Wave of happiness among the Punjabi community in England
Leicester (Asian independent) (Sukhjinder Singh Dhadde) (England), May 15 – A new chapter has been written in the political history of Leicester, widely known as “Mini India” in England, as for the first time an Amritdhari Punjabi Sikh has been honoured with the position of Lord Mayor of Leicester City Council. Councillor Kulwinder Singh Johal has officially taken office as Leicester’s first fully turbaned Amritdhari Sikh Lord Mayor. His ceremonial inauguration took place at Leicester Town Hall in the presence of dignitaries, community leaders and members of the Punjabi and Sikh communities, who celebrated the occasion with great pride and enthusiasm.
Kulwinder Singh Johal originally belongs to village Tehang near Phillaur in Jalandhar district, Punjab. He moved to England with his family at a young age. His father Jasvir Singh Johal and mother Tarsem Kaur Johal instilled in him the values of hard work, humility and community service. He completed his education in Leicester and later worked for around 25 years at Russell Castings Limited.
During his working years, he actively supported workers’ rights and remained closely connected with community welfare activities. Inspired by Sikh principles of seva and equality, he devoted many years to religious and social service. He served for several years as General Secretary of Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Leicester. In 2002, during the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to the Gurdwara, he played an important role in organising the arrangements and introducing the Queen to Sikh history and traditions.
Johal has also made significant contributions in the field of sports and youth development. He played a leading role in developing GNG Football Club and encouraging young people to participate in sports and positive community activities. His efforts have been widely appreciated within the local community.
Living in the Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields areas of Leicester, Kulwinder Singh Johal has long been recognised for his dedication to helping people from all backgrounds. His simple lifestyle, direct connection with local residents and willingness to support everyone earned him respect across the city. In 2015, he was elected as a Labour Party councillor for the first time and has continued to win elections and serve the community since then.
As Lord Mayor, he will support and promote the work of Midland Langar Seva Society and Leicester Hospitals Charity, organisations that help homeless, hungry and vulnerable people, as well as those suffering from illnesses. Speaking after taking office, Johal said he was committed to serving every resident of Leicester with honesty, humility and respect. His wife, Manjit Kaur Johal, will accompany him as Lady Mayoress. Their daughter, Gursimran Kaur Hair, will serve as Consort, while their son, Ashveer Singh Johal, will also participate in official and family engagements. The historic appointment of Kulwinder Singh Johal has created a wave of joy and pride among the Punjabi and Sikh communities across Leicester and the wider UK. Many community members described the occasion as a proud and inspirational moment for future generations.
