https://www.facebook.com/1042044769001825/

Kulwinder Singh Johal, Rutland Street, Leicester (2026)

08/09/2026

It was an absolute honour to visit the fantastic team at Warning Zone yesterday to celebrate the official launch of their brand new, state of the art Rail Safety Zone.
This immersive upgrade is their most significant physical transformation since opening, built in a brilliant new partnership with Network Rail. It provides our local schoolchildren with a highly realistic experience that tackles vital topics like trespass, unsafe crossing use, distraction, and peer pressure.
I also had the chance to check out the incredible new special effects in the 'Fire in the Home' Zone, developed alongside Electrical Safety First to teach life saving skills.
Leicester is incredibly lucky to have such a progressive, impactful safety education charity preparing our young people for the future.
Thank you to everyone at Warning Zone and all their brilliant supporters for their dedication to our community's safety.

08/09/2026

An absolute honour for the Lady Mayoress and me to attend the spectacular Mela Punjabana Da 2026 at the Ramgarhia Community Hall.
This incredible, ladies only cultural celebration brought together women and girls across generations to honour the rich heritage, vibrant music, traditional dance, and deep-rooted customs of the Punjabi community. Events like this highlight exactly what makes Leicester so special, our beautiful diversity, strong community bonds, and the invaluable contributions that the Punjabi community makes to the cultural fabric of our city.
It was a privilege to speak to such an inspiring audience, share in these traditions, and present trophies to the wonderful competition winners, especially the young people who are keeping their heritage so passionately alive.
A huge thank you to the Sanjh Arts Centre and the incredible organisers Manjinder Purewal, Paramjit Kaur, and Kala Purewal for putting together such a welcoming, joyful, and successful event.

07/09/2026

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

It was a profound honour to attend the Bhog of the Sri Akhand Path Sahib at Guru Amar Das Gurdwara. These sacred, continuous prayers were brought to life by the incredible dedication of the residents and diaspora of Rupowal village (Phillaur Tehsil, Jalandhar). A special thank you to Jarnail Singh and Gurnam Singh for taking the lead in arranging this beautiful path.
Even miles away from Punjab, you have brought the spiritual essence and warmth of Rupowal into the heart of Leicester. Our city thrives on this very diversity and multicultural harmony.
Rupowal is famous for its annual Salana Shinj Mela wrestling festival, a beautiful celebration of unity and Punjabi heritage. This passion for sports perfectly mirrors the tradition started by Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, who championed physical discipline to foster community resilience.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Management Committee, including Sukhdev Singh Sangha, Shamsher Singh Bains, and Jarnail Singh and all the Sewadars. Thank you for your flawless hospitality and for your vital work supporting local sports through the Leicester Sikh Centre and the Leicester Football Tournament.
Thank you to the Rupowal community for keeping your heritage vibrant and contributing so richly to Leicester.
May Waheguru Ji bless you all with Chardi Kala eternal optimism, prosperity, and good health.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

07/09/2026

Yesterday morning, the historic heart of our city fell under a profound shadow as citizens, distinguished guests, and members of our esteemed Nepalese community gathered at Town Hall Square. We stood shoulder to shoulder to mourn the devastating flash floods and landslides in Nepal.
The hundreds of lives tragically cut short were not mere statistics, they were cherished parents, children, students, and neighbours. To everyone grieving in Nepal, and to the vibrant Nepalese community here in Leicester bearing this heavy burden: you do not stand alone. Leicester is a city built on unity, and when one part of our community suffers, we all share in that pain.
Our deepest gratitude goes to Shrijanshil Leicester Nepal UK, under the guidance of President Shiva Parajuli and General Secretary Baron Bhandari, for organizing yesterday morning's solemn vigil. You provided our city with a vital sanctuary to convene, mourn, and seek solace.May the warmth of yesterday's gathering carry across the miles to comfort those who mourn.
Together, we stand as one indivisible community, holding onto the fervent hope for rescue, relief, and renewal.

