THE MAYOR
‘Be united,
be happy’
After serving the community for 20 years, Councillor
Tej Ram Bagha took his seat as the first citizen of the
borough. Neelum Bains paid him a visit to find out
more about the new mayor’s journey.
“I
t is such an honour to be the 50th
mayor of Ealing,” said Counillor
Bagha. “It has been a long road to
get here but I feel very privileged
and take my responsibilities very seriously.
“I want people to know me, know
their neighbours and make their
community a better place.”
After spending 20 years representing
residents at a local level, Councillor
Bagha was elected as mayor after the
elections in May.
48
around ealing
Autumn 2014
“I had a very humble
upbringing in India and
didn’t have the opportunity
to study at university level,”
he said. “I am a father and
grandfather and I am always
reminding them about the
importance of having an
education and the chance
to better your life.
“I have been a councillor
since 1994, a member of
many committees and a
governor of many schools.
My public life has helped me
to learn, grow and even get
through a terrible period of my life where
I lost my mother and my wife. It has given
me purpose and kept me driven.
“I have lived in the borough for
more than 50 years and I have seen
so many changes but the things that
have always stayed the same are the
friendly communities who choose to
call Ealing home.
“We are so blessed with so many
parks and open spaces, a big selection
of food and religious places to visit and
Right: The mayor of
Ealing, Councillor
Tej Ram Bagha in the
council chambers