Mauritius, June 2026 – Bhai Sahib Prof Mohinder Singh OBE KSG, Spiritual Leader of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha and Chairman of the Nishkam Civic Association joined more than 100 religious leaders from around the world at the Religions for Peace 2026 International Council Meeting in Mauritius, convened under the theme “Forging Pathways for Shared Sacred Flourishing.”

The International Council Meeting brought together faith leaders to share experiences, address major global challenges, and explore opportunities for collaboration in advancing peace, human dignity, ethical leadership, and sustainable development.

Opening the Council Meeting, His Excellency Dharambeer Gokhool, President of Mauritius, highlighted the importance of faith-based engagement in addressing contemporary challenges.

“I have no doubt that this conference will engage in frank and fruitful exchanges, on the role of sacred values and virtues, in promoting ethical conduct, and elevating human dignity … for Shared Sacred Flourishing — and come up with valuable, practical recommendations for further enhancing interfaith dialogue, mutual understanding, and promote collective action towards unity, peace, and harmony among our people and humanity at large.”

Reflecting on the significance of religious cooperation, His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel, Elder Metropolitan of Chalcedon and Co-Moderator of Religions for Peace, stated:

“Whether Christian, Muslim, Jew, Hindu, Buddhist, men, or women, of every tradition, (one) is able to recognise the one next to him as a brother or a sister. It is not a matter concerning naive syncretism. The pluralism of religious expressions is natural; it is legitimate, and exactly within this pluralism we are all called to seek with sincerity, not with diplomatic politeness, those common points, which lead peoples into true communion.”

The meeting also featured thematic dialogues on global priorities including ethical frameworks for artificial intelligence, climate change, conflict, debt, multilateralism, youth leadership, and the role of women of faith.

During the closing prayers on the opening day, Bhai Sahib Prof Mohinder Singh OBE KSG offered the following prayer:

“God, our loving divine Creator, please listen to our collective prayer. As we gather here in Mauritius to discuss Shared Sacred Flourishing, guide us to have inner change, proceeding outer change, seeking your timeless wisdom, to nurture our minds and hearts, to become bearers of hope, compassion, and wisdom, in a world seeking peace and harmony.

“Empower us to uphold what is good, right, and just; to honour both human rights and human responsibilities; to forgive, reconcile, and serve those most in need.

“Shared Sacred Flourishing, acknowledging that the true human flourishing is rooted in the spiritual dimension of life, help us to cultivate the same to the benefit of whole people and future generations. Guide us to confront and overcome the forces that diminish human dignity and honour, i.e. ignorance, ego, greed, fear, hatred, and the desire for domination.”

The participation of Bhai Sahib Prof Mohinder Singh reflects his continuing commitment to fostering interfaith understanding, shared values, and collaborative action in service of peace, justice, and human flourishing.

ENDS

Notes for editors

• Bhai Sahib Professor Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia OBE KSG MGH is the Chairman and third spiritual leader of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ), a UK-based Sikh charitable organisation headquartered in Birmingham.
• He co-organised the Peace Charter for Forgiveness & Reconciliation, a global initiative developed with over 100 religious leaders and humanitarians.
• Bhai Sahib Ji has played a significant role in the restoration and preservation of Sikh heritage sites in India, supporting the conservation of historic gurdwaras and cultural landmarks.
  His honours include:
• An OBE (Order of the British Empire)
• The Papal Knighthood of St Gregory the Great (2012), making him the first Sikh in history to receive this distinction.
• The 2025 World Public Recognition Award “For Service to Humanity.”
• Since 1995, under his leadership, the Nishkam Group of Organisations has delivered multi-million-pound regeneration efforts in Handsworth, Birmingham, including five centres of excellence offering education, healthcare, housing, and community services.
• GNNSJ promotes selfless service (Nishkam sewa), with global initiatives in education, healthcare, civic engagement, heritage conservation, and interfaith dialogue.
• Additional information is available here.

The Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands has announced the appointment of ten new Deputy Lieutenants for the West Midlands.

Each of the new Deputy Lieutenants has already made a significant contribution to their local communities, national life, or both. Their backgrounds span community and charitable work, education, healthcare, major events and business – reflecting the breadth of talent and commitment found throughout the region.

The appointments bring the number of Deputy Lieutenants supporting the Lord-Lieutenant, as His Majesty The King’s personal representative in the West Midlands, to 77.

The duties of Deputy Lieutenants include supporting official royal visits, representing the Lieutenancy at citizenship ceremonies in each local authority area, supporting the Armed Forces — particularly reserve and cadet forces — and encouraging charitable and voluntary activity, alongside local initiatives that benefit communities.

They will also help promote nominations for the Honours system, The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, The King’s Award for Enterprise and the Young Active Citizen’s Award as well as assisting with a wide range of civic, cultural and social initiatives across the region’s local authorities of Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton .

