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Councillor Akbar Chaudhary took up his post during the Annual
Meeting of the council on Thursday.
Cllr Chaudhary has represented Forest Gate South ward for 18
years and has seen many changes, not only his own area but in
Newham as a whole.
Born in India and raised in Pakistan, he now runs a business in
Green Street and has a BA in Art Studies.
Cllr Chaudhary has held several positions within the council
including chair of housing, chair of environment and planning
committees and chair of scrutiny.
He has also been vice-chair of Newham Rights Centre, treasurer
of Newham Council for Racial Equality (now called REIN) and
executive member and chair of Newham Ethnic Welfare Association and
vice-chair of Green Street South Traders Association.
The new Civic Ambassador has very high hopes for the future of
residents living and working in the borough. He said: "I shall
spend my year in office meeting and serving the people of Newham to
the best of my abilities. I shall be spreading the word of how I
value the future of Newham and the prosperity that shall come from
this harmonious, multicultural society wherever I go."
Cllr Chaudhary has chosen Canning Town-based Community Links as
his main charity. He is also looking at other deserving
organisations, particularly within the field of diabetes.
Of his predecessor, Cllr Omana Gangadharan, he said: "Omana has
done a fantastic job and raised a substantial amount for her chosen
charities. All I can do is hope I am just as fortunate with the
support I receive and raise a similar amount."
The Civic Ambassador's consort is his wife Rahat. The couple
have been married for 40 years, have three children and nine
grandchildren. He has appointed Cllr Zulfiqar Ali as his religious
adviser.
The Deputy Civic Ambassador and deputy chair of council is East
Ham North Ward Councillor Paul Sathianesan. His consort is his
sister-in-law Christina Jebanefan.
Also at the Annual Meeting, Cllr Amarjit Singh was congratulated
for serving as a Newham councillor for 30 years. He is the longest
serving elected member of the council. Cllr Singh was presented
with a gift of two photographs of Manor Park, the ward which he
represents. |