London: Former Member of Parliament for Ealing Southall, Virendra Sharma, has been awarded the prestigious Freedom of the Borough of Ealing, one of the highest civic honours, in recognition of his exceptional and lifelong contribution to public service and community leadership.
The honour celebrates more than five decades of unwavering dedication to the people of Ealing and beyond. Throughout his distinguished career, Sharma has been a prominent advocate for equality, social justice, and community cohesion, playing a vital role in strengthening ties across diverse communities.
Expressing his gratitude, Sharma described the recognition as “deeply humbling,” adding that Ealing has been his home for over 50 years. He dedicated the award to his wife Nirmala, his family, and the wider community that supported his journey. He emphasized his lifelong commitment to serving people with “humility, dignity, and an unwavering belief in secularism, equality, unity, and fairness.”
Sharma’s public service journey began soon after his arrival in United Kingdom, where he became actively involved in grassroots community work, trade unions, and youth engagement initiatives. He was first elected as a councillor in the London Borough of Ealing in 1982, later serving as Mayor, before becoming MP for Ealing Southall in 2007—a role he held until 2024.
Over the years, his work has spanned key areas including housing, education, and youth development. He is also widely recognized for his efforts in promoting human rights, fostering interfaith dialogue, and strengthening diaspora relations.
The Freedom of the Borough is awarded to individuals who have rendered eminent service or brought significant distinction to the area, making Sharma’s recognition a testament to his enduring legacy in public life.