The Lord-Lieutenant said the appointments recognised the outstanding service each individual had given in improving opportunities and making a positive difference to the lives of others across the West Midlands.

“Each of these new Deputy Lieutenants brings a wealth of experience, dedication and commitment to public service. They represent the very best of the West Midlands — a place defined by strong communities, generosity, innovation and civic pride. I am delighted to welcome them to our team of enthusiastic and committed Deputy Lieutenants and look forward to the important contribution they will make across the region in the years ahead.”

The new Deputy Lieutenants are: (full biographies appear below)

Amrik S Bhabra MBE (Coventry) – Founder and Strategic Director of ADECS Maple Limited and Chief Executive Officer of the Nishkam Civic Association.

Professor Simon Brake (Coventry) – Chief Innovation and Engagement Officer & Group Lead for Research and Development at SWUFT NHS Group at Warwick Medical School.

Henriette Breukelaar (Birmingham) – Regional Director for the West Midlands at the Canal and River Trust, and Trustee of the Birmingham Hospice.

Martin Brostoff (Solihull) – General Counsel at the Boparan Group and Chairman of Trustees for Birmingham Jewish Community Care.

Dr Sarb Clare (Sandwell) – Acute Medical Consultant who clinically led the transition to the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Birmingham and current President of the West Midlands Physicians Association.

Paula Deas MBE (Coventry) – Deputy Chief Executive and Operations Director of Coventry and Warwickshire Business Partnerships for Coventry City Council and Warwickshire County Council and former Chief Executive Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

Paul Faulkner (Birmingham) – co-founder of his own advisory business, Element45, Vice-Chairman of Barclays Bank in the Midlands and former CEO of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

Garry Perry (Sandwell) – Associate Director for Patient Experience at the Royal Wolverhampton and Walsall Healthcare Trust Group and former Mayor, Deputy Leader and Leader of Walsall Council.

Professor Zoe Radnor (Solihull) – Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic at Aston University having held the positions of Pro Vice-Chancellor Global Academic Hubs and Pro Vice-Chancellor for the College of Business and Social Sciences.

Nicola Turner MBE (Birmingham) – Chief Executive of United by 2022, the legacy charity born from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The new appointments bring the total of Deputy-Lieutenants in the West Midlands to 77.  Deputy Lieutenants retire from their role at the age of 75. The number of DLs is proportional to the population of the Lieutenancy area, the West Midlands being the second largest lieutenancy in the country with a population of more than 3 million.

ENDS

NEW DEPUTY LIEUTENANT BIOGRAPHIES (where applicable PR contacts are detailed after each biography):

Amrik S Bhabra MBE: A values-driven leader with over 30 years’ experience across business, civic, charitable, and educational sectors, Amrik Bhabra has dedicated his career to community development, governance, and social cohesion. As Founder and Strategic Director of ADECS Maple and CEO of the Nishkam Civic Association, he leads initiatives focused on interfaith dialogue, peacebuilding, and organisational growth. He has built strong partnerships across civic, education, faith, and international sectors, advancing the Peace Charter for Forgiveness and Reconciliation globally. Alongside executive leadership, he serves on several boards and trusts, championing inclusive leadership, community engagement, and public service. PR contacts: amrik.bhabra@ncauk.org ,  Ajit.singh@ncauk.org , Leec@cw-chamber.co.uk and news@cw-chamber.co.uk

Professor Simon Brake: Professor Simon Brake is an experienced leader working across higher education, healthcare, government, and academia, with expertise in strategy, organisational change, and improvement. He is Chief Innovation and Engagement Officer at Warwick Medical School and Group Lead for Research and Development at South Warwickshire University NHS Group, as well as holding national public appointments and non-executive roles in government. A long-term Coventry resident, Simon supports local and regional charities, particularly those focused on veterans in the West Midlands and nationally. He is an active community volunteer, serves in his local church choir. PR contact: S.brake@warwick.ac.uk

Henriette Breukelaar: HenrietteBreukelaar is Regional Director for the West Midlands at the Canal and River Trust, and Trustee of the Birmingham Hospice. Henriette’s working life started as a linguist working with migrant communities in the Netherlands. After moving to the UK some 25 years ago, Henriette’s career has been varied – from Partnerships Director at the Regional Development Agency to heading up Innovation Birmingham’s International Programmes; from marketing and business development in advanced engineering to Executive Director in a charity providing Housing with Care for older people. Before joining the Canal and River Trust, Henriette was CEO of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership. PR contact: Ms Sarah Rudy Sarah.Rudy@canalrivertrust.org.uk

