Points of Light Award

November was a special month for me this year, I was celebrating five years since I unveiled my very first exhibition on Indian soldiers. Female historians specialising in military history is not very common so as a British Indian woman researching Indian military history is even rare. Out of the blue, I got an email alerting me that my work has been recognised and I had been awarded a Points of Light award.

I had not heard about this award and to ensure that one of my friends were not playing a joke on me I called the number in the email. The office assured me that this was not a joke and that my work was being recognised for South Asian history, Indian Women history, and the work I do with communities. Once all the important details were sorted out, I could inform my volunteers of this huge achievement.

I came to learn that the Prime Minister awards the Points of Light to members of the community bringing change. Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, is aware of what I do? I didn’t think he even knew I existed! To be recognised in this respect meant that all the challenges I had been through ensuring education and history was being accessible was being seen by others. From time to time, I feel a little disheartened as I cannot reach out to everyone, so I underestimate how effective my teachings have been. However, receiving news such as this and the comments I get from members of society, it’s a breath of fresh air and encourages me to do more.

Unfortunately, due to cases of Covid rising and safety I did not throw a party as I had intended. That will all have to wait until 2022 and I welcome you all to celebrate. For now, the volunteers and I continue working on Indian women and war project, where Indian women’s stories will be shared but feel free to raise a glass!