We hope you are all keeping safe and well and enjoying the warm weather.
It has been another busy month for us here at CFI, and we are delighted to be taking our message across the country as we continue to expand our Ambassador Programme and organise more events for our growing community.
We recently had a productive meeting with Nigel Huddleston MP as part of our ongoing engagement with the Shadow Cabinet. We were also pleased to welcome Shivani Raja MP for an inspiring opening event in our new My Political Journey series. Our sincere thanks go to all the members who attended and contributed to the discussion. We also thank our Ambassador Naeha for hosting an excellent event in her North West London patch, it was a great night enjoyed by all.
We have an exciting programme of events planned throughout the summer, and we would be delighted to see you there. Please find further details below.
North-West London Event with Ambassador Naeha
Our Co-Chairs, Dr Koolesh Shah and Sir Oliver Dowden CBE MP, were delighted to join David Simmonds MP, Shadow Minister for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, at a special event hosted by our Ambassador Naeha on 17th June.
With more than 50 members and supporters in attendance, the evening was a fantastic opportunity to bring together friends of Conservative Friends of India for an engaging discussion on the issues that matter most to our communities. Guests enjoyed the chance to hear from our speakers, exchange ideas and strengthen the relationships that are so important to our growing network.
A particular thank you goes to Naeha, whose hard work and dedication ensured the event was such a success. From bringing together an excellent audience to creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, she delivered a memorable evening for everyone who attended.
We are also grateful to David Simmonds MP for sharing his insights, and to all those who joined us. The event was a wonderful example of the community spirit that continues to drive CFI's work across the country.
My Political Journey Session with Shivani Raja MP
We were delighted to welcome Shivani Raja, MP for Leicester East, as the inaugural speaker in our new My Political Journey series.
The online session attracted members and supporters from across the country, who joined to hear Shivani share her inspiring journey into politics and her experience securing the Conservative Party's only gain in the 2024 General Election.
Drawing on her personal experiences, Shivani spoke candidly about the importance of perseverance, effective campaigning and strong community engagement. She provided valuable insights into political communication and leadership, offering practical advice for those interested in becoming more involved in politics and public service.
A particular highlight of the discussion was Shivani's reflection on the challenges and opportunities she encountered throughout her campaign, as well as the lessons she has learned since entering Parliament. Members were also given the opportunity to ask questions, leading to an engaging and interactive conversation.
We would like to thank Shivani for taking the time to share her experiences and insights with our members. Her passion and commitment to public service made for a truly inspiring first event in the series.
We look forward to welcoming more distinguished speakers in the coming months as we continue to explore the experiences of leading Conservative politicians.
Meeting with Nigel Huddleston MP
Our Co-Chair Dr Koolesh Shah greatly enjoyed meeting with Nigel Huddleston MP at the start of this month. Nigel currently serves as Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and is the Member of Parliament for Droitwich and Evesham.
During the meeting, Dr Shah discussed the continued growth and impact of Conservative Friends of India, highlighting the organisation’s role in strengthening engagement between the British Indian community and the Conservative Party. The conversation also explored the significant contribution of Indian culture, media and sport to British society, from the success of the British Indian creative industries to the growing opportunities for UK–India collaboration in film, television and entertainment. They also considered ways to expand CFI’s outreach across the country and promote the shared values and deep people-to-people connections that underpin the UK–India partnership.
Wiltshire and Swindon Branch Event
We are also pleased to be promoting a partnership event with Wiltshire and Swindon Conservatives on Friday 17th July. The evening promises excellent food and high-level networking opportunities, featuring our Patron MP and Honorary Vice Chair Gagan Mohindra. We would love to see many of our members and supporters there. Please contact Dr Monica to express your interest or secure your place on the below link.
https://buytickets.at/wiltshireareamanagementteam/2238298
