One hundred years ago the Great War ended with an estimated death toll of 15 million people alongside being the likely cause of a further 100 million deaths due to an influenza epidemic.
Communities from across the world including Asians came together to fight for a common cause laying down their lives to help make the world a better place.
Our Armed Forces are incredible, selflessly, with immense courage and conviction going to war,even now as they did so many years ago. Yet all too often we do not see them as being an integral part of our communities, but expecting them to protect and serve, without really getting to know them or fully appreciate them.
We (Asian Business Connexions) hosted our 9th anniversary dinner and awards ceremony last month at the County Hotel. The event brought together the whole community to celebrate the significant and sustained contribution of the Asian community across all sectors. Alongside the worthy finalists and winners, the highlight for me was hearing from Maj Naveed Muhammad MBE National Liaison Officer and Mandeep Kaur Armed Forces Sikh Chaplain. Both shared wonderful stories of integration and impact but more importantly clearly demonstrated regardless of colour, creed or religion there is a place for you in our Armed Forces.
One of the most influential experiences within my own life was when I joined the Army Cadet Force in Slatyford Newcastle. Every Tuesday and Thursday evening I would get the No 1 bus from Heaton. This was the longest bus journey that would take
me through some of the more challenging areas within Newcastle where I would occasionally suffer abuse being Asian, wearing a uniform and sitting on the top deck of the bus. But the positives far outweighed the ignorance, and I learned some very worthy life skills, teaching me discipline, respect, resilience amongst various other experiences.
Whilst wearing that uniform with pride I was equal amongst my fellow cadets, and had the opportunity to progress through the ranks like anyone else. My only regret was being a cadet for a short period but the positive memory has lasted forever.
Roll forward a couple of decades and rekindling my relationship with the Armed Forces is one of the many things I now truly enjoy. Over the past few years I have been fortunate to work with members of the Armed Forces to develop and deliver
initiatives that make an inclusive difference.
The Cadet Apprenticeship Pathway recognises the skills Cadets develop and can offer to employers looking for work ready young people. The Armed Forces help deliver the PIE Charity BIG PIE Challenges that deliver much needed Enterprise and STEM
activities into primary schools in a holistic manner. And more recently I am the very proud recipient of the Armed Forces Covenant’s Employer Recognition Scheme being one of only 22 organisations in the North East being presented with a Silver Award this year. The Armed Forces offers an immense range of opportunities for everyone to develop themselves
– whether volunteering, as a reservist or a regular there is a space and place for you. Whilst we cannot change the past, we can look to the future and only through understanding, appreciation and recognition will the world become a better place.
As we reflect upon the 100th Anniversary of the end of the Great War, May Our Armed Forces Be With You.
Love, peace and harmony.
Ammar Mirza CBE is the founder and chairman of Asian Business Connexions, Board member of North East LEP and holds various other positions across the private, public and third sectors.
