Leicester, May 17, 2025 — In a landmark development for Leicester’s Indian community, the Brits Desi Society (BDS), in partnership with the Indian High Commission, successfully hosted the city’s first-ever Consular Camp on Saturday, May 17. The event took place at the Shree Lohana Mahajan Leicester, Gheewala Centre, drawing a strong turnout from across the local Indian diaspora.
The initiative stemmed from persistent requests raised during community meetings in 2024, where Leicester’s Indian residents voiced the challenges of traveling long distances for essential consular services. Responding to these concerns, BDS Chairman Mr. Rishu Walia formally engaged with the Indian High Commission to advocate for a local solution.
Thanks to Mr. Walia’s sustained efforts, the Indian Consulate General in Birmingham agreed to conduct the camp in Leicester. On the day of the event, a team from the Consulate provided vital services including passport renewals, OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) applications, and other documentation support — all on-site.
The camp was graced by distinguished guests, including Mr. Rupert Matthews, Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire, and Cllr Manjula Sood, High Bailiff, who represented the Mayor of Leicester. Their presence underscored the importance of the occasion for both the Indian and wider Leicester communities.
Attendees praised the initiative, noting the convenience and professionalism of the services provided. Many expressed gratitude to the BDS team for bridging the gap between the Indian community and diplomatic services. Mr. Walia, who personally engaged with attendees throughout the day, confirmed overwhelming community support and called for the camps to be held more frequently — ideally on a monthly basis.
The Consulate General expressed openness to this idea and assured consideration of more flexible scheduling to better serve the growing Indian population in the Midlands.
In his closing address, Mr. Walia thanked the Indian High Commission staff, the President of Ram Mandir Leicester, the BDS committee, and the dedicated volunteers who ensured the camp’s smooth execution. He also acknowledged the Gheewala Centre for hosting the historic event.
The successful execution of this consular camp marks a significant milestone in community-focused diplomacy and grassroots advocacy. It stands as a testament to the power of civic engagement and is expected to set the precedent for more such initiatives in Leicester.
