UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spotlighted his Punjabi Indian heritage in a message from 10 Downing Street in London on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti on November 27.
His message read: “It gives me great pleasure to wish Sikhs across the UK, in India and across the world, a Happy Gurpurab.
“Today we celebrate the 554th anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh religion. As somebody of Punjabi Indian heritage, this day is especially dear to me.
“This joyous occasion is an opportunity to once again recognise the immense contribution of the Sikh community to our country. You are a source of pride and inspiration to us all. Waheguru Ji Ki Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.”
Southampton-born Sunak’s family had migrated from East Africa, with his grandparents’ heritage tracing back to Ludhiana in Punjab and Gujranwala, then a part of un-divided India and today in modern day Pakistan.
Meanwhile, it was a packed day for the UK PM as he hosted the Global Investment Summit at Hampton Court Palace in London. Amid intensifying pressures over the soaring immigration statistics, the British Indian leader made it a point to acknowledge the contributions made by skilled workers from overseas.
He said: “We don’t have a monopoly on talent in this country, and we recognise that nearly half of our most innovative companies have an immigrant founder.
“So, if you’re an innovator, an entrepreneur, a researcher, you should know that the most competitive visa regime for highly skilled international talent is right here in the United Kingdom… this is the best country in the world to invest and do business.”
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) released last week had highlighted the significant contribution of skilled Indians to the British society and economy.
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