Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
British Indian singer Jaz Dhami started a fundraising appeal for brother who had been diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer and was given just 'six months to live'.
Dhami's brother Harvey has been diagnosed with Glioblastoma, an incurable and the most aggressive brain cancer, three months ago.
"Harvey has a rare strain of this disease (Diffused Midline Glioma H3K27M) and doctors in the UK cannot remove the tumour and can only offer an intense six week course of radiotherapy. I want to give my brother the best chance of exceeding the six month mark and to give him the opportunity to celebrate his sons first birthday, spend quality time with his wife and family," the Handsworth-born singer wrote on the GoFundMe page, Doing it for Harvey, he created for his brother.
"At 43 years old, he still deserves a shot at living a long healthy life and to be with us as long as possible."
The singer created the page on November 16 to raise £150,000 for the treatment. As on Wednesday (23), £107,699 has been raised. The family is considering to increase the goal to £300,000, as the treatment will be more expensive than imagined.
According to Dhami, there is an innovative new immunotherapy that Harvey can have, following his radiotherapy, with proven statistics and extended survival results. He added that the treatment is not available in the UK.
"I have set up this page to raise the funds required to get Harvey this treatment in Germany to prolong his life, to make memories and enjoy his new family. He deserves to get old, he deserves to raise his son and he deserves to be with his family," he said.
"I never thought our family would be in this situation, and I’d never wish this on anyone. But, If I can give my brother any chance available to stay with us for as long as possible, I really need your help to achieve this."
Dhami's original name is Jaswinder Singh Dhami. He is a native of Sandhra Sodhia in the Hoshiarpur district and is of Punjabi, Indian-origin.
He was raised in Birmingham, Handsworth. At the age of nine, the British Asian began his musical journey, undertaking tutorials in Indian classical training in Birmingham, England.
Sadiq Khan calls Diwali on the Square a “festival of unity” celebrating London’s diversity.
Thousands gathered at Trafalgar Square for music, dance, food and family-friendly activities.
Organised by Diwali in London Committee with Chinmaya Mission UK as chair.
Deputy High Commissioner Kartik Pande calls Diwali a symbol of India-UK friendship.
MAYOR of London Sadiq Khan described this year’s Diwali on the Square at Trafalgar Square as a festival of unity that brought hundreds of people together over the weekend.
The annual free event, themed “Educate, Illuminate, Celebrate”, drew long queues stretching for miles as crowds gathered for Indian music, dance performances, devotional bhajans, and street food stalls. The family-friendly activities included sari and turban tying, yoga and meditation sessions, henna art, puppet shows, and dance workshops.
“Those of you here are proud Londoners, proudly British, proudly English, but also proudly Hindu, Sikh and Jain; you can be a proud Londoner and celebrate Diwali,” Khan said, addressing the crowd.
“Yet there are people across our country and across the globe that try and divide communities, try and turn one against the other – turn Hindus against Sikhs, or Muslims against Jews, or Christians against Buddhists, you show our city at its very, very best. You show the importance of the teachings of Diwali… how light defeats darkness, good defeats evil,” he said.
Thank you to everyone who joined us to share in the spirit of Diwali on Trafalgar Square today and celebrate the triumph of light over darkness.
I wish a very happy Diwali to London’s Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities as they celebrate next week. pic.twitter.com/sollzFChF0 — Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) October 12, 2025
The Mayor said Diwali celebrations in the “most famous square in the world” represent why London is the “greatest city in the world”.
Diwali on the Square was organised in partnership with the volunteer-led Diwali in London (DiL) committee, supported this year by Chinmaya Mission UK as chair, along with partner organisations Remitly, Lidl, and Daawat.
“It has been a privilege to serve as part of the chair team in helping to coordinate this spectacular and popular annual event in the heart of London’s iconic square, which brings together a diverse range of organisations and communities in a spirit of unity,” said Dr Milen Shah of Chinmaya Mission UK.
“This enjoyable, educational, and wonderful event will shine a light on the deeper meaning and purpose of Diwali for all who attend,” he said.
The celebration opened with around 200 dancers from different parts of India performing in the centre of Trafalgar Square, followed by musical performances and dance-dramas depicting the story of Diwali and how it is celebrated across communities.
“At its core, Diwali is a joyful celebration of the universal values of harmony, strength in diversity and hope,” said Kartik Pande, Deputy High Commissioner of India to the UK.
“This festival also epitomises the energy, creativity and contribution of the Indian diaspora and community that has enriched the very fabric of the social life of this great city. It is also a vibrant symbol of the India-UK friendship, and the recently concluded successful visit of Prime Minister Starmer (to India) adds another element of bonhomie,” he said.
Starmer was in Mumbai last week for a two-day visit during which both countries agreed to give fresh momentum to the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and build on opportunities from the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) agreed in July.
“We are honoured to join London’s South Asian communities in marking this significant cultural tradition, one that continues to enrich the city’s diverse fabric while inspiring people worldwide,” said a spokesperson for international money transfer firm Remitly.
“As a company dedicated to fostering connection and care, we take pride in supporting this important festival and reinforcing our ongoing commitment to the communities we serve,” the spokesperson said.
“With cultural marquees and family-friendly activities throughout the square, there was something for everyone to enjoy,” added Sarita Menon from the Diwali in London Committee.
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