A man who received a distinguished honour from Nottingham City Council has sadly passed away.
Inder Lal Batra, who was named as a Citizen of Honour in 2015 by the council for his years of voluntary and community service, died at a Nursing home in Hucknall on November 14. The 78-year-old suffered a stroke two years ago and battled with a long illness.
He was born in India on June 5 1937 where he spent his childhood and was educated in the Punjab. He moved from India to Nottingham in the mid-sixties. He arrived with no possessions, £3 in cash, and basic English skills, but was determined to work selflessly on behalf of his local communities regardless of any personal barriers he may have encountered.
Following his first job was as a taxi driver, he built a business, grew his knowledge about the Indian community to which he subsequently dedicated his life and raised a successful family.
Inder, from Wollaton, dedicated his whole working life to help others and this culminated in 2015 when he was presented with the ultimate honour by Nottingham City Council as a Citizen of Honour for his voluntary and community service. His overall contribution has led to many positive changes that benefit individuals, communities and society. He had an exemplary voluntary career spanning almost forty years.
Some of his achievements include being the driving force behind Nottingham Indian Hindu Temple, being President of the Overseas, Indian congress Party, being the Chairman of the Indian Community Centre for 12 years, founding member for the Asian Arts council and even managing to support the Baresa Housing Association which provides Sheltered housing for Asian elders. This was achieved alongside his paid job while bringing up his children in extremely challenging personal circumstances.
His selfless commitment was personally recognised by the former Prime Minister Tony Blair and he was recently invited to Buckingham Palace by her Majesty the Queen for a similar reason.
He leaves two children, one a barrister and one who is a successful businessman, Arun Batra who is recognised as the 51st most influential Asian in Britain – an honour he has held for the last five years for making a significant difference to the UK. He also leaves Sudurshan Batra, his dedicated wife and five grandchildren.
The funeral, which is open to everyone, will be held on Friday, November 25. The service will be held at 12pm at Wilford Hill, Loughborough Road Nottingham, and will continue at 1.30pm at the Hindu Temple, Carlton Road, Nottingham.