SFI- UK Inaugurates First Office in Southall, London

Southall, London: The Students’ Federation of India – United Kingdom (SFI- UK) formally inaugurated its first office in Southall on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in the organisation's expansion and consolidation of its activities in the UK. The inauguration ceremony coincided with the remembrance of Pradeep Kumar, martyred on July 13, 1981, and served as a powerful reminder of SFI’s enduring legacy of resistance and sacrifice.

SFI UK office in Southall,London

The event was chaired by SFI- UK Vice- President Nupur, and opened with a keynote address by SFI -UK Secretary Nikhil Mathew, who hailed the organisation's consistent growth and unwavering commitment to fighting back against anti- democratic forces. He underscored SFI’s foundational ethos rooted in struggle, sacrifice, and the collective upliftment of the student community.

Pamphlets on display at the SFI-UK office in Southall, London, highlighting student struggles, progressive movements, and international solidarity campaigns

Veteran trade unionist and IWA-GB National President Harsev Bains officially inaugurated the office, reaffirming solidarity between student and workers' movements across generations. He was joined by IWA-GB General Secretary Leyose, who highlighted the importance of youth mobilisation in sustaining progressive movements both in India and abroad. The inauguration was attended by Lourdes from Cuba, who served as a translator to Fidel Castro and Raul Castro.

SFI- UK Joint Secretary Comrade Vishal Udayakumar addressed the gathering, extending gratitude to the attendees, which included Indian students and members of the Indian diaspora. He encouraged them to consider the new space not just as an office, but as a common ground for political dialogue, cultural exchange, and collective action.

Attendees at the inaugural function of the SFI-UK office in Southall, including Indian students, diaspora members, and international delegates

The inauguration was also attended by international students, including delegates from Cuba, who expressed solidarity with SFI- UK’s efforts to advance progressive student politics overseas.

With the launch of its Southall office, SFI- UK aims to strengthen its presence among Indian students and workers in the UK, offering a vibrant platform for organising, resistance, and international solidarity.