NEWS

Councillor Manjula Sood (Doctor of Laws - 8 July, 3pm)

Lord Mayor of Leicester from 15th May 2008 (the first Asian woman Lord Mayor in the UK), also High Bailiff of Leicester and a Leicester Graduate.

Press Contact: Available from University of Leicester Press Office -0116 252 2415; pressoffice@le.ac.uk

Press Comment: I am honoured and delighted to receive the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws from the University of Leicester. When I arrived in Leicester in 1970 I had the privilege of studying at the internationally renowned University. I am indebted to the University for giving me the opportunity to study and find employment. I had a very enjoyable time at the University. It has played a pivotal role in my career. Long may the University continue with educational excellence. It makes our great city of Leicester globally recognised and proud.

Biography: Councillor Manjula Sood arrived in England in 1970 and has been living in Leicester ever since. Upon arriving in the city, Councillor Sood attended the University of Leicester, where she completed a PGCE. In 1970 she became the first Asian female teacher in Leicester and was a primary school teacher for almost 20 years.

During her time as a teacher, Councillor Sood was instrumental in introducing multiculturalism in the education sector and her services were recognised by a visit to her class by the then Secretary of Education, the Late Sir Keith Joseph.

Manjula Sood has been City Councillor for Latimer Ward (the Golden Mile of Leicester) since 1996, following the sudden death of her husband, the late Councillor Paul Sood. Councillor Sood is the only ethnic minority female councillor at Leicester City Council.

She has received numerous awards, in many cases being the first Asian woman to do so, seeing herself as a role model for women in Leicester. Her awards include: the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Women of the Year Award for 2006; the Labour Party Merit Award 2004 for her contribution to the Labour Party; a listing in Red Hot Curry's top 300 most influential Asian women in the UK 2002; the Triangular Media Group Global Award for outstanding contribution to local politics 2006; and LABA (Leicestershire Asian Business Association) Honorary Award for assistance to small businesses 2002.

Councillor Sood is active on many charitable, interfaith, health and local council committees, including as Trustee and Executive Member of the Leicester Council of Faiths; Governor of Leicester College; Trustee of North Memorial Homes; and ex NHS Non-Executive Director.

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