Pioneers Project

The Ramniklal Solanki Pioneers is a ‘living history’ resource project aimed at narrating the life histories of British-Asians who have made Britain their home and contributed to its modern society particularly since the 1960s. In doing so, we aim to understand the associated wider sociocultural, intellectual and economic impact that South Asians have had on British society over the last 100 years. The project will create a digital platform where the data will be stored, curated and shared, with the aim that this platform can be augmented and become a ‘living legacy’ which truly captures the spirit of the United Kingdom. It is named after Late Ramniklal Solanki CBE (1931-2020), the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Asian Media Group, as a tribute for his outstanding contributions to pioneering the evolution of multicultural journalism in Great Britain.

Connecting the living bridge between UK and the Indian sub-continent

People from the Indian-subcontinent have been settling in Britain since the 1600s. At first, they were ayahs, domestic servants, nannies and seamen. By the mid-19th century, scholars, diplomats, traders and business people swelled those numbers. The two World Wars in the 20th century, under the Empire, cemented the connections between Britain and the Indian sub-continent. By the 1960s, Britain was used to seeing a steady flow of people from South Asian origin, who have made significant contributions to Britain, its culture and diverse history.

As we enter the third decade of the 21st century, it is clear that we have missed opportunities to honour and cherish the achievements of British-Asians. They have contributed to every facet and every area of British life, while upholding their values and cultural roots. From humble corner shops open all hours; life-saving surgeons; barristers representing the oppressed, even dispensing justice as high court judges; to chefs who have changed the British palate; actors entertaining us; politicians and leaders who frame and make laws; media moguls who, while ensuring diversity in what we read and see, hold people to account; and scientists and Nobel prize winners; British-Asians have had to overcome hurdles to rise to the very top. Each has different stories to tell.

The Ramniklal Solanki Pioneers project is a flagship interdisciplinary research programme of the University India Centre, which features a series of inspiring case studies of Pioneers whose contributions have an ever-lasting impression and impact on British society. The project is a collaboration between the University of Southampton and the Asian Media Group, supported by the India Business Group and UKRI.

Chair of the project
Professor, The Lord Kamlesh Patel of Bradford OBE
Hon’ble Chancellor, University of Southampton
Hon’ble Patron, University India Centre

Coordinators
Professor Sabu Padmadas (Demography & Social Statistics) 
Professor Jane Falkingham (Demography & International Social Policy)

Researchers
Dr Pritipuspa Mishra (History), Lead investigator
Dr Bindi Shah (Sociology), co-Investigator 
Professor Ajit Nayak (Strategy and Organisations), co-Investigator

Consultant
Professor Barnie Choudhury, co-Lead Investigator, former BBC Correspondent and former Director of Public Relations, Commonwealth Secretariat.

Partners
Mr Amarjit Singh, CEO, India Business Group
Co-Director, University India Centre
Mr Kalpesh R Solanki, Group Managing Editor, Asian Media Group
Mr Shailesh R Solanki, Executive Editor, Asian Media Group

Publications
Professor Barnie Choudhury, Eastern Eye Newspaper: Create mentally healthy workplaces
Professor Barnie Choudhury, Eastern Eye Newspaper: Pandemic’s terror "perfect storm"
Professor Barnie Choudhury, Eastern Eye Newspaper: British-Asians are making history
Professor Barnie Choudhury, Eastern Eye Newspaper: Ministers did not act on inequalities report