Guest Info
Originally from Kenya and raised in Uganda, Lord Sheikh has received numerous personal awards for his achievements, leadership, business, and community work. He holds an honorary doctorate for his humanitarian efforts and has been recognised on the 2021 Indiaspora Government Leaders List, celebrating government leaders of Indian heritage across 15 countries.
Lord Sheikh actively supports various charities as the founder and patron of charitable organisations like Orphans in Need. Elevated to the House of Lords in 2006, he speaks regularly on a wide range of subjects. He focuses on expanding trade between the UK and other nations.
Lord Sheikh serves as a Patron for Muslim and non-Muslim organisations, working to strengthen relationships between different racial and religious groups. His Coat of Arms represents the values of education and peace in Islam.
Beyond his business endeavours as Chairman of property and other companies, Lord Sheikh is a respected writer with notable books on Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the first Indians in British Parliament. He is also involved in education and cultural ties as a visiting lecturer and advisor to a British University.
Having founded the Conservative Muslim Forum and now serving as its President, Lord Sheikh has also co-founded and co-chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Islamic and Ethical Finance, promoting these principles in the UK and overseas. He holds positions in several other APPGs focused on countries such as Turkey, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan.
Described as multi-talented, Lord Sheikh is recognised as a businessman, academic, philanthropist, and writer. He passed away in 2022.
About the Show
Delve into the profound experiences of being part of a nation torn by displacement. Join Chief Explorer Rajan Nazran in an enlightening conversation with Lord Sheikh, an unbiased and fearless writer.
Despite being born in Kenya and raised in Uganda, Lord Sheikh holds a deep Indian identity at heart. He reflects on the mere existence of secularism in India, highlighting how the court of Akbar practised it more effectively than contemporary society. His vision encompasses a world where mutual respect transcends divisions of all kinds. Drawing inspiration from his ancestor, a unifying king, Lord Sheikh embraces the philosophy of excellence, community service, and altruism. His philanthropic efforts touch the lives of many.
Lord Sheikh believes that Indians outside India tend to cherish their values more than those living within the country. Recalling General Amin’s actions in Uganda, where Asian communities faced losses of cars, businesses, and properties, their invaluable intellect remained untouched. To him, Britain represents a land of opportunities, warmly welcoming him and his family. They advocate for soft diplomacy.
While acknowledging the colonial influence on India’s poetry, music, and literature, Lord Sheikh strongly opposes colonial powers’ destruction of historical artefacts and monuments. He advocates for contextual analysis to understand situations beyond surface-level examination.
Immerse yourself in this captivating discussion, exploring the profound impact of three countries on the formation of an extraordinary individual.
Produced by Global Indian Series for the Global Indian Network.
Script by Rajan Nazran
original idea: Rajan Nazran
Introduction music: (Music credit: https://freesound.org/people/TheoJT/sounds/569783/)
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