Immigrants and British values

Fifty years back, Mr. Shafi Ahmed and myself were studying together in England and the picture then was different. Reeling from the devastation of the WW II, the British people in general were a lot poorer than now but were big-hearted. Their politeness and honesty were very much evident. Their obsession with football and football pool was quite amusing and a refreshing change from their usually taciturn bearing.

In the last half a century things have changed a lot. The Brits are officially now multi- racial and multi-cultural society. Level of honesty has also become diluted. Among several of the British values , there are two which the immigrants can accept unhesitatingly. These are, respect for rule of law and tolerance for others' religion, culture and views.

It is under the umbrella of these values that our hard working South Asian community in The UK has prospered in business, education and service. Most Asian origin parents have given highest priority to education for their children and it is paying off now.

It is our great satisfaction to note that our 'diaspora' in Europe and America is

climbing up, albeit slowly, the professional and business ladders.

The immigrants should appreciate that they are in another country where the people have opened their doors and they should be loyal to that country .

They treat us a lot better than any country under "Muslim Umma".