05/09/2026

It was an absolute privilege to attend the Annual National Rally at the historic Leicestershire Aero Club, wonderfully hosted by the Light Aircraft Association (LAA).
A tremendous thank you to Chairman Matt Wennington, alongside Directors Sean Link and Will Lloyd, and event organiser Eryl Smith for their exceptionally warm welcome.
Operating from Leicester Airport on Gartree Road, this remarkable club is an indispensable asset to our city and county. Beyond being a thriving hub for local aviation enthusiasts, it provides imperative community services—from delivering world-class pilot training to fostering game-changing STEM education partnerships with the University of Leicester. As one of the UK's oldest and most respected flying schools, the Leicestershire Aero Club keeps our regional aviation heritage soaring, while the LAA does vital work keeping over 2,700 sport and vintage aircraft safe and accessible nationwide. I am deeply proud of the massive economic, educational, and cultural value they bring to Leicester and Leicestershire

02/09/2026

"When Nepal hurts, Leicester hurts."
As the Lord Mayor of Leicester, I stood at the Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre with a very heavy heart for a Shok Sabha to mourn, pray, and send our collective strength to the people of Nepal. Over the last few days, we have watched with utter heartbreak as news emerged of the terrible flash floods triggered by a glacial collapse in the Himalayas. The sheer scale of this disaster is staggering, hundreds of precious lives have been cut short, entire villages have been enveloped by mud, and thousands of families are trapped in an agonizing limbo.
This tragedy hits incredibly close to home. Among the thousands missing are pilgrims, local workers, and travellers, including British nationals. To anyone across our wider Leicester community who is waiting for word from a relative, a friend, or a loved one in the flood zones: please know that you are not carrying this burden alone. The entire city of Leicester surrounds you with love, thoughts, and prayers.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Brits Desi Society for rapidly organizing this Shradhanjali and community assembly. True leadership is shown in times of crisis. By bringing us together under the banner of "Unity with Diversity," they have given our community a sanctuary to grieve and a platform to show our compassion.
Leicester has always been a city with a global heart, bound by deep cultural, spiritual, and personal ties to the subcontinent. But our response to tragedy must not stop at sorrow. It must move us to action, solidarity, and support. We welcome the UK government’s commitment of £5 million in rapid humanitarian support, and as a city, we will continue to look for ways to uplift the relief and recovery efforts on the ground.
Together, we pray for strength, for rescue, and for peace. 🏛️🇬🇧🇳🇵

02/09/2026

It was a profound honor and privilege to attend the Barsi of Baba Nand Singh Ji Kaleran Wale and Sant Baba Ishar Singh Rara Sahib Wale at the Shri Guru Ravidass Gurdwara.
A special thank you to Deep Kaur, radio presenter for KRFM, for the kind invitation. I deeply enjoyed spending time with the amazing sangat, and it was an absolute privilege to be invited to speak to the congregation from the stage.
Gatherings like this are a powerful reminder of the incredible unity, warmth, and spiritual strength of our diverse communities here in Leicester. Reflecting on the lives of both Baba Jees, we remember their monumental work in promoting Sikhi during a crucial time in the 20th century:
Baba Nand Singh Ji (Nanaksar Kaleran Wale) revitalised the faith by establishing a beautiful, strict code of reverence for the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the living Guru, making the divine message accessible to the masses through Naam Simran and Dharna Kirtan.
Sant Baba Ishar Singh Ji (Rara Sahib Wale) carried this spiritual renaissance globally, inspiring hundreds of thousands to take Amrit and anchoring the faith of early diaspora communities—including those right here in the UK—through his profoundly moving Katha and Kirtan.
Their legacies of selfless service, devotion, and community building continue to guide and inspire us all today.

