Jagtar Singh Dhindsa came to the UK in 1973 aged 10. The next few years shaped Jagtar’s thinking as he experienced racism and migrant related discrimination from a young age. He always stood up to bullies and those displaying attitudes and beliefs that are not compliant with an equal and fair society. He was educated at a comprehensive school and went on to successfully complete an engineering apprenticeship with Rolls Royce.
It is at Rolls Royce that Jagtar got his first flavour of being elected as a shop steward with his union. Jagtar then joined the prison service as an instructional officer involved in the rehabilitation of prisoners through teaching life learning skills. He has been an elected Councillor for the past 23 years and during this time held important roles such as the Leader of his group, a four-member cabinet portfolio holder. Jagtar recently became the Chairman (Civic Mayor) of Watford Borough Council. He stood as a candidate as elected mayor in Watford during 2014. He is an active and dedicated trade unionist and currently holds the role of Branch Assistant Secretary.
1) Which place or city or country do you most feel at home in? I feel very much at home in Watford as I have for the past 30 years been involved in decision-making process to make the facilities and services of Watford relevant to the diverse communities that live here.
2) What are your proudest achievements?
I have been an elected Councillor for the past 20 years during which time I have served in the 4 member Cabinet, Leader of my group and this year I am serving as the Chairman of the Council (Civic Mayor). It is not the above roles that have made me proud but rather the opportunity these roles bring to serve Watford and to be involved in the decision-making process to bring about positive change for the diverse community that Watford is proud of.
3) What inspires you?
Achieving goals that at one time seemed near impossible. Seeing the progression of the children from deprived backgrounds into roles where they are now leading in big organisations with their heads held high. I also feel that due to the efforts and collective action of the BAME people like myself can be very proud of our culture and heritage. During my mayor Making ceremony I proudly wore a turban whilst we all listened to the Sikh national anthem…Wow – this is achievement.
4) What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?
People of strong faith and people of colour have continued to face obstacles due to lies from those in opposition political parties. At one point in my political career I stood strong in my belief for the need to support a new mosque in North Watford. I did not see this campaign as an obstacle instead I stood firm in my views which resulted in losing my seat however constituents respected the fact that I stood by my principles and I was re-elected a year later.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
Shaheed (martyr) Bhagat Singh who was a freedom fighter who dies for his cause at the age of 23.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
Meeting with the diverse communities of Watford and beyond to listen to what people need and campaigning for change.
7) And the worst?
I enjoy my role so I can’t really think of anything. I suppose the only part is that sometimes change takes time and I get frustrated with people not getting what they need in a timely manner.
8) What are your long term goals?
To win the Watford Mayoral seat or a parliamentary seat to have influence at a broader level for more people.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
I would encourage the development of more political awareness and involvement from an early age at grass root levels to have an impact on the bigger issues faced by the overall population of the UK. I would bring about changes to create a better spread of social housing to combat discrimination due to poverty as recently demonstrated at Grenfell.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
I would like to spend time with Nelson Mandela to hear first-hand about his struggle and experience during the apatite in South Africa. He proved that patience can also be a winner although at his own personal expense. My favourite quote by him is ‘For to be free is not merely to cast of ones chains but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others’.
