Why My Dad Adored the Queen

A story of social mobility

Who amongst us hasn’t been embarrassed by our parents in some way during our teenage years?

This was certainly the case for me.

Whilst completing my A ‘Levels, in the battle for which music could be played in the 6th form common room, you had to pick a side, either punk or heavy metal – I chose Punk! (although I still have a soft spot for Stargazer by Rainbow) So, when friends would visit my house, it was beyond embarrassing for them to be greeted by a framed photograph of the Queen positioned pride of place in our porch – Not very Punk!

My Dad adored the Queen. He followed her visits and achievements and would watch any programme on TV in which she appeared – he even had a framed picture of her in his study.

During the coverage of the Queen’s Lying in State and funeral, tv coverage showed interviews with the general public who shared their sentiments. Many of whom were from the Commonwealth and of my father’s generation - they showed unequivocal gratitude. One lady stated “If it wasn’t for the Queen, I would not be here and have had the life I have”, her daughters agreed.

This too is true of my family – a story of social mobility, creation of generational wealth ….. and gratitude!

Humble beginnings

My Dad was one of nine children, born into a rural farming community in India. Having lost his own father in a fire at a young age, leaving my grandmother to do her best for the children alone. Their home was 2 rooms in which they slept, cooked, ate and where the chickens had free range!

Education: A path out of poverty

As Christians, the whole family attended church. It is here that the missionaries recognised my father’s intellect. They insisted he be formally schooled. So, at the age of 5 he walked 5 miles each way to school every day. At the age of 7 he was offered a place at boarding school, which although met with trepidation by himself and his mother, they knew it was an opportunity out of poverty. Being small for his age, my Dad was bullied relentlessly and more often than not, had his food stolen. Rather than being defeated by this, it strengthened his resolve to succeed.

Of Prime Ministers and Statesmen

Through hard work, my father was offered a scholarship to attend Wilson College in Bombay, at the time the most prestigious university in India. Notable alumni have included statesmen, business leaders, change-makers and also the 1st Indian woman to gain a science degree.

The Queen’s Invitation

On completion of his Bachelor of Science, followed by Master’s degree, my father was headhunted. Job offers as an Industrial Scientist were made from Canada, USA, and UK. Once the choice had been made, my (equally well-educated) mother and I joined my father and began our life in London, England on the invitation of Her Majesty’s Government. Within a few years my father embarked upon his PHD and also found his true calling – teaching! The joy he felt from growing the minds of the young far outweighed the lucrative call of industry. Our path as a family, and it would seem mine in later life, was set!

Social Mobility

The story of a new start for new settlers from the Commonwealth is similar to so very many, in numerous fields. It has afforded their children and grandchildren freedom and opportunities which may not have been available in their mother lands – education being the most notable.

For us, my brother and I had an excellent state school education. My brother then gained a scholarship for private education and later had the privilege of attending Cambridge University, accomplishing Master’s level academic achievement.

Generational Wealth and its impact

If my father had not been given the opportunity to educate himself, my family would have led a very different life. I would not have married an Englishman and my A* student son would not have been able to choose to go into the music industry. My brother would not have also had the opportunities offered to him and a chance to work and travel across the globe. We both appreciate the benefits our careers have given us.?

My life journey has led to the creation of EQuinox Rising . Like my father, my calling is to help others. By growing as people and being our best selves, we are equipped to help others, whether it be in business or our personal lives. I choose to show gratitude for the generational wealth and social mobility journey we have travelled by teaching and sharing my knowledge and wisdom; my brother too is giving back by helping underprivileged students and supporting academia.

The impact one person can make in the world is enormous!

Given the opportunity, gratitude is displayed by helping others, whether it be family, friends, and community. The butterfly or ripple effect can change societies for the better.

The price of opportunity, achievement and wealth should be to grow humanity, in ourselves and in the wider sense. Offering social mobility by investing in the ‘S’ in ESG within organisations and developing ourselves as individuals will benefit everyone. The celebration of diversity opens the door for inclusion, working towards equity means understanding barriers others face and knowing that eliminating these will facilitate rewards for all.

To the Queen and Dad – Thank you!

My Dad adored the Queen because her reign created the life we have lived. The legacy my brother and I wish to leave is a tribute to our Dad – and the Queen, of course! ?In a world which is rapidly changing and where business environments and teams are becoming more and more international, I consider myself to be British, of Indian descent and a citizen of the world.

I am proud of who I am and I deserve to shine - as does every single one of us ……… imagine what we can achieve if we all help each other and shine together!

#mydad #rolemodel #hmqueenelizabethii #socialmobility #edi #diversityequityinclusion #education #opportunities #cambridgeuniversity #esg #empathy #leadership #gratitude