Press Release: Book Launch

Monday 1st May 2023

Over 600 people attended the Launch of Suresh Kumar’s new book “Follow that Dream” at Ilford Town Hall on Saturday 29th April 2023. Follow That Dream– Is dedicated to his beloved parents Pandit Kul Bhushan and Indra Bhardwaj. Follow that Dream is a True Story and for many British Indians, The tagline of the book , “The Sixties were far from Swinging”, will strike a chord with many immigrants who journeyed on similar path and opportunity is never far from those who seek it”.

The Book Launch was inaugurated by The Mayor of Redbridge Cllr Thavathuray Jeyaranjan, supported by Dr Honey Kalaria. Cllr Keith Prince GLA Member for Redbridge and Havering was also present along with Chief Superintendent of Met Police Carl Lindley and Business and Community Leaders. There was a Bollywood Concert held to raise funds for The Redbridge Mayors Charity King George at Goodmayes, Queens Hospital at Romford and One Place East Disability Charity in Ilford Essex.

The Mayor of Redbridge said ‘Suresh Kumar gave me the strength and encouragement for Redbridge’s entry into The New Year Parade January 2023, and due to his efforts and coordination we won First Prize of £15.000 and a trophy. He championed the business community and raised funds to support the New Year Parade entry.’ ‘It was his idea to showcase a Bollywood concert and he brought back into play his successful production Crazy for Kishore, featuring evergreen hits of legendary Kishore Kumar. Proceeds going to my three charities. He is an inspiration to many across Redbridge.’

Suresh Kumar said that he started writing notes by hand from 2010 and spoke to several family members of the era and crossed referenced their recollections “Ones thoughts are the map for the journey of Life”, said Suresh Kumar.

The story starts in Lahore, Pakistan prior to the 1947 partition, with the first generation of Kumar’s taking the difficult decision to move to Punjab, India and finally travelling for better prospects to the UK in 1955. It covers the challenges faced by those who found themselves starting from scratch in new surroundings, trying their best to provide for their families, whilst also trying to assimilate to an unknown environment and culture.

The Grand Parents and Parents were unique and always willing to assist each other to move up in life, unlike now days whereas it’s become very commercial and selfish. After 5 years of his arrival in UK, Pandit Kul Bhushan, Suresh Kumars father had settled several family members in the UK. Always wanting a better way of life for his brothers and sisters.

“This story is not unique to my family, as many early settlers have a similar story, but many have not bothered to keep an account of their journey and put pen to paper, It is important for the newer generation, born subsequently and to have a factual record of their forefather’s journey of trials, tribulations and challenges that were faced”, said Suresh Kumar.

‘It is my hope that this honest account of struggle, achievement and survival may strike a chord with some of you. I strongly feel, it is only by taking stock of the past and where one has come from that we are able to make the most of our present and set a direction for the future. This journey has allowed me to delve into the stories of yesteryear, reflect with family and friends on old tales and capture them for evermore in this book, before they get lost in the passage of time. It has been an extremely cathartic and reflective process which covers mistakes made, achievements won and crucially, the lessons learnt. I hope you enjoy my journey so far’, commented Suresh Kumar.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to this Country that we call home, Great Britain, which has welcomed us and gave an opportunity for us to prosper and succeed, with commitment and dedication, along with the determination to progress. There was no option, but to make it a success, for my parents”, stated Suresh Kumar.

It was the wish of Suresh that some proceeds of the book sale at Ilford Town Hall – Crazy for Kishore Concert go towards the Redbridge Mayors Charity.

Simultaneously, to support the Redbridge Mayors Charities a Bollywood Concert was held, artists singing evergreen songs of Kishore Kumar and featured British Indian Singers Micky Sethi, Joy Bhowmik, Sanjoy Dey and Manisha Sharma. UKs top band Hinal Pattani and The 515 Crew were in action. Suresh Kumar said, it’s great to see that the music and songs of Kishore Kumar are still in demand, and he remains the most popular artist to be played on the air waves across the world.

Follow that Dream by Suresh Kumar is priced @ £14.99. You can purchase the book from Suresh Kumar’s website www.sureshkumar.co.uk or online from Amazon.

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For further information on this Press Release please contact The Media Office of Suresh Kumar on 0208 514 5400 or 07956 649 210.