Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Inspiring journey of a pioneering spirit

Inspiring journey of a pioneering spirit

KAMLESH BAJAJ AND HER SOUTH ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH STORY OF HOPE

THE 2021 South Asian Heritage Month runs from July 18 to August 17.


The month-long celebration of south Asian history and culture is not complete without the pioneering stories of first-generation immigrants, who overcame incredible odds and went on inspiringly long journeys to the West, away from all they knew. Many of these stories are of everyday heroes like Kamlesh Bajaj, who passed away aged 84 earlier this year. Hers is a beautiful story that mirrors so many inspiring elders – which was told to Eastern Eye by her son Sushil Bajaj – of a journey from a small village to facing the horrors of Partition to laying the foundation for generations in the West.

Kamlesh Bajaj with her daughters 0123 Kamlesh Bajaj with her daughters

She was born, Kaushalaya Manuja, in Hanumangarh in undivided Punjab on October 22, 1937, to Chaudhary Sain Dass Manuja and Jind Vadi Manuja. She was the seventh of eight siblings and the youngest of the girls in a farming family. The spirited child insisted on going to school at a time when even a primary education was not common for girls in rural Punjab. Her deep desire was to be a doctor, but she was just given a rudimentary education. Sitting under a tree, slate in hand, the only girl in a classroom of boys acquired the basics of Hindi, Urdu, the English alphabet and a little arithmetic. She was not yet 10 years old when the family faced the horrors of Partition and had to move to India. After a period in refugee camps in the newly independent India, the family settled in the small village of Faridpur, which had no electricity, just had a handful of houses and was a long cart ride away from the nearest town. This sleepy little village would become home for almost 10 years and her entire world. She never imagined how far away from there her life’s journey would take her.

Kamlesh Bajaj with her husband Hari Chand Bajaj Kamlesh Bajaj with her husband Hari Chand Bajaj

On March 15, 1957, Kaushalaya married Hari Chand Bajaj. He was smitten from the very first time he secretly travelled to Faridpur to catch a glimpse of her, and in him she found the abiding love of her life. Soon after they married, Kaushalaya became Kamlesh. For more than 55 years they stood by each other through thick and thin.

The first film she saw with her husband was Naya Daur and a song from it, Sathi Hath Badhana became her life mantra. During their marriage, he would affectionately call her by many names, including Bhambiri, in recognition of her unflagging energy, but to her, he was always, Bajaj Saab. At the time of her marriage, Bajaj Saab was a constable in the Delhi police, and they set up their first home near Gol Dak-khana in New Delhi.

Kamlesh Bajaj with her children g016 Kamlesh Bajaj with her children

In 1959, he was presented with the opportunity to move to England to work in the security section of the Indian High Commission in London. A year later, Kamlesh travelled with her son, Sushil, and daughter, Sunita, by ship from Bombay to join him in London. Over the years, the birth of Rita, Tony, Anu, Suman and Madhu completed their family. In the fullness of time, she would also become an adoring grandmother to Vickesha, Jessica, Jason, Sakhee, Milli, Vishal, Manav, Nihaal, Cameron and Jasmine.

Kamlesh Bajaj with her husband and child WA0066

After Bajaj Saab completed his mandated stint in the High Commission, they decided to stay on in England and set up home in Slough. He found manual work in a factory and she concentrated on bringing up their children. Bajaj Saab gave up his job to start a small business selling Indian handicrafts and groceries, with Kamlesh by his side.

Kamlesh Bajaj with her husband Hari Chand Bajaj 10 Kamlesh Bajaj with her husband Hari Chand Bajaj

Not long after that they moved to London and bought their first grocery store on Shepherds Bush Road. For the next five decades through various businesses on Goldhawk Road, Shepherds Bush Market, Uxbridge Road, in Notting Hill Gate, on Marylebone Road, in Hammersmith and Ladbroke Grove, in Watford and in Wembley, Kamlesh worked untiringly with her husband, while bringing up her children.

Kamlesh Bajaj working in her shop g447 e1627021878709 Kamlesh Bajaj working in her shop

Though her education had been limited she acquired the skills to help run their various businesses as an equal partner. In 1974, after having trawled through a series of homes, often above or very close to their current business, Kamlesh and Bajaj Saab moved to a house in Wembley Park, which would become the family home filled with love for the next 47 years. Kamlesh was a dedicated wife to Bajaj Saab and a fiercely protective mother to her children, but her greatest achievement was that from the very early days she became an inspiration and a support to so many people who came from India after her. Despite her limited education, she used her spirit and warmth to communicate to a multitude the art of the possible.

Kamlesh Bajaj with her family 86 Kamlesh Bajaj with her family

Her open house, untiring and unflagging spirit, warmth, wisdom and hospitality made her the person to turn to. She became the anchor not only for her immediate family, but became Kamlesh ji, Badi Maa, Big Mummy, Bhabi ji, Didi ji to a whole community.

Her generosity and compassion became legendary. To this day her children are often approached by absolute strangers who speak of the profound effect she had on their lives. Her home became the centre of social life for the community and would host many traditional celebrations and treated everyone with abiding respect. Kamlesh gave her children the education she never had and saw them thrive. Her love and affection became life-altering for so many.

