'Inspirational' Blackburn community pioneer dies aged 90
10:00pm Saturday 11th August 2012 in News
AN ‘inspirational’ Asian community pioneer who fought with British troops in the Second World War has died.
Khadim Hussain, 90, died on a trip to his native Pakistan for Ramadhan.
He was a former president of the Randall Street Mosque in Blackburn and also ran the Pakistan Welfare Association in the town.
The father of five, of Burlington Street, featured in a Blackburn Museum exhibition recently about Second World War fighters.
His friend, former Blackburn mayor Councillor Mohammed Khan, said: “He was very well known and very well respected. Everyone who knew him said what a great man he was.
“He was most proud of fighting with the British Army in Italy.”
Mr Hussain led the way to get South Asian War Veterans recognised for their efforts during the Second World War and had become involved in Remembrance Day Parades and sharing the stories of war with the young people of Blackburn and also with fellow British servicemen.
Coun Khan said his friend hated far-right organisations like the BNP and EDL.
He said: “He was a very very proud man. He fought shoulder to shoulder with the British Army. He hated the fact that the BNP targeted immigrants like him, when he was so passionate about the country.”
Mr Hussain, a former textile worker, came to Lancashire in 1960. He died in Jhelum, Pakistan last week.
Amar Abass, CEO of Youth Action, had helped Khadim and other South Asian War Veterans to share their stories with the young people of Blackburn with Darwen through a number of projects. He said, “Mr Hussain was an inspiration to the young people that he spoke to, and everyone at Youth Action salutes his efforts during the Second World War. I am proud to have known Mr Hussain and I know his stories and legacy of the war will continue to live on”.
Working closely with Mr Hussain since 2006 to document his story and to raise the profile of South Asian War Veterans living in Blackburn over 230 school workshops has been delivered to share the experiences through the project ‘Mutual Respect’ which produced a DVD for young people to listen to the views and opinions of the Veterans.
Paul Flintoff, Chairman of Youth Action said: “Mr Hussain was an exemplary member of the community who had an untold story. Working with us over the past six years we have come to know and admire his efforts during the War. He was a true ambassador for the community and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”
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