Batook Pandya MBE RIP

The life of an activist can be difficult and challenging, but equally it can be exhilarating, dynamic and, best of all, bring about the possibility of making a difference.  This is what drove leading campaigner, Batook Pandya MBE, the Director of Stand Against Racism and Inequality (SARI), who sadly passed away on Sunday.

Since its inception over 25 years ago, Pandya worked with SARI, the dynamic Bristol based charity which is run by and for victims of racial harassment and attacks.

I have had the privilege to work with him and SARI over the years and am aware of the significant work they have done and continue to do to fight against racial intolerance and discrimination.

Pandya’s drive and determination was in part as a result of experiencing racial abuse first hand working at a pub to fund his engineering apprenticeship. Years later, whilst working at SARI, Pandya was beaten up in front of his family by two skinheads in an apparent racist attack. He was hospitalised after being punched and kicked to the ground in a car park. Pandya suffered facial injuries, but the attack only served to strengthen his convictions and intensify his work at SARI.

So Batook, on behalf of OBV, rest in peace, and know that your tireless campaigning and fearless approach will always be remembered in the positive impacts you have made to individuals and within communities.

Francine Fernandes