Kamlesh Bajaj 6180

Her Bajaj Saab passed away in 2012 and took with him Kamlesh’s will to live. Her health began to fail, and she was afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease. Yet, her presence continued to light up the lives of those she came in touch with. On March 15, 2021, she peacefully passed away in the presence of family. She left a legion of admirers and loved ones, to be with her Bajaj Saab again, on what was their 64th wedding anniversary. All her siblings pre-deceased her, as did so many of her loved ones. They will be having quite a get together in heaven.

More For You

Turkey wildfires 2025

The Turkey wildfires have not been limited to Izmir

Getty Images

Turkey wildfires disrupt travel as Izmir airport closes

Key points

  • Tourists stranded after Foça wildfire halts flights at Izmir airport
  • At least 550 people evacuated from homes in the region
  • Over 600 personnel deployed to contain the blaze
  • Strong winds and heat raise risk of further fires

Wildfires force airport shutdown in Turkish holiday hotspot

Hundreds of UK tourists, including several from Glasgow, have been left stranded after major wildfires swept through a popular holiday destination in western Turkey, forcing the closure of Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport.

The blaze broke out in the resort town of Foça, near Izmir, and was rapidly intensified by strong winds, prompting large-scale evacuations and flight disruptions. All operations at the airport were suspended from 4 pm local time due to ongoing extinguishing efforts, with multiple flights reportedly diverted.

Keep ReadingShow less
Shefali Jariwala

Glutathione and anti ageing drugs under spotlight after Shefali Jariwala death

Instagram/shefalijariwala

Did anti-ageing pills, beauty supplements and glutathione trigger Shefali Jariwala’s death?

Quick highlights:

  • Shefali Jariwala died at 42 in Mumbai after reportedly collapsing post-fast; cause of death suspected to be cardiac arrest or blood pressure drop.
  • Police found anti-ageing pills, vitamin supplements, and glutathione injections at her residence.
  • Doctors stress the risks of unsupervised use of hormone-based and anti-ageing treatments.
  • Final post-mortem report expected in two days; no foul play suspected, case treated as accidental death.

The untimely death of actor-model Shefali Jariwala has sparked renewed concern over the unregulated use of anti-ageing treatments and self-medication. The 42-year-old, best known for her appearance in Kaanta Laga, was declared dead on arrival at a Mumbai hospital on Friday night. Initial investigations suggest she may have suffered a cardiac arrest following a steep drop in blood pressure, possibly linked to taking supplements on an empty stomach.

Keep ReadingShow less
Prada 2026 sandals

Prada acknowledges Indian influence behind its Spring Summer 2026 men’s footwear

Instagram/prada/iStock

Prada finally acknowledges Kolhapuri chappals inspired 2026 sandals after Indian backlash over Milan show

Quick highlights:

• Prada confirms Indian roots behind 2026 ‘leather sandals’ after controversy
• Indian artisans and officials accused the brand of cultural appropriation
• The footwear resembles traditional Kolhapuri chappals with GI status
• Prada says designs are still in development and open to dialogue with India

Keep ReadingShow less
Anna Wintour

Wintour’s style of leadership earned her the nickname “Nuclear Wintour”

Getty Images

Anna Wintour steps down as editor of US Vogue after 37 years

Key points

  • Anna Wintour steps down as editor of US Vogue after 37 years
  • She will remain Vogue’s global editorial director and hold senior roles at Condé Nast
  • Wintour transformed US Vogue into a global fashion authority
  • The 75-year-old has received numerous honours, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom

End of an era at US Vogue

Anna Wintour has stepped down as the editor of US Vogue, bringing to a close a 37-year tenure that redefined the publication and saw her become one of the most influential figures in global fashion.

The announcement was made on Thursday (26 June) during a staff meeting in New York. Wintour, 75, will no longer oversee the day-to-day editorial operations of Vogue’s US edition. However, she will continue to serve as Vogue’s global editorial director and Condé Nast’s chief content officer, maintaining senior leadership roles across the company.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nadiya Hussain

She also reassured her followers that “exciting” new projects are on the way

Getty Images

“I won’t always be grateful” says Nadiya Hussain after BBC axes her cookery show

Key points

  • Nadiya Hussain confirms BBC will not renew her cookery series
  • Bake Off winner challenges expectations to remain “grateful”
  • She says hard work and talent, not luck, brought her success
  • Celebrities, including Annie Lennox and Fearne Cotton, show support

BBC ends decade-long collaboration with Bake Off star

Nadiya Hussain has spoken out after the BBC decided not to commission another cookery programme with her. The popular TV chef, who won The Great British Bake Off in 2015, shared her views on social media, stating that she “won’t always be grateful” and should not be expected to remain silent about career setbacks.

The decision ends a nearly 10-year working relationship between the broadcaster and Hussain, who has hosted several well-received cookery shows under the BBC banner. In her latest Instagram video, she addressed the public’s reaction and emphasised her right to expect more from her career.

Keep ReadingShow less