Martin Brostoff: Martin Brostoff is a Birmingham-based solicitor with over 30 years’ experience advising international businesses in the automotive and food sectors. He is General Counsel at Boparan Group, a large family-owned international food business headquartered in the West Midlands. Previously, he spent nearly two decades at GKN plc holding senior legal roles across the UK, Europe and Asia, including time in Shanghai. He is Chair of Trustees of Birmingham Jewish Community Care and legal adviser to Boparan Charitable Trust. He combines senior corporate legal leadership with a long-standing commitment to community service and governance in the West Midlands. PR contact: steve.gracey@2sfg.com

Dr Sarb Clare: Dr Sarb Clare is an Acute Medical Consultant and nationally recognised leader in acute medicine, innovation, and public service. She clinically led the transition to the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in 2024 and has been recognised for her work addressing health inequalities. A pioneer in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), she has driven its national adoption through teaching and educational resources. She also leads innovative care programmes, including EPICENTRE Hospital at Home. An advocate for leadership, equity, and women in medicine, she hosts a podcast, delivers talks including TEDx, and became the first female President of the West Midlands Physicians Association in 2024. PR contact: Mrs Vanya Rogers  vanya.rogers@nhs.net

Paula Deas MBE: Paula Deas was born and raised in Coventry and has dedicated her career to driving regional economic growth through leadership roles in local government, business and education partnerships. As Chief Executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP), she played a key role in securing major investment for infrastructure, skills and business support, helping establish one of the UK’s leading Growth Hubs. Paula continues to support growth and devolution across Coventry, Warwickshire and the West Midlands. She has also served as Chair of University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire Charity and is currently a Trustee of the Belgrade Theatre. PR contacts:  Carl.Holloway@coventry.gov.uk,

Paul Faulkner: Paul Faulkner has enjoyed a distinguished career across banking, sport and business leadership. After beginning at MBNA Bank in the UK and US, he worked with the Lerner family and played a key role in the 2006 takeover of Aston Villa F.C., later serving as CEO until 2014. He also held senior roles with Nottingham Forest F.C. and as CEO of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. Paul now works with the Richardson family investment business, co-founded Element45, and serves as Vice-Chairman for Barclays Bank Midlands. Paul is a trustee of the ‘Kids’ Village’ charity and has previously served as a trustee for Cure Leukaemia, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and B:Muisic, as well as spending 8 years as Chairman of Sport Birmingham. He holds an MA in History from Cambridge University and an Hon Doc from Birmingham City University. PR contact: paulfaulkner78@gmail.com

Garry Perry: Garry Perry is an experienced public sector leader with over 25 years in the NHS and extensive civic leadership in Walsall. He has served as Mayor, Deputy Leader and Leader of Walsall Council, supporting community cohesion, tackling inequality and promoting civic pride. In the NHS, he is Associate Director for Patient Experience across Royal Wolverhampton and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trusts, leading patient experience, volunteering innovation and community engagement, with nationally recognised service excellence. A Fellow of Royal Society of Arts, he is an advocate for veterans, vulnerable and voluntary sector, focused on inclusion and wellbeing across the West Midlands. PR contact: Ms Tina Faulkner tina.faulkner1@nhs.net

Professor Zoe Radnor: Professor Zoe Radnor is Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic at Aston University having held the positions of Pro Vice-Chancellor Global Academic Hubs and Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University’s College of Business and Social Sciences. Previously, Zoe was Provost at The University of Law, Pro Vice-Chancellor Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Strategy and Planning at City, University of London and inaugural Dean for University of Leicester School of Business. Her research focuses on performance and process improvement in public services, with over 100 publications and extensive government and healthcare projects on lean methodologies. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences and British Academy of Management, and a Principal Fellow Higher Education Academy. She also serves on boards including the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. Stanford/Elsevier top 2% scientist. Since 2022 Zoe has been named in the Stanford/Elsevier top 2% Scientists in the World. PR contact: Ms Nicola Jones n.jones6@aston.ac.uk

Nicola Turner MBE: Nicola Turner is a purpose-led leader with a strong commitment to Birmingham and the West Midlands, spanning senior roles across the public, education and not-for-profit sectors. As Chief Executive of United by 2022, the legacy charity of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, she has led programmes delivering over £20 million in community grants, mobilising thousands of volunteers and creating opportunities for young people. Previously, she held senior leadership roles at the Office for Students where she led a £70 million portfolio and was instrumental in establishing Degree Apprenticeships across England—opening new pathways into skilled careers for tens of thousands of people. At Aston University, she transformed and led the award-winning Careers Service and a flagship programme that found 16,000 young people their first jobs. PR contact: Ms Jess McCallister jess.mccallister@unitedby2022.com

For further information:

West Midlands Lieutenancy:

Kate Canty Clerk to the West Midlands Lieutenancy.

