On Friday 6th September, a special magazine featuring anecdotes of Asians who were uprooted from Kenya and gradually settled in the UK was launched alongside the Asian Achievers Awards at the Grosvenor Hotel.
The exodus of Kenyan Asians and their re-settlement in the UK, chronicles journeys of several Asian individuals who left Kenya when the country was embroiled in a political turmoil. It documents the “rags to riches” stories from Lord Ranbir Singh Suri, Pradip Dhamecha of Dhamecha Cash and Carry, Vijay and Bhikhu Patel of Waymade Healthcare Plc and Vraj Pankhani among others.
But most importantly, the magazine recognises the true spirit of Asian families and the contributions that women of the home make. The Late Shantabaa, mother of the Patel brothers who recently sadly passed away in her 99th year and had been the pillar of the Patel family. Whereas Late Ladumaa, grandmother of Pradip Dhamecha, Harbans Kaur Ranger mother of Lord Rami Ranger and Lady Tarlochan Suri, wife of Lord Ranbir Suri have all been instrumental forces guiding these individuals in establishing their thriving empires in the UK.
“Lords, ladies and distinguished guests of the house. For over 19 years CB Patel, Chairman of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, has made it his life's mission to capture key milestones of the British Asian community through various successful publications and events.
“This compilation of stories of Kenyan migrants has been long overdue and will serve as a reminder for future generation of the sacrifices made by their forebears. I would like to thank CB for publishing this magazine and I am honoured to be part of this unique piece of history,” said Lord Ranbir Singh Suri.
Besides, featuring these individuals, the magazine also sheds light into the current political atmosphere in Kenya and records the history of the country before it achieved independence in 1964.
