If no-one heeds your call, then walk alone

Today, I took a trip down memory lane and listened to some of my favourite old Bengali songs. Among them, I found a song titled "If No One Heeds Your Call, Then Walk Alone." This song was a profound inspiration for me and can be considered my soulmate during childhood. Written by Rabindranath Tagore, a Bengali poet, writer, playwright, composer, and philosopher, this song deeply influenced my formative years. In 1913, Tagore became the first non-European writer to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. Additionally, he composed the national anthems for both India and Bangladesh. The song has been performed by many singers in both East and West Bengal. The version linked here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7IV9seX9OU , sung by Shreya Ghoshal, a renowned Indian singer and one of my favourites. Below, I have attempted to include an English translation of the song.

?

If no-one heeds your call

Then walk alone, (be not afraid) walk alone my friend

If no one answers your call

Then walk alone, walk alone, walk alone, walk alone

If no-one speaks to you, O unlucky one, if non-one speaks to you

If everyone turns away, if everyone fears to speak

Then with an open heart without hesitation speak your mind alone

If everyone walks away, O unlucky one, everyone walks away

If no-one looks back towards your unpredictable path

If no-one heeds your call then walk alone

If no-one shines a light on the path, O unlucky one

If the dark night brings a storm at the door

If no-one heeds your call then walk alone

Just walk alone my friend

?

Why Was This Song an Inspiration in My Childhood?

?

This song was a source of inspiration and salvation during the challenging days of my childhood. At the age of 15, my mother, brother, and I were fortunate enough to move to the UK. I was incredibly excited, imagining it to be a land of "milk and honey."

?

Upon our arrival in the UK, I felt out of place, like an alien in an unfamiliar world. The new cultures and traditions were overwhelming, compounded by the fact that I did not speak any English. Additionally, I learned that my father was unable to work due to ill health. This created a perfect storm for my family and me: we were in a completely foreign place, unable to communicate, and without an income. The idyllic vision of the UK I had in my mind quickly dissolved, replaced by a harsh reality.

?

Within a couple of months, I was offered a place at the local secondary school. Due to my age, I was placed in Year 10, a critical year. It turned out to be the most difficult two years of my life, causing me pain whenever I think back. I felt extremely isolated, primarily because I couldn’t speak the language, which hindered my ability to make friends. Most students were already part of established friendship circles, and my inability to communicate left me on the outside.

?

Unfortunately, this was not the end of my troubles. I regularly faced racial abuse and bullying, both in and out of school, often hearing phrases like "go home P**i, you don’t belong here." At first, I did not even realise these were racist comments. While these remarks were upsetting, I believed it was my peers' patriotic right to express such sentiments since I had immigrated to their country. I could not share these experiences with my teachers, as I couldn’t speak the language, nor with my parents, who also couldn’t speak English and were unable to help. More importantly, I did not want to worry them. I simply kept quiet and tried to build my tolerance.

?

Meanwhile, our financial situation deteriorated. The only income we had was social security benefits. Due to our dire financial circumstances, I decided to get a job at the age of 16 in a Bangladeshi restaurant as a kitchen porter, earning ￡1.60 an hour. I essentially became the breadwinner for my family. My days were filled with racism and bullying at school, and in the evenings, I washed pots and pans to support my family.

?

Amid all these adversities, I was determined to improve our lives. I worked as many hours as I could to support my family financially while simultaneously learning English and adapting to the new culture.

?

I used to listen to this song almost daily as a source of inspiration to carry on and fight each day. I believed that Rabindranath Tagore had me in mind when he wrote the verse: “If no one speaks to you, O unlucky one, if no one speaks to you, If everyone turns away, if everyone fears to speak, Then with an open heart, without hesitation, speak your mind alone.” Despite facing racism, bullying, and discrimination, I did not give up; instead, I persevered in pursuing my dreams and seeking a better life.

?

How Is Life Now?

?

I joined NFU Mutual about five years ago and feel extremely privileged and humbled to work for such a great company and to be surrounded by so many talented people. At NFU Mutual , Diversity and Inclusion is a priority, especially in the division I work for—Sales and Agency. I can say without hesitation that I have never felt more at home than I do here. Most of the time, I forget that I look different; it's only when I catch my reflection that I remember. My sincere gratitude goes to the S&A leadership team Nick Watson , Neil Garton , Simon Painter , Gary Thomson , James Pickering , and Graham Harvey for fostering a diverse working environment that actively promotes representation and visibility for individuals like me from ethnic minority backgrounds. Words cannot express how much I value and find comfort in the leadership team's strong emphasis on Diversity and Inclusion.

?

I would like to extend special thanks to my line manager, Neil Garton , who is also a member of the S&A leadership team. He has taught me to embrace my true self and has instilled in me a newfound sense of confidence and freedom. This is a testament to the inclusive culture we foster in our department — Distribution Operations, it is part of our DNA. He is the reason I found the courage to share my story on LinkedIn today. He also encouraged me to speak about my faith to colleagues in various team meetings across the division and gave me the confidence to wear traditional Bangladeshi attire at the last S&A Christmas party (something I have never done before).

?

The S&A Diversity and Inclusion Committee, led by the magnificent Victoria Search , holds a special place in my heart for its wonderful work in promoting the D&I agenda within S&A. I feel incredibly honoured to be part of the Committee. In April, the Committee facilitated the celebration of the Muslim festival Eid, despite there being only two or three Muslim employees in the entire division. This considerate gesture moved me deeply, bringing me to tears — something I had never experienced in any of my previous workplaces. Serving on the Committee allows me to educate colleagues about the unique challenges faced by ethnic minorities and to raise awareness about cultural differences. Furthermore, the D&I Committee enables me to serve as a role model for others. I aim to demonstrate that everyone, irrespective of their background, has a valuable voice and can contribute positively to our workplace.

?

I am also grateful to our D&I specialist, Cherina Darrell , for her wonderful work and leadership. She has supported me in sharing my story within the company intranet as part of Asian Heritage Month.