The long journey of Eminent broadcaster Mahendra Kaul from Habba Kadal in Srinagar,Kashmir in india on the banks of Jehlum to London on the banks of Thames came to end last Wednesday. His death shocked the community. He was 95 and is survived by his wife Rajini and Daughter, Kalyani Kaul.
His journey in broadcasting started in July 1948 with Radio Kashmir. He later joined All India radio in Delhi , where he met his wife Rajani .After working in Delhi for about 10 years he attracted the attention of Voice Of America, who selected him as a News Reader for the Asian desk. He got a call from BBC London in 1965.
Appointed initially as a News Reader, He was entrusted to start a series of programmes highlighting the problems faced by South Asian immigrants when they come to UK. The programme called "Apna hi Ghar Samajye" (Make yourself at home) ran for nearly 2 decades, advising immigrants how to join the British society.
The other popular programme he started was “Naye Zindagi Naye Jeevan" in which eminent poets and authors were invited. Both the programmes became were very popular.
He interviewed Prime Minister and many politicians, besides Bollywood actors and eminent personalities from India including Mrs. Indira Gandhi.
Besides his Broadcasting career he also initiated the Indian Cuisine in UK by starting famous Gaylord Restaurant and other restaurants in London. He received Community Service Award at the Asian Voice Political and Public Life Award in February 2014, organised by the Asian Voice newsweekly. Speaking at the awards he said, "I have spoken for over 50 years on TV and Radio. When I first came to the UK, the situation was entirely different. Now we can see the change and the Asian community has brought this about through its dedication and hard work.
Mahendra Nath Kaul was decorated with Order of the British Empire in 1975, after the World War II for services to race relations through his BBC TV programmes. He was the first NRI to be awarded an OBE.
He was a superb communicator, always extending his hand of friendship. He will be missed by all. Mr Kaul's funeral is being held on Sunday 22 July 2018 at 10am in Golders Green Crematorium.
