Press Release: 27th June 2023

Follow that Dream by Suresh Kumar

Book Launch – House of Commons

On a splendid Summers Evening with a perfect back drop setting at The House of Commons 125 guests at full capacity at the Palace of Westminster on 26th June 2023 all came together to support the launch of Suresh Kumar’s book “Follow that Dream.”

Follow that Dream is an honest autobiographical account, which starts with his parents journey from post partition Indian in 1947 to Great Britain and new beginnings. Suresh talks about his early life, his families struggles of adapting and building a new life abroad and the challenges he faced whilst growing up. It is an interesting and moving story of a young man in a world so culturally different from that of his parents.

Follow that Dream by Suresh Kumar was formally launched at a special event at the House of Commons. The evening was attended by Lord Jeffrey Archery, the multi-million selling author of worldwide renowned novels such as “Kane and Abel” and “Not a penny more, Not a penny less.”

The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, friends and supporters of the author. Lord Rami Ranger , Bob Blackman MP Harrow East, Virendra Sharma MP Ealing Southall, Cllr Keith Prince London Assembly Redbridge & Havering, Cllr Anjana Patel , Neera Arora UK Head Sony TV, Chief Superintendent Carl Lindley- Metropolitan Police Service, Dr Honey Kalaria- UK Bollywood Ambassador, Navin Kundra-famed singer amongst others….There were many amusing anecdotes and heart warming stories shared by individuals who had read the book and resonated with the story.

Lord Archer spoke of the time and energy it takes to write a book. He also revealed his own writing process and shared his view on how important the Indian community is in the UK. All those present wished the author success with this venture and wanted to know if there were plans to write further books. “There is a sequel in the planning,” said Suresh.

Lord Archer said that he was honoured to attend the book launch of Suresh Kumar’s “Follow that Dream,” at The House of Commons. He said that he had known Suresh for 23 years and always found him to be dynamic and a loyal friend. They had met when Lord Archer was running for London Mayor. He also said that book writing was not easy, but everyone has one book within them. Lord Archer said it was only his Conservative Party that has provided the opportunity today for the first Indian Origin Prime Minister – Rishi Sunak – in the UK.

Lord Rami Ranger remarked that Suresh Kumar had worked tirelessly in politics and made this career more accessible for ethnic communities. He explained how the path had been forged for other Indians to flourish and follow.

Bob Blackman MP said that in his constituency of Harrow East there is a vibrant Indian community, who he has supported over the years. Most have a similar story to tell of humble beginnings and working hard to establish themselves and giving a better future for their families. The Indian family has always prioritised good education for their children and this shows in the economy today.

Virendra Sharma MP Southall Ealing said that he has known Suresh and his family for many years, starting with the association from Punjab, India. He spoke about the challenges he faced when settling in the UK and the importance of documenting these stories for future generations.

Neeraj Arora UK Head Sony TV, reflected upon his own experiences in climbing the careers ladder in the world of Media and Broadcasting, to now leading the UK operation of a multimillion-dollar corporation. He stressed the importance of hard work, consistency and taking your opportunities.

Cllr Keith Prince London Assembly Member Redbridge & Havering, spoke about how both he and Suresh started in politics in Redbridge over 20 years ago and became good friends, assisting each other with canvassing. He explained that the focus of their work has always been to make Redbridge a better place for its residents. He also spoke about his fundraising work with Suresh to provide more for the local community.

Cllr Anjana Patel of Harrow said that Suresh Kumar was always there to give advice, support and was always generous in sharing his contacts and success which helped her succeed in politics. They were the initial members of The Conservative Parties Cultural Unit, which was set up in 2001 by William Haque to increase participation from the ethnic communities in Politics. Cllr Patel went on to explain how she had worked hard in Harrow for its residents, mainly from The Indian Sub-Continent. She was successful and campaigned to win several seats on Harrow Council.

Chief Superintendent Carl Lindley hosted the event and explained that he had known Suresh from when he was stationed in Redbridge as a Community Police Officer and that they had worked together on several community welfare projects and increasing cultural awareness.

Dr Honey Kalaria, Bollywood Ambassador UK, said that she has known Suresh for 30 years as they have worked on many fund raising and concert events together. They had won first prize for Redbridge in the London’s New Year Parade in 2000, when Cllr John Lovell was Mayor of Redbridge and came together again in 2023 to win first prize of £15,000 and a Grand trophy in support of King George Hospital and Queens Hospital in Redbridge and Havering. Dr Kalaria is famous for “Honey’s Dance Academy,” a dance school to encourage youngsters to participate in the arts, across London. A tireless community worker and always giving her time to assist those less fortunate, Honey explained that Suresh had been a pillar of support over the years and been available to support worthwhile causes.

Navin Kundra singing sensation said he was thrilled to be invited and that Follow that Dream by Suresh Kumar would be a super hit, as it resonates with so many people who have travelled from India and the Sub Continent to the UK. He described the book as “A true success story accumulating from hard work and dedication to family and friends.”

Celebrity Radio Personality, Bali Brahmbhatt of Lyca Gold Radio was amazed at the setting of The Palace of Westminster and was delighted by the book launch. He said that Suresh Kumar was worthy of all the success, as he has shown that if one works with honesty and determination all is possible and one can succeed in life. He is a people’s man and always goes out of his way to assist others in life. He has surely Followed his Dreams and reached for the skies.

Suresh Kumar Author of Follow that Dream said that he was humbled by everyone’s love, affection and kind words of support. He started business at the young age of 16 and established Indra Travel in East London, one of the successful Travel & Aviation companies to the Indian Sub-Continent and is always grateful to its clients for the support over the year. The office was named in beloved memory of his Mother, Indra. Suresh Kumar felt it was an honour to have Lord Archer conduct the book launch in the prestigious House of Commons. “It was important for me that the newer generation have a factual account of our humble beginnings from Lahore Pakistan in 1947, to Punjab India and the journey in 1955 to UK. As our grandparents and parents are no longer around, memories tend to fade, therefore it was important to have a historic fact of their journey, facing trials and tribulations upon their route. Follow that Dream is dedicated to all those families who have travelled a similar journey, to that of my family. My story is not unique, I am sure it is narrated across many households around the World. But many have not put pen to paper and wrote about their own experience. There is so much that we owe to Great Britain, for giving us those opportunities to be a fabric of this Country we all call home.”

Suresh Kumar was described as a businessman, inspiration, community leader, family man and most of all, a supportive person, always ready to help others.

Suresh Kumar said that he is what he is because of his parents and owed them a debt of gratitude, which could never be repaid. They were humble and sincere and made many sacrifices for their family. They never had the time to enjoy a good life, as always working to put food on the table. When times became better, they passed. One great regret in my life, is that I was unable to provide better for them, which they surely deserved.

It is Suresh Kumar’s hope that “Follow that dream” also serves as an inspiration to the next generation who should feel that the sky is the limit as long as they “Follow that Dream.”

End.

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