LONDON, UK. July 12th, 2023 - On a splendid Summers Evening with a perfect back drop setting at The House of Commons 125 guests at full capacity at the Palace of Westminster all came together to support the Book launch of Suresh Kumar’s “Follow that Dream”. With the waves that the book created a further prestigious invitation has been received from the Indian High Commission to launch the book at the Nehru Centre, Mayfair, London on Wednesday 12th July 2023.
Both event’s Guest of Honour is Lord Jeffrey Archer, himself a hugely successful and renowned author, the multi-million Selling Author of several novels, most recognisable “Kane and Abel”.
Follow that Dream is the story of Suresh Kumar’s parents’ life in India, before travelling to Great Britain and starting a new beginning. Suresh then describes his early life, his struggles, and the challenges he faced, whilst growing up. It is an interesting and moving story of a young man in a world so culturally different from that of his parents.
The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, friends, and supporters of the author. Lord Rami Ranger , Bob Blackman MP Harrow East, Virendra Sharma MP Ealing Southall, Cllr Keith Prince London Assembly Redbridge & Havering, Cllr Anjana Patel, Neeraj Arora UK Head of Sony TV, Chief Superintendent Carl Lindley- Metropolitan Police Service, Dr Honey Kalaria- UK’s Bollywood Ambassador and others… There were many amusing anecdotes and stories by people who had their own experiences of knowing the author and understanding the kinds of challenges shared in the book.
Lord Archer spoke of the time and energy it takes to write a book. All those present wished the author success with this venture and wanted to know if there were plans to write further books. There is a sequel in the planning, said Suresh.
Lord Jeffrey Archer said that he was honoured to do the Book Launch of Suresh Kumars Follow that Dream, at The House of Commons. He said that he had known Suresh for 23 years and always found him to be dynamic, and a friend’s friend. They had met when Lord Archer was running for London Mayor. Lord Archer said it was only his Conservative Party that gave an opportunity for The First Indian Origin Prime Minister – Rishi Sunak, of the United Kingdom.
Lord Archer finished of by stating, “Book writing is not easy, but everyone has one book within them." Lord Rami Ranger said that he had worked tirelessly in Politics and gave opportunity for it to be made more accessible, for the ethnic communities. He was outspoken at times, but always had the best interest of the Indian diaspora in mind.
Bob Blackman MP said that in his constituency of Harrow East there is a vibrant Indian community, who he has supported over the years. Most have a similar story to tell of humble beginnings and working hard to establish themselves and giving a better future for their families. “The Indian family has always given preference for a good education for their children”, Bob Blackman added, whilst appreciating Suresh’s younger school days.
Dr Honey Kalaria, Bollywood Ambassador UK, shared that she has known Suresh for over 30 years and had the pleasure of working together on many fund raising community events and high profile concerts. Their journey included receiving many awards, including working together with the Mayor of Redbridge to win first prize of £15,000 at the London New Year Day Parade on 1st January which attracts more than 500 million television audience members globally. Dr Kalaria is famous for her Honey Dance Academies across London and promoting art and culture. Honey stated that, “Suresh has been a pillar of support over the years and has always been available to help raise funds for worthwhile causes, as well as provide a platform for young people and upcoming talent”.
Cllr Keith Prince London Assembly Member Redbridge & Havering, spoke about how both he and Suresh started out in politics in Redbridge over 20 years ago and became good friends. Many people were supported in those days and worked to raise funds for various charitable cause. Keith who shares a strong bond of friendship with Suresh highlighted that both of their focus was “To work tirelessly and with full dedication to make Redbridge a better place for its residents”.
Chief Superintendent Carl Lindley from Metropolitan Police said that he had known Suresh from when he was stationed in Redbridge as a Community Police Officer. “It was a delight to work together on several community welfare projects to promote multi-cultural understanding”.
Celebrity Radio Personality, Bali Brahmbhatt of Lyca Gold Radio was amazed at the setting of The Palace of Westminster and was delighted by the book launch. He said, “Suresh Kumar is worthy of all the success, as has shown that if one works with honesty and determination success is possible in all situations. He is a people’s man and always goes out of his way to assist others in life. He has surely Followed his Dreams and reached for the skies.”
Other special guests, supporters and audience members included:
Cllr Anjana Patel of Harrow said that Suresh Kumar was always there to give advice, support and always encouraged her to succeed. They were the initial members of The Conservative Parties Cultural Unit, which was set up in 2001 by William Hague to increase participation from the Ethnic communities in Politics.
Virendra Sharma MP Southall Ealing said that he has known Suresh and his family for many years and from Punjab India and felt delighted to be invited and say a few words. He touched upon his own experiences when coming and settling in the UK.
Neeraj Arora UK Head Sony TV, reflected upon his own experiences in a professional career in Media and Broadcasting and then climbing the ladder to reach the top, In one of the Worlds most respected and successful company Sony. A multimillion-dollar corporation and established worldwide. He recaptured those early days coming to the UK from Allahabad India
Navin Kundra singing sensation said he was thrilled to be invited and that Follow that Dream by Suresh Kumar would be a super hit, as it resonates with so many people who have travelled from India and the Sun Continent. A true success story accumulating from hard work and dedication to family and friends.
Suresh Kumar Author of Follow that Dream said that he was humbled by everyone’s Love, affection, and kind words of support. He started into business at the age of 16 and established Indra Travel in East London, one of the successful Travel & Aviation companies to The Indian Sub-Continent and is always grateful to its clients for the support over the years. The office was named in memory of his Mother Indra.
Suresh Kumar passionately shared, “It is an honour to have Lord Archer conduct the book launch in The Prestigious House of Commons and Nehru Centre. It was important for me that the newer generation have a factual account of our humble beginnings from Lahore Pakistan in 1947, to Punjab India and the journey in 1955 to UK. As grandparents and parents are no longer around, memories tend to become vague, therefore it was important to have a historic fact of their journey, facing trials and tribulations upon their route. Follow that Dream is dedicated to all those families who have travelled a similar journey, to that of my family. My story is not unique, I am sure it is narrated across many households around the World. But many have not put pen to paper and wrote about their experience. There is so much that we owe to Great Britain, for giving us those opportunities to be a fabric of this Country we all call home”.
Suresh Kumar said that he is what he is because of his parents and owed them a debt of gratitude, which could never be repaid. They were humble and sincere and made many sacrifices for their family. They never had the time to enjoy a good life, as always working to put food on the table. When times became better, they passed. One great regret in my life, is that I was unable to provide better for them, which they surely deserved.
Suresh Kumar was described as a businessman, inspiration, community leader, family man, and most of all, a supportive person, always ready to help others. The book was a testament to the author’s sincerity and his caring for those around him, his wider family and he has the support of the many communities living together in East London. To order a copy of the book visit Amazon online or www.sureshkumar.co.uk.
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