02/09/2026

An inspiring evening celebrating heritage, professional excellence, and civic collaboration right here in Leicester.
It was a true privilege to attend the official inaugural launch of Ekimogun Leicester and to be so warmly welcomed by hosts Aretha Akinluyi and Ayokunle Akinborewa. This fantastic new initiative brings together Nigerian professionals of Ondo heritage living in Leicester and the surrounding areas. It creates a powerful platform where shared cultural pride meets a strong commitment to professional development, youth mentorship, and civic partnership.
Leicester is a diverse, thriving city built on the contributions of people from many different backgrounds, and this new network beautifully illustrates how cultural heritage can act as a bridge rather than a barrier. The presentations outlining their long-term vision for community engagement, charitable initiatives, and education show just how much talent and passion this group is channeling back into our local area. Seeing individuals recognized for making meaningful contributions to their professions and communities was a wonderful highlight.
Thank you to everyone involved in organizing such a successful, impactful inaugural event. This launch marks the beginning of a brilliant and lasting relationship between Ekimogun Leicester, our wider African communities, and the civic life of Leicester. I look forward to seeing this constructive professional network grow, mentor the next generation, and create lasting opportunities across our shared home.

02/09/2026

Looking back on a deeply moving and powerful day at Victoria Park for the ‘Haus of Respect – Iron Circle Run’. 🏃‍♂️✨
It was an absolute honour as Lord Mayor to attend this vital event, standing alongside our community to reject domestic violence and champion male allyship into action. Alongside the High Sheriff of Leicestershire, I had the privilege of speaking to the attendees and cutting the ceremonial ribbon to officially start the challenge.
A massive thank you to the incredible event hosts, Reshma Desai and Mumtaz Patel, as well as The Vayyu Foundation (Uhumans and Womentum CIC) and race organiser Jesse Jackson (Summitcraft Leadership) for their flawless organisation and dedication to this cause.
Each lap completed by our participants represented a life tragically lost to domestic violence during the previous year. Together, we ran and walked to honour the men, women, and children affected by this issue, sending a powerful message of solidarity: you are not isolated, and your community stands with you. True change requires a collective effort. Individuals, communities, businesses, and organisations must work together to create a culture of safety, support, and accountability. It is particularly vital that men continue to step up as active allies to challenge domestic abuse. Every single person deserves to feel safe seeking help, confident that Leicester will stand beside them.
Thank you to everyone who ran, volunteered, visited the family engagement stalls, or cheered from the sidelines. This event was a beautiful symbol of unity and collective responsibility. Let’s keep carrying this momentum forward to build a safer, healthier, and more resilient city for all. 💙

27/08/2026

Our hearts go out to the people of Nepal and Tibet following yesterday’s catastrophic flash floods. I know our city shares a deep, personal connection with the South Asian region. Many of our residents have family, friends, or ancestral roots in these beautiful mountainous areas. Seeing the devastation caused by the glacier collapse and subsequent mudslides is truly heartbreaking.
According to the latest reports from international agencies, the scale of this disaster is immense. Over 360 people are confirmed dead across the border region, and nearly 1,400 people remain unaccounted for, including local residents, pilgrims, and international trekkers. Key transport links have been completely obliterated, with at least 19 bridges and 25 miles of roads washed away, severely cutting off rescue access. Furthermore, experts are currently tracking blocked river debris that creates an imminent risk of a second wave of flooding.
Leicester is a city built on unity, compassion, and global community. In times of crisis, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those suffering. I want to reassure our local Nepalese and South Asian communities that your city is mourning alongside you. We are thinking of everyone waiting anxiously for news of loved ones. Our thoughts are also with the heroic emergency services, the Nepali army, and volunteer teams working under incredibly hazardous conditions to pull survivors from the debris.
If you are looking for ways to support the immediate search, rescue, and relief operations on the ground, please consider donating to trusted international aid appeals that are actively responding to this crisis. Organizations like Oxfam GB and Action Against Hunger are working directly on the ground to provide emergency food, clean water, medical care, and shelter to displaced families.
Let us pull together to show the true spirit of Leicester's generosity.
— The Lord Mayor of Leicester

Kulwinder Singh Johal

08/09/2026

08/09/2026

07/09/2026

07/09/2026

05/09/2026

02/09/2026

02/09/2026

02/09/2026

02/09/2026

27/08/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request