eLanka UK | lford trio in Queen’s Birthday Honours list – By Victoria Munro

Source:-yellowad

Three people from Ilford have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for their services to medicine, the law and the Sikh community.

Barrister Islamuddin Chowdhary, 79, and social worker Parminder Kaur Kondrai, 65, will be made members of the order of the British empire (MBE).

Dr Hareen De Silva, 35, a GP who began his medical career in Ilford, will receive a British Empire Medal (BEM).

The list was meant to be published in June but was postponed so that those who played crucial roles during the coronavirus pandemic could be added.

GP who treated Covid patients

Dr De Silva is described as “one of the brightest young GP leaders in the country” and started his medical career at Barking, Redbridge and Havering University Hospitals NHS Trust.

He is commended for working “in some of the most challenging conditions for front-line health workers” treating Covid patients at Nightingale Hospital from April 18 to May 06.

The list notes: “He applied for this job fully knowing that he would have to live away from his family and put himself at risk as a BAME doctor.”

While working previously as a GP in Doncaster, he spent his free time, such as lunch breaks and in between shifts, volunteering as a street doctor for the homeless.

Barrister who worked pro bono for vulnerable clients

Islamuddin Chowdhary will be made an MBE after working as a barrister for more than 37 years.

The list notes: “He puts others before himself in his profession and assists those who are less able or privileged.”

His specialities as a lawyer include disputes between landlords and tenants, professional negligence and immigration work.

He has also been an active member of his local social action group, encouraging residents to keep the streets clean of litter, fly tipping and dog fouling, and the Neighbourhood Watch.

Council worker helping Sikh patients

Parminder Kaur Kondrai will become an MBE for her work as a co-ordinator for the Sikh Healthcare Chaplaincy.

The list notes that, over the years, she has trained more than 100 health professionals on how to better care for their Sikh patients.

Mrs Kondrai recently began working for Redbridge Community Adult Social Care Team, interpreting and counselling in Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu.

She also volunteers as general secretary of the Sikh women’s alliance and organises the annual International Women’s Day event.