The Balham and Tooting Community Association (BATCA) honoured the late Naz Bokhari OBE at their inaugural community awards events in recognition of his ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Community.’
Fred Ahmed MBE Chair of BATCA said: “Naz was a man who would also find time to listen to you however busy he was. He brought a calmness to any meeting, however stormy it was. He cared for the youth and people, not just in his own community, but further afield and always looked for the positives and good in people to nurture instead of stereotyping them. A man who will be greatly missed and could never be replaced.”
Rt Hon Sadiq Khan MP who accepted the award on behalf of the late Naz Bokhari OBE said: “I am delighted that BATCA acknowledged the excellent work and leadership of the late Naz Bokhari. Naz inspired thousands of South London pupils to fulfil their potential. Especially those from the British Asian community, who saw in Naz Bokhari, a man who had already smashed glass ceilings to become the first person of Muslim faith to be a Headteacher of a British school. Though Naz is no longer with us, his good work will continue to inspire future generations, through the Naz Legacy Foundation”
Hina Bokhari, daughter of Naz said ‘our family have been extremely touched by the love and affection shown to our late father. We hope this award will inspire others to give back to their wider community and we hope through the Naz Legacy Foundation we can continue to develop a new generation of public servants who are pillars of our society.’
What is BATCA: The Balham and Tooting Community Association (BATCA) was set up in February 2006 with the aim of encouraging closer relations between all sections of the local community. It uniquely draws together faith bodies (Churches Together, Tooting Islamic Centre and Balham Mosque, Sikh and Hindu bodies) and local businesses, voluntary organisations and the public sector bodies (eg Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, St George’s Hospital). BATCA’s membership has grown over the last couple of years and it is now representative of all sides of the community.
Judging Panel: Cllr Jane Cooper (Mayor of Wandsworth), Greg Ashman (London Fire Brigade), Sean Duggan (Editor – Newsquest Paper Group), David Chinchen (Borough Commander – Wandsworth Police), Neil Deans (St Georges Hosiptal), Jane Ellison MP & Rt Hon Sadiq Khan MP.
