Punjabis by nature are extroverts, very enterprising, hard working and forward looking. Rejoicing, merry making, dancing and celebrating on their achievements (in other words making Jungle Mein Mangal) is an art the Punjabis are naturally gifted with.
The word monotony is not in their dictionary. They are possessed with a wonderful power of adaptability and easily amalgamate in the society the inhabit. No wonder that socializing is their second habit.
Prior to and the period after the First World War the Indian population in UK was very scanty. Those few who were here felt very lonely due to the reserved nature of the then British host community.
There was a floating population of a handful of Punjabi doctors, students and professionals, civil servants and army personnel. They were not permanently settled in this country. In order to seek comfort and share their common problems in this foreign land, and to maintain their culture, customs and traditions and in order to save themselves from the problems connected with loneliness, about 40 to 50 of them got together in Shafi Restaurant in Shaftsbury Avenue in the West End of London in 1928 and formed a society.
They named it “The Punjabi Society of the British Isles”. Their meetings were held at regular intervals. Among others, the first meeting was known to have been attended by General D.R. Thaper (then Captain), Major General Chowdhary (then Lt.), Dr. C. L. Katial, Dr. Bhandari, Dr. Gulati and Dr. Lamba.
Very scanty information is available regarding the activities of the society from it’s inception in 1928 up to the period of the Second World War. During the Second World War many Indians left London and shifted to the countryside for safety reasons. Those who did stay back in London could not move about, due to the disturbed conditions.
By the 1950’s the strength of the Indians in London increased substantially. The number was then estimated to be around 3000. The Society received fresh impetus under the initiative taken by Mr. Krishna Menon then the High Commissioner of India in London. He encouraged different Indian communities to form their own organisations so that they too could feel at home.
The Punjabi Society of the British Isles was revived in 1950 in a meeting held at the Indian students Hostel in West Cromwell Road under the chairmanship of Mr. J.S. Malik who was elected as the president. The executive committee formed under his presidency included Dr. R.N. Bhaskar, Dr. K.D. Kumaria, Mr. F.C. Sondhi, Mr. R. Krishna, Mr. Kumar from BBC, Dr. J.N. Khosla, Mr. K.K. Singh, Mr. A.S. Anand and Mr. Trilok Singh.
The aims and objectives of the Society were set out as holding of social and cultural functions. Occasional picnics, outings and boat trips on the River Thames were also arranged to bring the Punjabi’s closer together.
From that point onwards the Society has grown from strength to strength. During the past few years the Society has diversified its activities. Besides social activities the Society also devotes its energies to raising substantial funds for charitable purposes both at home and abroad. Its work has been greatly appreciated and has attracted good coverage in local and international media.
It is a matter of great pride that Punjabis domiciled in this country have made notable and distinguished contributions in the cultural, economic, medical, political, scientific and social fields. The country feels enriched by their contribution. Their achievements have received recognition personally from Her Majesty the Queen and Her Majesty’s government. Political leaders of all parties have paid tributes for the notable contributions and services rendered by the Punjabis’ in all walks of life.