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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MAY 12, 2023 | The Indian Eye 22

From Punjab to UK: “Follow that Dream”

Chronicles Journey of British-Indian

Entrepreneur Suresh Kumar

OUR BUREAU
London (UK)

pportunity is never far from those who
seek it, and for many British Indians, the
Osixties were far from swinging, as many mi-
grants faced racism, name-calling, and hardship.
‘Follow that Dream’ is a newly launched memoir
by British-Indian entrepreneur Suresh Kumar,
which chronicles his family’s struggles and tri-
umphs from leaving their home in Lahore, Paki-
stan, prior to the 1947 partition, to their eventual
journey to the UK.
Chairman of Indra Travel Suresh Kumar is
a British Indian businessman, entrepreneur, and
philanthropist, born in 1963 in Ilford, Essex. He
established Indra Travel, a successful travel agen-
cy in East London in 1980 along with The Kumar
Foundation and RCA to raise funds for various
charities. A recipient of various accolades and
awards, Kumar has served the community through
politics, culture, and various social impact initia-
tives.
An honest account of struggle, achievement,
and survival, the book is dedicated to the author’s
parents, Pandit Kul Bhushan and Indra Bhardwaj,
spotlighting the challenges faced by the first gen-
eration of Kumar’s as they started from scratch in
new surroundings, trying their best to provide for
their families while also trying to assimilate to an
unknown environment and culture.
Through this journey, the author has delved
into the stories of yesteryear, reflecting with fami-
ly and friends on old tales and capturing them for
posterity in this book. It has been an extremely
cathartic and reflective process that covers mis-
takes made, achievements won, and crucially, the
lessons learned.
As Suresh Kumar writes, “I strongly believe
that it is only by taking stock of the past and where
one has come from that we are able to make the most
of our present and set a direction for the future.”
‘Follow that Dream’ is a compelling example
of this, making it an insightful read. The launch
of ‘Follow that Dream’ was supported by a special
event inaugurated by The Mayor of Redbridge
Cllr Thavathuray Jeyaranjan and supported by
Dr Honey Kalaria. Cllr Keith Prince GLA Mem-
ber for Redbridge and Havering was also present,
along with Chief Superintendent of Met Police
Carl Lindley and business and community lead-
ers. A Bollywood concert was held to raise funds
for The Redbridge Mayors Charity King George
at Goodmayes, Queens Hospital at Romford, and
One Place East Disability Charity in Ilford, Essex.

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