A Pinner resident said he’s overwhelmed after being recognised in Her Majesty’s New Year’s Honours List for 2020.
Kanti Nagda, 74, originally lived in Harrow after being forced to leave Uganda in 1972 when they were ruled by dictator Idi Amin but has lived on Tolcarne Drive, Pinner, since 1987.
The former social worker for Harrow Council has committed his life helping others, doing a significant amount of charity work where he fundraised and shared his experiences by initially setting up a centre in North Harrow for fellow Ugandan immigrants to socialise and feel a part of the community.
His role at the council was to support minorities that had recently arrived in the area.
Speaking to MyPinnerNews, Mr Nagda: “I was in complete shock when I received the letter from the cabinet office, it’s not something you expect to see every day.
“I’m really glad that my actions have benefitted so many people, that’s the most important thing for me, but I’m also really happy to have been awarded with this.
“My family were all overjoyed, they were really proud of what I’ve managed to achieve and I’m really looking forward to receiving the award.”
Mr Nagda added that when he initially moved in 1972 he was focused on helping people like himself who had emigrated to the UK, but he has since set his sights on helping everyone he can in the local area.
Mr Nagda spoke about how much Pinner has changed since he moved in 1987, with it being a much more multicultural place nowadays.
He added: “When I moved here, it was very rare you saw a non-white person, now there are much more and a lot of different races too.
“Things have moved on, and definitely for the better.”
Kanti founded a community centre known as the Sangat Advice Centre, at present providing legal advice and representation at immigration and welfare benefits tribunals to people of all nationalities and backgrounds.
Mr Nagda also urged the people of Pinner to get involved with charitable events if they can, to ensure that more people are helped.
He said: “The people of Pinner can help out charities by just getting involved in the local community, there are various charitable activities to support, instead of sitting in front of the tv for one day”
“I’m still very active in charities. Recently we did a fundraiser in Harrow on the Hill. The work that has been done will continue.” Said Mr Nagda
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