(Asian independent) From a 101-year-old community figure to a former refugee, two dedicated charity shop volunteers and a woman transforming young lives through education, 33 individuals have been recognised at a multicultural celebration in Birmingham.
In a region where generations of migration have shaped its streets, workplaces and communities, some of the most remarkable contributions to everyday life are made
by people whose names rarely appear in the headlines.
On Sunday, 33 such individuals were celebrated at a Thanksgiving gathering in Birmingham, bringing together around 150 people from different cultures, faiths and backgrounds to recognise lives defined by kindness, service and a commitment to others.
Organised by Birmingham-based Karma PR, the event sought to honour the people who quietly sustain community life across the West Midlands, from those supporting vulnerable residents to individuals strengthening relationships across generations.
Among them was Angela Mitchell, whose work in education has been shaped by a deeply personal understanding of disadvantage and the importance of opportunity.
Growing up in Sierra Leone, she witnessed the barriers that poverty and inequality can place in the way of young people. Those experiences inspired her commitment to helping children and families overcome disadvantage.
After moving to Britain, Mitchell developed a career in education, working with children and young people facing difficult circumstances. Her work has focused on inclusion, safeguarding and ensuring that those who might otherwise be overlooked have the opportunity to succeed.
Her story reflects the contribution of people who bring experiences from across the world to Britain and use them to improve the lives of others.
Shirley and Marie, meanwhile, have spent more than two decades quietly serving their local community through charity shop volunteering in Sheldon.
With Shirley contributing 22 years of service and Marie 20 years, the pair have become familiar and much-loved figures among customers, colleagues and volunteers.
Their dedication has extended beyond sorting donations and raising money for good causes. For many visitors, particularly older people or those experiencing loneliness, the shop has provided a welcoming space for conversation, friendship and companionship.
Their story illustrates how seemingly small acts of kindness, repeated over many years, can have a lasting impact on people’s lives.
Another recipient, Walayat Hussain, arrived in Britain from Pakistan in 1962 with just £4, embarking on a journey that would take him from factory work to building a successful business.
After settling in the West Midlands, he worked in a foundry before establishing his own manufacturing enterprise. Through decades of hard work, he created opportunities for others while raising a family and putting down roots in the region.
His experience reflects that of many migrants who arrived in postwar Britain with little material wealth but helped build businesses, create employment and contribute to the country’s economic and social life.
Also recognised was Vinod Gosrani, who has spent almost half a century demonstrating how everyday kindness can strengthen communities.
After arriving in Britain in the 1970s, he established a convenience store in Birmingham, which became more than simply a place to shop. For many customers, it was somewhere to find a familiar face, conversation and practical support.
His willingness to help others, including people facing difficult circumstances, has made him a valued figure in his community.
Together, these stories reveal the different ways people contribute to society — through education, enterprise, volunteering and the quiet compassion shown in everyday encounters.
Also honoured was Eddie Crouch, chair of the British Dental Association, recognised for his charitable work and provision of dental care to homeless people in Birmingham.
For Julia Challans, recognition came after more than 47 years of dedication to patient care at the same opticians — the only workplace she has known throughout her career.
The recipients included 101-year-old Hirabhai Patel from Walsall, mother and daughter Budhiben and Gita Devlia, Ibrahim Dungarwalla, Babubhai Govind Garala MBE, councillor Izzy Knowles, ITV Central News figures Gary Newby and Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Prabhdyal Singh Juss and Jafar Raza.
Their backgrounds and personal journeys differed, but together they illustrated how much of the work that holds communities together takes place without public attention or expectation of reward.
Former West Midlands mayor Sir Andy Street CBE attended as chief guest, joining families, volunteers and community representatives in celebrating the recipients.
“The West Midlands has always been a region shaped by its people, its diversity and its extraordinary sense of community,” he said.
“What makes this celebration so special is that it recognises individuals from different backgrounds who share a common desire to make life better for others. These are the people who make our region such a wonderful place to live, and their contributions deserve to be celebrated.”
The gathering also offered an opportunity to reflect on the contribution of people who came to Britain decades ago, built new lives and helped establish the cultural, social and voluntary networks that continue to support communities today.
Dhiren Katwa, founder of Karma PR and organiser of the celebration, said the idea grew from a belief that recognition should not come only at the end of someone’s life.
“Too often, we wait until someone is no longer with us before recognising their contribution,” he said. “This event was about saying thank you while we still can, and reminding people that their kindness, dedication and service have not gone unnoticed.”
He said the event was also intended to celebrate the region’s diversity at a time when differences between communities can dominate public debate.
“The 33 individuals we honoured come from different walks of life, cultures and backgrounds, but they share something very special: a selfless commitment to helping others.
“These are not necessarily people whose names appear in the headlines. They are the unsung heroes who quietly give their time, open doors for others, preserve traditions, bring communities together and make a genuine difference to people’s lives.”
The evening, fantastically compered by student Taher Gadiwala,also featured a vibrant programme of cultural performances by mother-and-son duo Harshita Trivedi and Bhuvansh Upadhya, Sohan Kailey, sisters Prisha and Ashani Katwa, and friends, reflecting the region’s rich cultural diversity. Motivational speaker Jay Atara delivered an inspiring address, encouraging guests to embrace resilience, positivity and the power of making a difference in the lives of others.
Sponsors included the Ruparelia Group, Om Funeral Care Ltd, Randal Charitable Foundation, the Dhamecha Group, WorkWork Energy and Mint Print Packaging.
Guest speakers included Mr Fahad Amjad and Mr Rakesh Tiwari, Consul General and acting CG of Pakistan and India, respectively, former Mayor of the London Borough of Brent, Mr Bhagwanji Chohan and Martin Levermore MBE DL.
The West Midlands has long been shaped by people bringing different languages, traditions and experiences into shared spaces. Yet the stories celebrated in Birmingham suggested that the region’s multicultural identity is defined not simply by the diversity of its population, but by the relationships built between its communities.
For the 33 recipients, the evening was an acknowledgement of contributions made over years, and sometimes decades, often with little recognition.
And in a period when public conversations about identity and belonging can become increasingly divisive, their stories offered a quieter account of multicultural Britain — one rooted in service, compassion and the everyday acts that bring people together.