Tel – 0121 222 5041; Mobile – 07970 018240

clerk@wmlieutenancy.org

David Clarke DL (PR contact for West Midlands Lieutenancy)

Mobile: 07808 735255

david-c@clarke-associates.co.uk

About The West Midlands Lieutenancy

The West Midlands Lieutenancy area (the County of the West Midlands) comprises Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton. It is the second largest Lieutenancy in the country with a population of more than 3 million.

The County of the West Midlands was first created on 1st April 1974 with the creation of West Midlands County Council, made up of the metropolitan districts and boroughs of Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton. Although abolished on 31st March 1986, along with other regional councils like Greater Manchester, it was retained with regards to areas covered by Lord-Lieutenants.

The Lord-Lieutenant is The Sovereign’s representative in West Midlands and is charged with upholding the dignity of the Crown. He is supported by a Vice Lord-Lieutenant and Deputy Lieutenants.

The first Lord-Lieutenant of the County of West Midlands was the 11th Earl of Aylesford until he retired in 1983. He was followed by Sir Robert Taylor who retired due to ill health in 2006. Mr Paul Sabapathy CBE was appointed in 2007 and held this post until September 2015. Sir John Crabtree OBE was appointed in January 2017 retiring from office on August 5, 2024 when he was succeeded by Derrick Anderson, CBE.

Appointment of a Lord-Lieutenant and Vice Lord-Lieutenant

In England and Wales, His Majesty The King appoints the Lord-Lieutenant and also Vice Lord-Lieutenant for each County on the advice of the Prime Minister.

The fundamental principle concerning the office is that he/she is His Majesty’s representative and consequently it is his/her first and foremost duty to uphold the dignity of the Crown.

The retirement age is 75.

The duties of a Lord-Lieutenant, Vice Lord-Lieutenant and Deputy Lieutenants in the West Midlands include:

• arranging and co-ordinating Royal Visits to the County and attending on Royalty during official visits to the County;
• performing certain duties in connection with the armed forces of the Crown and in particular the reserve and cadet forces;
• making presentations of honours and awards on behalf of the Crown such as British Empire Medals, King’s Awards for Enterprise and King’s Awards for Voluntary Service;
• encouraging charitable and voluntary work and local initiatives to benefit the community;
• promoting and encouraging nominations for Honours and the King’s Awards for the county of the West Midlands;
• attending and supporting citizenship ceremonies.

Issued on behalf of:

West Midlands Lieutenancy 11 Waterloo Street Birmingham B2 5TB www.wmlieutenancy.org   For further information: David Clarke DL Mobile – 07808 735255 Email –  david-c@clarke-associates.co.uk   Kate Canty, Clerk to the West Midlands Lieutenancy. Tel – 0121 222 5041; Mobile – 07970 018240 Email – clerk@wmlieutenancy.org

The 19th Vaisakhi Celebration hosted by the British Sikh Consultative Forum (BSCF) took place at Westminster on the 21^st April, bringing together a wide range of parliamentarians, public health leaders, and community representatives to reflect on this year’s theme of ‘tackling health inequalities’.

The Vaisakhi event brought together a strong cross-party representation of MPs and Peers, senior public health and local government leaders, to raise awareness and build collaboration to tackle health inequalities. The audience reflected growing recognition within government of the urgent need to address systemic disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. The spirit of seva (selfless service), unity, and shared civic responsibility was powerfully reflected at the 19th annual Vaisakhi celebration.

Discussions throughout the evening focused on practical solutions to reduce health inequalities, strengthen prevention, and improve access to culturally competent care in diverse communities. Many attendees were highlighting the importance of bringing Sikh values into public life. As Vaisakhi marks the creation of the Khalsa in 1699, the Westminster gathering served as a timely reminder of the enduring relevance of Sikh teachings in addressing modern challenges – particularly around social justice, equality, and collective wellbeing.

Bhai Sahib (Prof) Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia OBE KSG, Chair of BSCF, attended accompanied by a delegation from Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) and the Nishkam Campus, to contribute to the national dialogue on improving health outcomes for underserved communities. Bhai Sahib Ji delivered a keynote address, emphasising the moral and societal responsibility to address widening health inequalities and the importance of collaboration between faith, community organisations, and government institutions.

Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh reflected on the deeper meaning of Vaisakhi beyond celebration, “Vaisakhi calls us to reawaken our commitment to humility, service, and universal compassion. In today’s world, these principles are not optional – they are essential.

“The Westminster Vaisakhi event is not just a celebration – it is phenomenal platform at the heart of British democracy for unity, reflection, and collective responsibility. We call on the policy makers to look at the work of faith and community groups and see how they can support the NHS and local communities to flourish.”

Dr Sarabjit Singh Chandan, Trustee at Nishkam Healthcare Trust, which eloquently combines medical professionalism with a spirit of nishkam sewa (selfless service) to develop integrated and holistic health provision, was honoured to attend the auspicious event. He said, “We are privileged to serve in a superdiverse inner-city neighbourhood, where we place virtues-centred care at the heart of wellbeing. We could do so much more to enable communities to flourish if local and regional stakeholders were more collaborative. More meaningful and serious recognition within the NHS system to effectively partner and work to deliver more services tailored to the local population must be addressed.”

