education, a cause close to his heart. Recalling his self-taught academic journey through public libraries, Pankhania emphasized his belief that 'education is liberation.'

His deep connection to India is evident in both personal and symbolic ways. His daughter is named India Lakshmi Victoria, representing cultural roots, spiritual reverence, and historical reflection. His sons also carry names rooted in Indian tradition- Arjuna, Krishnan, Siddhartha.

In the interview, Pankhania addressed sensitive geopolitical topics including gang violence, India-Pakistan relations, and the Khalistan issue, urging nuance, inquiry, and dialogue. A firm believer in people-to-people peace, he called for unity among South Asians, warning that 'divided, we hurt ourselves; together, we are a formidable force.'

#BharatPankhania #MayorOfBath #IndiaUK #GujaratiDiaspora #IndiaTodayGlobal #KhalistanDebate #IndiaPakistan #EducationIsLiberation #SouthAsianUnity

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