London Thursday, 10 September – The Indian Workers’ Association (IWA) Southall marked its 70th anniversary on Thursday, 10 September 2026, with a special celebration at the Riverside Venue, Hounslow, London.
The event was hosted by Former Labour MP for Ealing, Southall Mr. Virendra Sharma. In his address, he expressed his deep sense of pride at having been associated with such a prestigious organisation for many years. His speech was also an emotional reflection on the past, as he fondly remembered the many IWA friends, colleagues and community members with whom he had shared this remarkable journey.
The programme witnessed the esteemed presence of distinguished dignitaries like leaders, ministers, respected community figures, and past as well as present office bearers of the IWA – Lord Rami Ranger, Lord Uday Nagaraju, Seema Malhotra MP, Ruth Cudburry MP, Deidre Castigan MP. Mayor of Hounslow, Hillingdon and Deputy Mayor of Ealing. Leader of Ealing Pater Mason and Leader of Hounslow Council Shantanu Rajwat. Councillors from Ealing Hillingdon , Hounslow, Cllr Jha many more. Local community, civic and business personalities. MP Seema Malhotra also spoke at the event and shared her thoughts about success of IWA, appreciated the amazing journey.
The anniversary commemorates seven decades since the organisation was established in 1956, when it emerged to support Indian immigrant workers and address the discrimination, exploitation and social challenges faced by newly arrived communities in Britain.
Over the past 70 years, IWA Southall has played an important role in the development of Southall’s Indian and wider South Asian community. Its work has included campaigning for workers’ rights, equality and racial justice, as well as providing welfare, immigration, education and community support.
In its early years, many migrants faced language barriers, poor working conditions, unequal wages and discrimination. IWA established welfare services to help people understand British institutions and access housing, education, employment and other public services.
IWA’s history is closely connected with the transformation of Southall into one of Britain’s best-known centres of Indian and South Asian life. The organisation’s contribution also extended beyond individual workers. IWA Southall became involved in wider anti-racist campaigns and community initiatives, helping to establish a stronger voice for ethnic minority communities in Britain
The anniversary event was promoted as an opportunity to bring together founding members, community leaders, trade unionists, supporters, friends and younger generations to remember the organisation’s history and consider its future. The programme was planned to include speakers, cultural performances, exhibitions, tributes and a celebratory dinner.
After seven decades, IWA Southall continues to represent an important chapter in the story of Indian migration, community organisation and the struggle for equality in Britain.
Seventy years of history, service and solidarity make the IWA Southall anniversary a significant milestone not only for the organisation, but also for Southall and Britain’s wider Indian community.
By Ashish Mishra