A London resident, Aisha Desai, received Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Points of Light award for her Ramadan Lights UK initiative, an effort to create light installations to mark Ramadan. Inspired by the festive Christmas lights of central London from her childhood, Desai aimed to offer a similar experience to Muslim communities nationwide.
The award acknowledges individual volunteers who actively contribute to their communities and serve as inspirations to others. During the pandemic, Desai initiated a crowdfunding campaign to illuminate her neighborhood, demonstrating resilience and community spirit amidst challenging times.
In collaboration with the ‘Ramadan Open Tent Project,’ Desai orchestrated the inaugural display of over 30,000 eco-friendly lights, forming 61 moons along Coventry Street in London. Mayor Sadiq Khan inaugurated the lights earlier this month, enhancing the festive atmosphere for Ramadan observers and the broader community.
Expressing her gratitude, Desai emphasized the project’s goal of sharing the joy and spirit of Ramadan while celebrating the cultural diversity of modern Britain. She accepted the award with pride and acknowledged the generous support of the British Muslim community throughout the initiative.
Local Member of Parliament Mike Freer commended Desai for her dedication to service and community engagement, recognizing her Ramadan Lights UK initiative as a remarkable success. Desai’s commitment to fostering unity and spreading goodwill exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and civic engagement.
