From India to the House of Lords: How Indian-Origin Leaders Are Shaping Britain’s Public Life Through Merit and Service
In a moment that underlines the growing global footprint of the Indian diaspora, four distinguished leaders of Indian origin have been nominated as Labour Party peers to the House of Lords, the Upper House of the British Parliament.
Their elevation, confirmed earlier this month by Keir Starmer and formally approved by King Charles III, is a testament to decades of hard work, public service, and unwavering commitment to the societies they now call home — without ever losing touch with their roots.
The four new peers — Geeta Nargund, Uday Nagaraju, Neena Gill, and Shama Tatler — exemplify how members of the Indian-origin community have not only integrated into British public life but have helped shape it at the highest levels.
Excellence Rooted in Service
Professor Geeta Nargund, a globally respected women’s health expert, has been recognised for a career devoted to reproductive medicine, health equity, and gender justice.
Founder of CREATE Fertility and the Health Equality Foundation, she has worked tirelessly to expand access to fertility care and address deep-rooted health inequalities.
Her official citation describes her as an academic, founder, diversity champion, and campaigner for gender equality — a reflection of how professional excellence, when paired with social conscience, can create lasting impact.
Her journey resonates far beyond Britain, inspiring women and healthcare professionals across India and the wider world.
Technology With a Moral Compass
Uday Nagaraju, founder of AI Policy Labs, has been elevated for his commitment to ensuring that artificial intelligence serves society rather than undermines it.
With over two decades of experience in the technology sector, Nagaraju has advised organisations on digital transformation while championing responsible, ethical AI.
Equally significant has been his work nurturing political leadership among British Indians through the Mahatma Gandhi Future Leaders Programme — a symbolic bridge between India’s philosophical legacy and Britain’s democratic future.
His peerage signals the importance of technology leadership guided by values, not just innovation.
A Voice From Punjab to Europe and Beyond
Born in Ludhiana and raised in Britain from the age of 10, Neena Gill represents the classic diaspora story of resilience and achievement.
A former Member of the European Parliament for the West Midlands, she played a key role in shaping legislation on financial regulation and digital content during her tenure in Brussels.
Awarded a CBE for services to the community, Gill has also chaired Sikhs for Labour, amplifying minority voices within mainstream politics.
Her experience spans housing, technology multinationals, and the voluntary sector — proving that leadership forged across sectors can enrich governance at the national level.
A Historic First for the Jain Community
Among the new peers, Shama Tatler stands out as a rising grassroots leader and a symbol of representation.
A councillor from Brent in north-west London and vice-chair of Labour Indians, she will become the first Jain to serve in the UK Parliament.
Calling her nomination an “extraordinary honour,” Tatler said her public life has been shaped by the Jain values of compassion, service, and non-violence.
Her entry into the House of Lords is not only a personal milestone but also a moment of pride for the global Jain community and for young British Indians aspiring to public service.
A Broader Political Context
These four peerages are part of Labour’s 25 nominations, widely seen as an effort by the Starmer-led government to rebalance the House of Lords, where Conservatives currently enjoy a numerical advantage.
The move also aligns with Labour’s manifesto commitment to reform the Upper House, including the eventual removal of hereditary peers.
A Shared Pride, Across Borders
Together, these appointments tell a larger story: of Indian-origin professionals who, through sincerity, integrity, and public-spirited leadership, have earned the trust of their adopted country while bringing quiet honour to the land of their ancestry.
Their presence in Britain’s highest legislative chamber reinforces the idea that migration, when coupled with opportunity and effort, enriches both nations — the one that offers a home, and the one that gave them their roots.
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