The exemplary work of the Nishkam Healthcare team has contributed immensely to the wellbeing of the population of Handsworth and surrounding areas since 2012. With visionary leadership, hard work, co-designed services, enormous financial investment and volunteer time (in excess of £6m), the journey to tackling health inequalities continues.

The event reinforced a shared commitment to partnership working between faith groups, policymakers, and the NHS to ensure health equity remains a national priority.

The Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, congratulated everyone and commended the British Sikh Consultative Forum for its consistent leadership in organising the annual event, now in its 19th year, which continues to grow in both scale and significance.

In conclusion, Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh said, “I applaud all the colleagues from BSCF and across government who have worked tirelessly at making the event possible. The topic for 2026 is very important and requires action from all stakeholders. This was one of the best Vaisakhi events at Westminster with awareness, action and a challenge for the Sikh community to unite to tackle health issues across the country.”.

A copy of Bhai Sahib Ji’s speech can be accessed at this link:

ENDS

Vaisakhi at Westminster 2026 – Keynote address of Bhai Sahib, Prof. Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia OBE KSG

Nishkam Healthcare Trust website

An Interfaith Service of Remembrance and Hope was held on 2^nd February 2026 at the Al Abbas Islamic Centre on Clifton Road, bringing together faith leaders, family members, and community representatives to honour the life and legacy of Ruth Tetlow.

Hosted within Birmingham’s rich interfaith context, the gathering invited attendees to come together in prayer, reflection, and shared remembrance. The service offered a space to honour Ruth’s life, hold her memory with love, and find comfort and hope in one another’s presence – values that defined Ruth’s longstanding commitment to interfaith understanding.

Ruth Tetlow was a deeply respected interfaith practitioner and collaborator, known for her thoughtful engagement, humility, and unwavering belief in the power of dialogue. Through her involvement with the Faith Guides programme and wider interfaith initiatives, Ruth worked closely alongside interfaith partners, contributing to spaces rooted in compassion, service, and mutual respect. She was a regular contributor and supporter of Nishkam activities.

The service featured reflections from faith leaders and those who knew Ruth personally. Sheikh Nuru, from KSIMC Birmingham, reflected on Ruth’s sincere engagement with communities, describing her as someone who approached interfaith work with reverence, patience, and a genuine willingness to listen. He applauded her commitment and authenticity.

Amrick Singh Ubhi, Nishkam Group of Organisations, shared reflections grounded in the Sikh principle of seva (selfless service), highlighting Ruth’s quiet but consistent commitment to serving others across faith and cultural boundaries. He spoke about her dedication and comitment to peacebuilding and the environment. “Ruth was a deeply respected member of Birmingham’s interfaith community and a cherished participant in the Faith Encounter project, she leaves a legacy of compassion, curiosity, and quiet leadership.”

Dr Peter Rookes spoke of Ruth’s intellectual generosity and moral clarity, noting that she believed hope was sustained through long-term relationships, not quick solutions. Mauricio Silva recited a beautiful poem, especially written, capturing Ruth’s great contributions and dedication in interfaith, peacebuilding and engagement work. Finally, Ruth’s husband, Richard, offered a personal reflection on her life, speaking movingly of her love for family, her curiosity, and her belief that faith – in all its expressions – should always lead to kindness and care for others. He said he was not surprised by what he had heard in all the reflections, because he already knew.  

After the event Amrick Singh said, “Ruth embodied the spirit of interfaith engagement that Nishkam seeks to nurture – grounded in humility, service, and a deep respect for difference. She did not seek recognition, but her presence strengthened every space she entered. Her legacy continues to guide our shared work for peace, understanding, and hope.”

The choice of the Al Abbas Islamic Centre as the venue was a reflection of the breadth of relationships Ruth cultivated across Birmingham’s faith communities.

One of the last visits Ruth made to the Nishkam Campus was in 2020 to mark International Women’s Day on the theme of ‘Protecting Mother Earth’. Topics very dear to Ruth and she was always an amazing advocate, mentor, champion and leader. The event in 2020 included speakers from Sikh, Muslim and Hindu faiths, and Footsteps’ chair, Ruth Tetlow, spoke on behalf of the Christian faith. The afternoon concluded with the planting of a tree as an example of the need to plant many more trees to help absorb carbon dioxide. The Woodland Trust made trees available free of charge.

The Interfaith Service of Remembrance and Hope concluded with shared prayers and a collective commitment to continue the work Ruth held so dearly – building bridges, deepening understanding, and sustaining hope even in times of loss.

