Ashvin Patel is a multifaceted professional and community leader. As a Financial Adviser and Property Developer, he brings valuable expertise to his roles in the Hindu community. For the past four years, he has served as the Chair of the Hindu Forum (Walsall), demonstrating his commitment to local representation. His influence extends to regional governance, as he sits on the West Midlands Combined Authority Faith Strategic Partnership Group and Advisory group.

Ashvin’s dedication to cultural preservation and community engagement is evident in his ongoing leadership at his local temple, where he continues to inspire youth. His passion for community building extends to his role as one of the Directors of Ahimsa West Midlands, an organization promoting non-violent farming practices. Beyond his professional and community commitments, Ashvin maintains a balanced lifestyle. He enjoys meeting new people, tending to his garden, and staying active through squash, reflecting his approachable nature and diverse interests.

Tarang Shelat is a dedicated community leader with over 40 years of experience in the voluntary sector. His extensive involvement includes holding key positions such as former Chair of the Birmingham Council of Faiths, where he remains an active committee member.

Throughout his years of service, Tarang has contributed significantly to various organizations, taking on roles such as School Governor, Treasurer, and Secretary. He has also served as President and Vice President in four different organizations, showcasing his leadership skills and commitment to community development.

Tarang’s wealth of experience in the voluntary sector makes him a valuable asset to any advisory group. His insights and expertise would significantly contribute to decision-making processes.

Hitesh Kukadia is a dedicated community leader with extensive experience in Hindu community representation. He currently serves as the President of Shree Ram Mandir Birmingham, bringing strategic leadership and passionate commitment to his role. Previously, he was Secretary of the Hindu Council of Birmingham, demonstrating his long-standing involvement in community affairs. He is particularly known for his grassroots approach and strong connections within the Hindu community.

Hitesh’s approach to community leadership is characterised by active volunteerism and hands-on involvement. He understands the nuanced challenges the Hindu community faces and works diligently to address them. His experience ranges from local temple management to broader national representation. His work involves supporting, representing, and empowering the Hindu community through various strategic and grassroots initiatives.

Bruvesh Shah is a dedicated community leader deeply rooted in the Walsall community. He is an active committee member of Shree Ram Mandir, Walsall. Bruvnesh has extensive experience planning and running faith-based and voluntary activities. For the past few years, he has worked closely with the Hindu Forum Walsall, contributing to various activities, including organising a solidarity meeting following a hate crime that drew over 300 attendees. As a physiotherapist in the NHS, Bruvesh brings a valuable healthcare perspective to his community work. He has also demonstrated his commitment to community well-being by leading a COVID-19 response group and supporting those isolating or shielding during the pandemic. His awareness of WMCA policy and dedication to serving the community make him a valuable asset.

Pranay Paw has been a valued member of the Walsall community since 1972. He is a pharmacist by profession, bringing valuable healthcare expertise to any role. His entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his diverse business interests, which include a care home, a children’s nursery, hotels, and estate agent businesses. As a board member of Walsall Credit Union, Pranay demonstrates his financial knowledge and commitment to community banking. He also serves on Employment Tribunals, highlighting his understanding of employment law and dispute resolution. Pranay possesses a strong understanding of grassroots projects and initiatives.

Amie Anand is a dedicated professional with a dual focus on healthcare and youth education. As a senior pharmacist and branch manager, she has demonstrated strong leadership skills in her professional career. However, her passion extends beyond her primary occupation, as she has been deeply committed to youth education since university.

Amie organizes and coordinates educational talks at various universities and youth events, showcasing her ability to network and collaborate effectively. Her approach to these educational initiatives is both thoughtful and dynamic. One of Amie’s strengths lies in her interactive teaching style. She creates engaging learning environments that encourage participation and foster open dialogue. Throughout her educational endeavours, Anand has built a strong network within the community. This network supports her initiatives and reflects her ability to work well in team settings, a skill that undoubtedly translates to her professional life. Amie’s commitment to her pharmaceutical career and youth education demonstrates her versatility and passion for positively impacting multiple spheres of society. 

Sergeant Shiv Chand is a distinguished Royal Air Force (RAF) veteran with an extraordinary 34-year career that has taken him globally. Joining the RAF in April 1986 as a Logistics Support Supplier, he became the first member of his military-oriented family to serve in the Air Force instead of the Army.

His career has been marked by remarkable diversity and global service, with deployments spanning multiple countries, including England, Northern Ireland, Spain, Germany, Cyprus, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Jordan. As a member of the Tactical Supply Wing, Shiv embraced field duties that allowed him to travel extensively and engage in meaningful work. One of his most significant career highlights was teaching logistics procedures to the Afghan National Army, an experience he found profoundly transformative. He developed strong relationships with Afghan soldiers and officers, learning to appreciate their culture and values while sharing his own.

Shiv has been a passionate advocate for diversity in the armed forces throughout his career. Starting as the only Asian in his training group in 1986, he has worked as a Specialist Engagement officer, visiting religious institutions, schools, and colleges to encourage recruitment from diverse backgrounds. He emphasizes the RAF’s commitment to inclusivity, highlighting how the organization supports personnel from various religious and cultural backgrounds.

Shiv’s journey was influenced by his family’s military history, including his father’s experience as a prisoner of war during World War II. Despite initial community scepticism about his career choice, he has proven to be an inspirational figure who has broken barriers and paved the way for future generations of minority service members.

As he approaches retirement, Shiv remains proud of his service and hopes that his story will inspire others from the BAME community to consider a career in the Royal Air Force.