Tributes to ex-Brent councillor Akber Khan Sarguroh

Politicians from across the borough have paid tribute to former councillor Akber Khan Sarguroh who dedicated his life to helping the underprivileged.

Mr Sarguroh, who suffered from a stroke earlier this year, died on February 27 at the Royal Free Hospital, Hampstead aged 85.

Among mourners at his funeral, which took place at West Hendon Mosque this month, were his wife Jutta and two sons, Andrew and Haroon.

Mr Sarguroh was born in Maharashtra, India, and was the oldest son of a farmer. He was educated at the Royal Institute of Science in Bombay, where he gained a BSc in chemistry and physics.

In 1947 he began working in the UK as a sponsored research chemist and by the mid-1960s he had become an active member of the Labour party.

Over the next 50 years Mr Sarguroh immersed himself in local politics, community and charity work, which included setting up the Kokni Muslim Welfare and Youth Organisation, which helped people from India who had settled in the UK.

Mr Sarguroh served as a Brent councillor from 1990-94 and 1998-2002 and sat on various council committees.

After retirement in 1992 Mr Sarguroh dedicated his time to assisting Asian and Muslim community groups, the Gladstone Park Sports Club and Anson Primary School, where he was a governor. He eventually took up the position of deputy mayor of Brent.

Councillor Ann John OBE, leader of the Labour group, said: "Akber founded the Kokni Muslim Welfare and Youth Organisation but he cared passionately for everybody in Brent's diverse multicultural community.

"He particularly championed the rights of young people and organised sports days for young people each year.

"His other great interest was in housing. He campaigned for more affordable housing in the borough. He was a kindly, modest man who preferred gentle persuasion to shouting the odds. He will be greatly missed and our hearts go out to his sons who survive him."

Councillor Paul Lorber, leader of the council, added: "Akber was a nice man and always keen to promote sporting activities for young people. I hope he would be proud of Brent Council now and all the extra investment we are providing for sport and other activities for young people, including the Youth Parliament."