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The Discipline Behind Progress

By Sana Kardar During my recent visit to Bologna, Italy, I stood inside the historic Anatomical Theatre of the Archiginnasio, where generations of medical students once gathered to explore the complexities of the human body. Surrounded by centuries of intellectual achievement, I reflected on a powerful truth: much of the progress we enjoy today began...

Two identical jars of salt and sugar illustrate how appearances can be deceiving.

Don’t Trust Everything You See: Even Salt Looks Like Sugar

By Atta Haq Freeman of the City of London In a world increasingly dominated by appearances, social media, material success and carefully constructed images, one of life’s greatest lessons remains remarkably simple: “Don’t trust everything you see. Even salt looks like sugar.” This powerful observation carries a profound message about human nature, relationships, trust and...

A person choosing honesty and kindness when nobody is watching.

Character Is Revealed in the Choices We Make When No Applause Is Expected

By Dr. Shahzad Qureshi In a world increasingly driven by recognition, social media validation, public admiration and the pursuit of personal success, we often forget one of life’s most profound truths: our true character is not defined by what we do in front of others, but by the choices we make when nobody is watching....

A person taking hopeful steps towards mental health recovery and independence

Recovery Is a Journey, Not a Destination

By Fatima Zaman, Recovery from mental illness is rarely a straight line. In more than 25 years of working alongside adults with mental health needs, I have learned that it is not a single moment of being “well”. It is the slow, deliberate rebuilding of a life: a routine, a sense of purpose, relationships, and...

Grandmaster Raymond Keene OBE highlights mental wellbeing, compassion, early intervention and collective responsibility on World Mental Health Day.

World Mental Health Day: Renewing Hope for Mental Health

By Grandmaster Raymond Keene OBE Patron of the Labour Asians Society World Mental Health Day, observed on Saturday, 10 October, offers humanity an opportunity to reflect upon one of the greatest paradoxes of modern civilisation. We have achieved extraordinary advances in science, technology and material prosperity, yet too often neglect the most remarkable instrument responsible...

Conservative-led Wandsworth Council facing voter backlash over a proposed 94% council tax increase, highlighting concerns about rising household costs and local government accountability.

Tories Betray the Voters of Wandsworth

By Ray Keene OBE International Chess Grandmaster Patron of the Labour Asians Society As a resident of Wandsworth, I have watched the latest council tax controversy with a mixture of astonishment and concern. Only months after the Conservatives regained control of Wandsworth Council, residents have been warned that their bills could rise dramatically. The Conservative-led...

Women and men working together to promote equality and equal opportunities

Equality Is Not a Favour; It Is the Foundation of Progress

By Prof. Fatima Zaman Equality should never be regarded as an act of generosity offered by one group to another. It is a fundamental principle upon which a fair, successful and progressive society must be built. Equality is not a favour; it is the foundation of progress. For generations, women have fought for the right...

Believe in your vision and keep moving forward despite doubt

Believe in Your Journey, Even When Others Cannot Understand Your Vision

By Atta Haq Every meaningful journey begins with a vision. Sometimes that vision is clear only to the person carrying it. Others may question it, misunderstand it or even tell you that what you are trying to achieve is impossible. That is exactly when belief in yourself matters most. Throughout my life, I have learned...

A diverse community coming together through service, compassion, mentorship and shared responsibility

A Meaningful Life Is Shaped by the Courage to Serve Beyond Ourselves

By Dr. Shahzad Qureshi Success is often measured by titles, wealth, recognition or professional achievement. Yet, as life progresses, we begin to understand that its true value lies somewhere deeper. A meaningful life is not defined simply by what we achieve for ourselves, but by what we contribute to the lives of others. I have...

Andy Burnham delivering a speech on hope, unity and Britain’s future

A Speech of Hope, Unity and Delivery for Britain

By Atta Haq Chairman, Labour Asians Society Andy Burnham’s speech at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool opened an important conversation about the future direction of our country. What stood out to me was his open, straightforward and sincere approach. He spoke about issues that affect ordinary people every day, housing, the NHS, social care,...

Who Gave Us Permission to Dream?

By Sana Kardar For generations, a woman’s future was often mapped out before she had the opportunity to imagine it for herself. Society decided what she could study, which professions were considered suitable, how independent she could become, and how much ambition was compatible with being considered respectable. Many of those formal barriers have thankfully...

Ray Keene reflecting on his journey from academia to professional chess

Why I Chose to Make Chess My Career

By Ray Keene OBE International Chess Grandmaster Patron Labour Asians Society Sometimes the most important decisions in life arise from the most unexpected moments. In my case, the decision to abandon an academic path and make chess my professional career can be traced, remarkably, to Thomas Mann’s Death in Venice. In the early 1970s, I...

The Power of Patience: Good Things Take Time

By Atta Haq “Not everything comes with patience, but everything comes after patience.” We live in a world where everyone wants things quickly. We want success today, answers immediately and results without waiting. Technology has made our lives faster, but life itself does not always work at the same speed. Some of the most important...

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