Political Debut and Response
Sonika’s dramatic debut on the Labour party conference platform in 1999 was later heralded as an opportunity for change. She has come to be seen as the best chance to change the face of politics in Ealing Southall, and British politics generally, by contributing to a more representative and Inclusive Democracy. However, it seems that significant work needs to be done to change perceptions in different quarters concerning political leadership. In a 2007 opinion piece on the website of a national British paper, The Guardian, Ashok Viswanathan commented
Before we relish the prospect of lambasting the political parties for their inertia in combating prejudice, let us not forget the prejudice that stifles many of our young also comes from within communities. Pressures to confine their ambitions towards traditional careers prevents growth of talent. And the harsh truth is that those that suffer most are young women. That is why the efforts of Sonika in pursuing political ambitions are to be applauded. is a struggle against gender barriers, age barriers and race barriers, and this makes progress in the scheme and ongoing political successes that much more remarkable. If we are to see more of our young, like Sonika, follow in the paths of our great leaders from Nairoji to Jinah and Nehru, then opportunities must open up not just in the corridors of power at Westminster, but on the doorsteps of our communities. We must do more to encourage and inspire our young - especially women - to fulfil their political aspirations, and create a more representative and inclusive democracy.
Nirwal has publicly criticised the "old boys' club" in the Ealing Southall Labour party, claiming that they represent the old guard of Southall who "did not want change."
Read more about this topic: Sonika Nirwal
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“Martin, a woman hasn’t got any political opinions. I run this farm to suit myself. I’ll shoot the daylights out of anybody—British, Indian or American—that thinks he can come around here monkeyin’ in my business. That satisfy ya?”
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“Had I been less resolved to work, I would perhaps had made an effort to begin immediately. But since my resolution was formal and before twenty four hours, in the empty slots of the next day where everything fit so nicely because I was not yet there, it was better not to choose a night at which I was not well-disposed for a debut to which the following days proved, alas, no more propitious.... Unfortunately, the following day was not the exterior and vast day which I had feverishly awaited.”
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“Parents’ accepting attitudes can help children learn to be open and tolerant. Parents can explain unfamiliar behavior or physical handicaps and show children that the appropriate response to differences should be interest rather than revulsion.”
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