DEMOCRACY in its simplest form starts in a small way at local level, with neighbourhood or parish councils bringing people together to work for the good of their community. In this way individuals can make a real difference to those around them, with no expectation of reward.
This was the message shared by Mohammed Farooq, president of North West Cambridgeshire Conservative Association when he was invited to speak on the subject of democracy a few days ago, at the Hindu Temple in Peterborough.
Cllr Farooq, who represents Hargate and Hempsted ward on Peterborough City Council, was welcomed by Mr Kishor Ladwa, president of Bharat Hindu Samaj. Just a few weeks earlier, Mr Ladwa and other key committee members were guests of our MP Shailesh Vara at Diwali celebrations hosted at the Houses of Parliament, the heart of democracy in this country.
Cllr Farooq explained that many parish councillors and community or charity volunteers, move on to become city or district councillors, gaining vital experience for those who may aspire to greater things... perhaps following in the footsteps of our MP - or even our Prime Minister Rishi Sunak!
He told us the young members of the Temple were especially engaged: "Judging by their questions I am sure many will go on to hold public office," he said. "I was honoured to be invited to speak at the Temple, to explain the different tiers of our democratic system which enables our voices to be heard. I especially enjoyed meeting so many budding 'Rishi Sunaks'. As a city councillor active in the wider community it was a learning experience for me, too," he added.