Ruth Tetlow is remembered by the Nishkam famiy as a trusted companion on the interfaith journey –  someone whose life demonstrated that lasting change is shaped through listening, relationship, dialogue and love. Our condolences to her beloved husband Richard, family, friends, and colleagues. May she rest in peace, and may her life of service inspire generations to come.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

About Nishkam Civic Association

The Nishkam Civic Association (NCA) is a UK-based civic and community organisation rooted in the Sikh principle of Nishkam Sewa — selfless service. Working across faith, cultural and civic boundaries, the Association is committed to promoting social cohesion, equality, human dignity and peaceful coexistence.

Footsteps: Faiths for a Low Carbon Future

Footsteps brings together faith groups in Birmingham to respond to the challenge of moving to a low carbon future – https://www.cofebirmingham.com/everyday-faith/caring-for-the-environment/footsteps/

On Wednesday, 21^st January 2026, on the Feast of Saint Maximos the Confessor, His Grace Bishop Maximos of Melitene celebrated his Name Day. His Grace also presided at the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral, during which he ordained Mr Adam Georgiou to the Holy Diaconate.

Amrick Singh Ubhi, Director of Civic Engagement and Partnerships, Nishkam Group, was privileged to attend The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Apostolos Andreas, located in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, to be an honoured guest to witness the ordination of Adam Georgiou to the Holy Diaconate, a sacred milestone in his lifelong journey of faith and service.

The ordination took place during the Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Grace Bishop Maximos of Melitene, a beloved hierarch whose tireless pastoral ministry continues to strengthen Orthodox communities across the United Kingdom. Bishop Maximos, known for his deep commitment to spiritual formation and community outreach, presided over the sacred service with reverence and grace.

The celebration was especially poignant, as it coincided with the Feast of Saint Maximos the Confessor, one of the great theologians and defenders of Orthodox faith, commemorated in the Byzantine liturgical calendar on January 21. Saint Maximos is remembered for his profound theological witness and steadfast confession of Christ, virtues that the newly ordained Deacon Adam Georgiou aspires to emulate in his ministry.

Following the divine worship, the parishioners and clergy gathered for a festive community lunch that brought together families, friends, and faithful from across the cathedral’s vibrant congregation. The joyful fellowship underscored the shared commitment to supporting the cathedral’s ongoing mission of worship, service, and outreach.

After the event, Amrick Singh commented, “It was an honour to witness the ordination of Adam today. It was a pleasure to see his family and friends come together and recognise his dedication to service. I hope he continues to serve with the same values of compassion, humility, and a genuine love for all. This ordination enriches not only the Greek Orthodox community but the wider spiritual life of Birmingham.”

Amrick Singh was invited to the auspicious ceremony by Petro Nicolaides, long-standing parish council member and Chair of the Greek Orthodox School in Birmingham. Petro added, “Adam’s commitment to Christ and to our community inspires us all. We are proud to witness his ordination on such a meaningful feast day, surrounded by family and friends. Bishop Maximos’ presence and leadership have been a blessing to this cathedral and beyond. We wish him every success and pray from Adam and his family”.

The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Apostolos Andreas continues to serve as a central place of worship and cultural heritage for Orthodox Christians throughout the Midlands, offering regular liturgies, educational programs, and opportunities for spiritual growth and community engagement. The building was formerly a Catholic Apostolic church. It was designed in 1873 by J A Chatwin, who worked on many of Birmingham’s churches, including St Philip’s Cathedral, Birmingham.

Petro took Amrick Singh on a site tour of the Cathedral, the School, and developments in progress that will be coming online in years ahead to serve the diverse communities of Birmingham. Amrick Singh was amazed at what the Greek community is doing in Birmingham. The old Cathedral, the Greek School, the plans for future development were inspiring and would enrich the fabric of society. He congratulated them all and encouraged them to take a long-term perspective on regeneration of the area and make best use of the land it wished to develop.   

Mr Nicolaides was thrilled to welcome and introduce Amrick Singh to the congregation and leaders present at the service. “It has been an honour to have my friend Amrick Singh, from the Nishkam Group and Deputy Lieutenant here to today. I think what Nishkam do is inspiring and I hope other communities can emulate that and we should all look to see how we can do more for our own communities and the broader society we live in. I had the pleasure to meet the Honourable Bhai Sahib, Mohinder Singh OBE KSG earlier this week during a visit to the Nishkam Campus and was in awe of the great man. I can see where the inspiration and visionary leadership comes from.”

“It was also nice to invite Bhai Sahib Ji to the cathedral in the near future for a meeting with His Grace, the Bishop, who had visited the Gurudwara and Nishkam Centre in 2022 but unfortunately Bhai Sahib Ji had to go on an overseas trip.”  

