Rishi Sunak, the UK’s first Indian-origin Prime Minister, recently shared his childhood experiences of facing racism. He revealed that his parents enrolled him in extra drama lessons to help him speak without an accent and better assimilate into society. In an interview with Anushka Asthana of ITV News, Sunak discussed the painful memories of racial slurs directed at his younger siblings, emphasizing the lasting impact of racism, which he described as stinging and hurting in a unique way.
Having been born in Southampton to a Hindu Punjabi family that migrated from East Africa, the 43-year-old leader recalled his parents’ determination for him and his siblings to fit in without any barriers. His mother, in particular, was keen on them speaking properly without accents, prompting the decision for extra drama lessons. Sunak acknowledged the consciousness of being different and experiencing racism as a child, noting the challenges of those moments.
Despite the difficulties, Sunak highlighted the unacceptability of any form of racism and pointed to Britain’s global reputation as a model for racial harmony and equality. He addressed the issue again during a special appearance at the England versus Australia Ashes Test match at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London in July of the previous year.
In a speech at the Conservative Party conference in October 2023, Sunak, now the party leader, used his own example to assert that the UK is not a racist country and that his skin color is not a significant factor. He admitted during an interview with Asthana that he never expected an individual from an ethnic minority community to become Britain’s Prime Minister due to the lack of role models at the time.
Proud of his Indian roots and Hindu faith, Sunak has actively demonstrated his cultural identity, from lighting diyas on Diwali at 10 Downing Street to attending a ‘Ram Katha’ ceremony at the University of Cambridge’s Jesus College. He expressed that his faith guides him in every aspect of his life, providing him with courage, strength, and resilience to fulfill his responsibilities as Prime Minister.