Krish Raval is a leadership expert and Chair of the newly formed Labour Indians. Here are his reflections from an address at a gala Holi reception organised by the 1928 Institute in London, which brought together Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer, London Mayor Sadiq Khan and shadow minister Wes Streeting among others, and swapped the tradition of throwing colours with a unique mandala for everyone to embellish.
The 1928 Institute’s Holi celebration brought together changemakers and innovators from the worlds of healthcare, education, small business, the performing arts, the law, the armed forces, media, voluntary services, faith communities, entrepreneurship, policy and, of course, politics. I was particularly honoured to acknowledge a new generation of Labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidates (PPC) from across the country among many distinguished and long-standing public figures.
Together as members of the largest diaspora community in the world, we want to be a part of the change that Labour, led by Sir Keir Starmer, seeks to make.
And, of course, we were delighted to share the evening with our friends from across the religious and secular communities – especially friends who like the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, are observing Ramadan, and those from the Christian and Jewish communities, and all who value our aspirations for the common good. Holi is emphatically a festival for everyone. For it inaugurates the Spring season, a time of individual and collective renewal.
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Holi is hope – the red symbolising auspiciousness, love and, surely, Labour. Holi recalls the enduring example of a reformer who recognised and embraced truth. However, before bringing in the societal transformation he longed for, he had to confront the need for change within his own inner group, enduring persecution with fortitude. This ancient narrative – that of Prahalad – resonates profoundly with all reformers: true change begins within, and extends often to one's immediate circles.
Holi’s vibrant colours are a reflection of leadership. It requires courage to reform one's own resistant family or community, or even, one's own party. From there, change can radiate outward.
Keir’s presence at the Holi event represents the reform he has achieved in the Labour Party and is further reflected in his welcome embrace of all communities, including Britain's Hindu community.
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Keir, like many of us, too has built on the sacrifice of his parents. He has overcome hardship with determination and courage and has stayed true to his values in spite of relentless assaults.
In this karmically consequential year, may this Holi reward his tireless efforts for our country and world.