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• Nishkam Civic Association works at the intersection of faith, civic responsibility, and social cohesion, supporting dialogue between communities and public institutions.
• Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Apostolos Andreas, 8 Arthur Place, Summer Hill Terrace, Birmingham B1 3DA, United Kingdom,
• Email: gocbirmingham@gmail.com
• Facebook: Greek Orthodox Cathedral Birmingham

Nishkam Healthcare Trust (NHT), based at 21-23 Soho Road, Handsworth, is a beacon of compassion and community services. It has received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2025, the highest accolade given to volunteer-led groups across the United Kingdom, and equivalent to an MBE.

This prestigious award recognises over a decade of selfless, values-led healthcare service by Nishkam volunteers who have dedicated their skills, time, and resources to improving health and wellbeing for individuals and families from all backgrounds and faiths. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 14 doctors – alongside a team of 160 volunteers – worked over 10,000 hours, delivering over 50,000 vaccines for the community.

NHT was envisioned by Bhai Sahib (Prof) Mohinder Singh OBE KSG, and created by Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ). NHT embodies the Sikh principle of Nishkam Sewa – selfless service for the welfare of humanity. Using the concept of kar sewa (through voluntary donations, self-help and community participation), GNNSJ volunteers restored and made fit for purpose an 1880 Victorian building into fully operational medical centre. Its services span two healthy living pharmacies, and a volunteer-run dental service which operates on a ‘pay what you can afford’ basis. There is also a Mental and Emotional Wellbeing Service, which has supported over 500 service users since 2021, achieving more than a 50% improvement in depression and anxiety scores. Its pioneering Start of Life Care initiative, supports mothers and fathers through pregnancy and early parenthood, nurturing good health and empowering them to take on the responsibilities through a values-based approach. The team also regularly offer cardiovascular health screening and patient education, which are pivotal to help reduce some of the health inequalities locally.

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“This award is a tribute to every volunteer, clinician, and supporter who has given selflessly to help others. From pharmacists to counsellors, dentists to midwives, our volunteers embody love in action. Their work reflects our shared belief that health is not just the absence of illness, it includes the presence of sacrifice, care, compassion, and community participation.”

— Dr. Manvir Kaur Kalirai, Chair of Nishkam Healthcare Trust

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The services delivered by the Healthcare Trust exemplify Nishkam’s holistic and faith-inspired person-centric approach, with emphasis on early disease prevention, and on seamlessly addressing spiritual, health and social care needs in an organic community setting.

“Guru Nanak Dev Ji teaches us that the light of the Divine dwells in every being. Thus, as Sikhs we are mandated to go beyond ourselves to serve all of humanity as our kith and kin. Nishkam Healthcare Trust was born from this teaching: that through selfless Nishkam Sewa, we can help uplift humanity, heal communities, and promote harmony through compassion. We are honoured to receive this award and would like to thank His Majesty The King, the West Midlands Lieutenancy, and the wider awards team for their kind acknowledgement of our humble Nishkam community.”

— Bhai Sahib (Prof) Mohinder Singh OBE KSG, Nishkam Healthcare Trust

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The work emerging from Nishkam Healthcare Trust is strongly aligned with the NHS 10-year plan, with emphasis on early prevention, and delivering care in the community. The Nishkam Healthcare Centre was built by volunteers and offers a bespoke state-of-the art facility to deliver further healthcare in the heart of a bustling community. The team is committed to collaborating with healthcare stakeholders to improve care for all in this neighbourhood. Through volunteering, for every £1 invested, the output is significantly more.

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“Volunteering at Nishkam is more than giving time, it’s about giving of yourself. Every patient I meet reminds me that kindness and compassion can heal in ways medicine alone cannot. The friendships, learning, and love we share are life-changing.”

— Jaypal Singh, Volunteer Clinical Pharmacist

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Jaypal Singh, Volunteer Clinical Pharmacist with patient at health screening

Patients frequently praise the dedication of staff and volunteers. One recent service user described the Centre as offering “a level of personalised service focused on individual wellbeing that is unparalleled,” and expressed gratitude for the “support and dedication provided by the Centre.”

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“We dedicate this honour to our trustees, staff, professional volunteers, and community members who have walked with us on this sacred path. This award belongs to them — and to every person who believes in the power of selfless service.”

— Dr Manvir Kaur Kalirai

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Nishkam Healthcare Trust continues to expand its mission to make healthcare more humane, holistic, and inclusive, guided by the belief that when we serve others, we serve the Creator.

Faith leaders from across Birmingham gathered on the 11^th November 2025 at the Queen’s Foundation for the latest meeting of the Birmingham Faith Leaders’ Group (BFLG).

