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.
To help individuals and local communities during COVID-19 pandemic, the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) in the UK has launched a nationwide ‘Connect and Care’ community care programme.
Following the call by its spiritual leader His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS mobilised hundreds of volunteers in more than 30 areas around the UK to help support the elderly and needy in local communities.
Under the programme, volunteers are reaching out to over 1,500 elderly and vulnerable people in the community regularly to collect shopping, medication and running essential errands, where required.
In Harrow and Brent in London, more than 400 tiffins were given to needy. As many as 70 tonnes of fresh fruit, vegetables and grocery bags were given to charitable organisations.
BAPS also Supports five hospitals in the UK, including the newly opened Nightingale Hospital, by providing food as well as letters of appreciation for their heroic staff.
Yogen Shah, a volunteer at the Mandir, said, “His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj has inspired and energised us to serve and support the people of this country and stand by them in their time of need. We’re praying together for this pandemic to subside and for God to provide strength to all.”
Volunteers have posted more than 1,500 letters to residents of local communities neighbouring all BAPS mandirs in the UK, offering support. Also, phone calls were made to over 6,000 families across the nation to enquire about their well being.
BAPS took the initiative to make public announcements and publications, to provide important advice on remaining stable and healthy, and to support individuals as well as businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A series of health awareness videos and presentations in English and Gujarati to educate the public on its collective responsibility to help stem the rapid spread of this deadly virus were also held.
The BAPS has also participated in national initiatives related to the pandemic. A special Nilkanth Varni Abhishek (ritual bathing) ceremony was performed by swamis at the Neasden Temple, and simultaneously by devotees in their homes, on 22 March as part of BAPS’s observance of UK’s National Day of Prayer and Action.
Various mandirs in the UK, including the Neasden Temple, were illuminated in blue on 25 March as a mark of respect and gratitude for the tireless and selfless NHS workers.
A Coronavirus Relief Fund has been set up by BAPS. To donate visit londonmandir.baps.org.
Chef Asma Khan calls for an end to macho kitchens and celebrates older women in professional cooking.
Advocates unionising hospitality and improving working conditions across the industry.
Explains founding the Second Daughters Foundation to support girls’ education in India.
Discusses the political role of food in promoting labour rights and dignity.
Redefining kitchens and leadership
In the latest episode of Shami’s Speakeasy, chef and campaigner Asma Khan joined host Shami Chakrabarti to discuss justice, feminism, race and the politics of food. Chakrabarti described Khan as “not so much a celebrity chef as a revolutionary chef.”
Khan highlighted her all-women team at Darjeeling Express, many of whom are grandmothers, calling it “a powerhouse.” Rejecting the macho culture of celebrity kitchens, she said the average age of women cooking in her kitchen is 50, demonstrating that older women are central to professional cooking.
Unionising hospitality and work-life challenges
Khan spoke candidly about labour conditions in hospitality and the impossibility of perfect work-life balance for shift workers and entrepreneurs. She called for restaurant workers to unionise, reflecting on exploitation during COVID and ongoing staffing pressures: “Without collective action, we can never get anywhere.”
She also shared her approach to parenting and entrepreneurship: “There is no word called ‘balance’ for some of us. The only way out is to forgive yourself and keep going.”
Second Daughters and food as a force for change
As a second daughter, Khan founded the Second Daughters Foundation, supporting girls’ education in India through school meals and practical assistance for those most likely to be kept at home.
Khan also described food as a political tool, using it to “shake the world gently” while emphasising labour, dignity and respect alongside ingredients.
Episode details
Shami’s Speakeasy: Asma Khan is available on all major podcast platforms from 15 October 2025. Additional resources and artwork inspired by the discussion will be shared in the Speakeasy Zine on the show’s website and to subscribers.
Asma Khan is the founder of Darjeeling Express, London, and an advocate for dignity in hospitality and women’s rights. Shami Chakrabarti is a human rights lawyer, legislator, and broadcaster who hosts Shami’s Speakeasy as a forum for honest conversations on values, ethics and social change.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.