A PRESTIGIOUS dinner will be held at a Bradford restaurant next week to honour a well-respected businessman, fundraiser and community leader from the district.

A dinner paying tribute to Dr Manoj Joshi DL, MBE will be held at Anam’s Restaurant on Great Horton Road on Friday, July 22.

Dr Joshi, who was appointed as chair of the Bradford District Economic Partnership in February, has been involved with a number of local projects for many years.

The dinner has been organised by the Professional Muslim Institute (PMI), an organisation which aims to support the advancement of British Muslims working in professional settings, which Dr Joshi is a member of.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Dr Joshi received a Lifetime Achievement Award this yearDr Joshi received a Lifetime Achievement Award this year

“I am overwhelmed with this honour. It fuels me with momentum to continue the important work of unlocking the wells of potential for people across the district,” he said.

“As a sevak, of Hindu Brahmin origin, it is my duty to spread joy and to serve humanity.

“I shall continue this important work with great honour.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Dr Joshi in his younger daysDr Joshi in his younger days

Dr Joshi, who is of Gujarati descent, arrived in Bradford in 1972 as a refugee from Uganda.

Aged 21 at the time, he came after dictator Idi Amin expelled Ugandan Asians from the country.

August will mark the 50th anniversary of the event, which saw around 27,000 Ugandan Indians settle in the UK.

“To receive this honour as we commemorate Ugandan Asians coming to Great Britain is phenomenal,” Dr Joshi said.

“With the Queen’s Jubilee also being recognised this year, as well as Bradford winning the City of Culture bid, it is also amazing.”

Dr Joshi had a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry and in healthcare, including as a business development manager for AstraZeneca.

In 2002, he became a founding governor of Bradford Academy and revolutionised Girlington Nursing Home, almost doubling the number of beds available and funding the training of six nurses.

He also served as a district governor of Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire for Rotary International, and has raised money and awareness for the eradication of polio.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Dr Joshi dyed his beard and trademark moustache - which he had for 52 years - purple in 2020, before shaving it off to raise money in the fight against polioDr Joshi dyed his beard and trademark moustache - which he had for 52 years - purple in 2020, before shaving it off to raise money in the fight against polio

In 2019, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Bradford and became a deputy lieutenant.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Dr Joshi was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Bradford three years agoDr Joshi was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Bradford three years ago

Dr Javed Bashir, Founder of PMI, said: “Dr Joshi a great role model and I have always been inspired by his passion and dedication.

“We encourage our members to volunteer, making a change to the socio-economic position of many in the district.  

“PMI is also open to all, regardless of their faith or background.”