Indian Hindu Association Derry
2183. Mukesh Chugh
Dr Mukesh Chugh, from County Derry, founded the ‘Indian Hindu Association Derry’, organising festivals, cultural workshops and community gatherings bringing together people of Indian heritage across the region and promoting interfaith relations.
As part of his awareness raising work, Mukesh has worked in partnership with Derry City and Strabane Council to produce materials that provide information about the integration of Indian people with local communities, and celebrate cultural diversity in a public and positive way. This included curating a photography exhibition earlier this year for Derry’s ‘One World Festival’, featuring people from a range of cultures.
Mukesh has also led initiatives to improve ethnic diversity within the health sector in Northern Ireland, helping to provide a platform for staff from ethnic minority backgrounds to raise and discuss issues and concerns in a safe and confidential environment. The forum promotes the celebration of equality, identity and diversity in the workplace with the aim of contributing to high quality patient care. He has also been chosen as the Ambassador for the City by the ‘Visit Derry’ organisation.
Mukesh said:
“I am deeply humbled to receive this award. I had no idea that my work would be recognised by the Prime Minister. Thank you. I feel very encouraged and happy after this validation. I believe that this will give a boost to all those involved to know that community work is recognized and valued, as well as inspiring me to do more.”