Held during National Interfaith Week 2025, the gathering offered a rare opportunity for dialogue between Birmingham’s senior faith leaders and students preparing for ministry and community leadership. Together, they reflected on the roots, purpose, and future of the BFLG, a group that, for over two decades, has embodied the city’s commitment to peace and understanding. Founded in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, the Birmingham Faith Leaders’ Group has served for over two decades as a moral and civic voice for peacebuilding and unity – born out of tragedy, but sustained by hope, to ensure that the voices of faith in Birmingham would always be a force for unity, not division. The Group has stood together to denounce violence, promote compassion, and issue joint statements following incidents of terrorism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and community division.

Bishop Anne Hollinghurst, former member of the BFLG and now Principal at the Queen’s Foundation host of the meeting, welcomed faith leaders, students, and tutors together. The meeting brought together representatives from Birmingham’s diverse faith communities, alongside theology students and tutors, to discuss the importance of interfaith collaboration, the origins and purpose of the BFLG, and how faith leadership can continue to build peace and solidarity across the city. It was unfortunate that other members of the BFLG, Archbishop Bernard Longley, Bishop Michael Volland, Dr Ottara Nyana and Dinesh Chauhan could not join the event.

Pat Whitney, Chair of the BFLG, commented; “During the meeting, leaders shared reflections on the theme of Festivals and Feast Days, exploring how diverse traditions mark moments of joy and renewal, and how such observances can foster deeper understanding across communities. It is important for us to wok together, celebrate together and be there for each other during troubled time”.

Examples of peacebuilding over the years were shared by leaders and references made to the development of the Peace Charter, which seeks to embed peacebuilding practices in civic and community life, and explored ways to inspire the next generation of faith and community leaders. The question-and-answer session with the students enabled deeper understanding and significance of interfaith collaboration and solidarity.

Amrick Singh Ubhi, Director of Civic Engagement and Partnerships and past Chair of the BFLG said: “For more than twenty years, Birmingham’s faith leaders have stood shoulder to shoulder. Our shared commitment to peacebuilding, justice, and solidarity continues to guide how we respond to the challenges of our time, and how we prepare the next generation to lead with compassion.”

As the meeting concluded, one theme resonated deeply, the importance of developing the next generation of faith and community leaders who will carry forward this mission of peacebuilding, dialogue, and solidarity.
The Birmingham Faith Leaders’ Group will continue its regular meetings, deepening collaboration across the city’s faith communities and contributing to a shared vision of peace.

ENDS

Birmingham marked the launch of National Interfaith Week 2025 with a vibrant and inspiring event held at the Council House, Victoria Square, on Friday 7th November 2025. The gathering brought together faith leaders, civic representatives, and community organisations to celebrate Birmingham’s rich diversity and shared commitment to peace, understanding and social justice.

Hosted by the Birmingham Council of Faiths (BCF), the afternoon programme included readings, music, reflections, and a ceremonial lighting of candles and faith flags — symbolising unity across traditions. During his opening address, the Chair of BCF, Jimmy Suratia, welcomed and acknowledged the presence of the Lord Mayor, the High Sheriff and Amrick Singh Ubhi DL. 

Opening the event, Cllr Zafar Iqbal, the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, welcomed attendees and reflected on how Birmingham had always been a city of many faiths and cultures living side by side. Interfaith Week reminds us of the power of understanding and dialogue in building a more cohesive, compassionate city.

Amrick Singh Ubhi DL, Director of Civic Engagement & Partnerships at the Nishkam Group of Organisations, reflected on the event and commented, “Interfaith Week is about more than dialogue, it’s about shared action, respect and love. The presence of so many partners at the launch event demonstrates Birmingham’s ongoing commitment to unity in diversity and the belief that together, we can nurture peace and wellbeing for all.”

Speakers at the launch event included Dr Peter Rookes of the Birmingham Council of Faiths, Deepak Naik MBE (Chair, United Religions Initiative UK), and Cllr Jamie Tennant, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities. Cllr Tennant gave a very personal view of his own faith.  His perspective on peace and the crucial element that faith has in the work bridging interfaith communities and those of no faith was eloquently made. He also made it clear that the road ahead had challenges to come.

The programme also featured a reading of Rumi’s ‘One Song’ by Shreen Mahmood, music by Emine Betul Kilinc, and reflections from Dr Andrew Goldstein on peace and hope.

There were many organisations in attendance including representatives from across the city’s faith and civic networks, including the Dialogue Society, Faith & Belief Forum, Near Neighbours, United Religions Initiative, City of Sanctuary, The Lunar Society, Church of England Birmingham, Nishkam Centre, Girlguiding Birmingham, Birmingham Scouts, Father Hudson’s Care, and NHS University Hospitals Birmingham, Mosques, Hindu Temples, Gurudwaras, faith groups.

The event highlighted how faith communities continue to play a vital role in promoting inclusion, service and wellbeing across Birmingham, a city proud of its interfaith heritage and leadership.

The meeting ended with the lighting of a candle by Mr Goldstein, BCF, and a symbolic holding of a ring of flags each depicting a symbol from a different faith / religion.

ENDS