UK City Gets First Turban-Wearing ‘Lord Mayor’ Of Indian Origin

London: People of Indian origin continue to make a mark and break barriers across the globe.

A local British Sikh councillor in Coventry made history by becoming the first turban-wearing Lord Mayor of the central England city.

Jaswant Singh Birdi, who was born in Punjab and spent some years in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in West Bengal, moved to Coventry with his family nearly six decades ago.

Having served as a councillor in the city for 16 years and Deputy Lord Mayor for 12 years, Birdi was elevated to Lord Mayor and recently took charge of his new post with the official Chains of Office. His wife Krishna was by his side as the Lord Mayoress.

“I am so proud to become Lord Mayor of my adopted home city,” said Birdi.

“It (Coventry) has given so much to me and my family over the years, and I will be honoured to show why I love it so much and promote the city and the wonderful people who live here,” he said.

“As a Sikh, it also means so much that I will be wearing the Chains of Office and the turban. It will help show what a happy multicultural city we have and maybe inspire others as well,” he added.

Besides being a councillor, Birdi has been actively involved in setting up religious, social, and community projects in Coventry.