Great Britain is facing a difficult challenge to promote British Values, British identity and stop radicalisation of young British citizens who are not seeing themselves as a part of this tolerant,accepting and caring society. Sad news of Mr Talha Asmal, a 17 years old teenager from Yorkshire, becoming the latest victim of radicalisation by blowing himself in the battle of ISIS in Iraq which had no connection with people living in this country, adds to the horror of British Asians living in UK. Time has come when communities should also share responsibility with Government in dealing with young British citizens, educating and helping them about their sense of identity and belonging.
BOPA, British Organisation for People of Asian-Origin, has been working hard to promote British Identity, British values, integration, community cohesion and peace amongst British Asians are organising an event titled - “BOPA remembers Commonwealth Contribution in World War 1” on Friday 19th June - 10.00 to 12.30 hrs at Belgrade Theatre, Belgrade Square, Coventry CV1 1GS. Nearly all the Secondary schools from Coventry and some schools from Birmingham are supporting this event.
"We believe that story of bravery and sacrifices of Black & Asian soldiers in World War-1 must be told to younger citizens of British Society. They need to feel proud of the fact that they are not just sons & daughters of immigrants but their forebears fought bravely & sacrificed their lives without which the peaceful British Society that we live in would not have been possible. We believe that this change in self-perception will enhance integration, community cohesions and peace and help us to build a better nation."
The event will be attended by Senior Officers, soldiers and cadets from Royal Navy, Air Force and Army in their ceremonial uniforms. There will be exhibitions and displays of decommissioned weapons, Body Armours, uniforms, helmets and other memorabilia from WW1 which would be a great learning resource for history & citizenship. It will also encourage younger members from schools and universities to think of servicemen & police as friends and not enemies.
