Born in India in 1951, Umesh moved to Southall in 1976 and quickly made his mark as a dedicated champion for the community. His passion for service was evident early on, as he took on the role of governor at two local schools, Clifton Primary and Featherstone High. This commitment to education and civic engagement spurred him to enter local politics and in 1990 he was elected as a councillor for Southall.
During his time on the council, he earned a reputation as an advocate who listened, acted and delivered for his constituents, particularly as the chair of the Planning Committee.
In 1998, he was appointed Mayor of Ealing, a role he embraced with an unwavering sense of duty.
His public service extended beyond politics. In 1992, he was appointed a Justice of the Peace and served as a magistrate for over 30 years.
From 1996, as chairman of the Hindu Mandir in Southall, he led efforts to expand and improve the temple, ensuring it remained a pillar of support and spirituality for the community. In recent years Umesh represented the Hindu community at the Remembrance Day services at the Cenotaph in Whitehall.
In 2021, Umesh was presented with the Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Inter-Faith Cooperation, for his exceptionally committed civic service fostering good interfaith relationships, both locally and internationally.
Current Mayor of Ealing Council, Councillor Yvonne Johnson, said: “The passing of Umesh Chander is a great loss to the local community and his family.”
Councill leader Peter Mason said: “On behalf of everyone at the council I would like pass on our sincere condolences to Umesh’s family. I grew to know Umesh in my time as the local councillor for Shree Ram Mandir, an organisation which he poured his heart and soul into. As a councillor and a mayor, he gave the people of the Southall years of public service marked by integrity and courage, and he will be missed by everyone connected with the council.”