From the Bunts roots of Mangalore to becoming a respected community leader in Kingston upon Thames, the life journey of Prabha Shetty is a remarkable story of courage, compassion, and determination.

Although her ancestral roots lie in Mangalore, Prabha grew up in Mumbai, first in Dadar and later in Bandra. Her father ran several restaurants, and hospitality was part of everyday life. But beyond business, her parents instilled a strong foundation of values — empathy, kindness, integrity, generosity, and gratitude — principles that would shape her life and community work in the years to come.

A New Life in the United Kingdom

In 1967, at just sixteen years old, Prabha moved to England as a young bride. The transition was not easy. She arrived in a completely new country, far from family and friends, facing cultural differences and the challenges of starting a life in unfamiliar surroundings.

By 1970, her family had settled in Kingston upon Thames, which has remained her home ever since. There she raised three children — two daughters and a son who was born prematurely and has lived with disabilities since birth. Caring for him became one of the most defining aspects of her life and a powerful source of strength and purpose.

The Power of Education

Although Prabha had to leave her formal education behind when she moved to the UK as a teenager, the desire to study never left her.

At the age of fifty, while running a successful contact lens business and raising her family, she made the bold decision to return to education. What followed was an extraordinary academic journey.

She completed a BSc in Psychology, a social work qualification, and later an MSc, along with leadership training. Her studies were not simply personal achievements — they became tools that helped her advocate for her son and for others facing similar challenges.

One of the most powerful moments in her life came when doctors once suggested withdrawing life support for her son. Refusing to accept such a prognosis, she fought tirelessly for his opportunities and potential. Years later, watching him graduate became one of the proudest moments of her life — a powerful reminder that resilience and belief can overcome even the greatest doubts.

A Lifetime of Community Service

Service to others has always been a natural part of Prabha’s life. Inspired by the spirit of seva she saw in her mother, helping those who faced greater challenges became second nature.

In 1990, she joined Milaap Multicultural Day Centre, which had just begun as a small lunch club supporting older individuals from minoritized communities who lacked culturally appropriate social spaces.

Prabha initially volunteered during her lunch breaks, serving meals to elderly members. Over time, her dedication and leadership led her to become a trustee and eventually the Chairperson of the organization.

Today, Milaap has grown into a vibrant multicultural center supporting older people across Kingston and neighboring boroughs.

The organization offers a wide range of activities designed to promote wellbeing, dignity, and social connection for older adults, including:

• Yoga and meditation
• Qi Gong and gentle exercise
• Bollywood dancing and Zumba
• Drumming and music sessions
• Walking football
• Museum visits and seaside trips
• Cultural outings and social events
• Visits to places of worship across different faiths

Many families never imagined their elderly parents or grandparents — sometimes in their 80s, 90s, or even 100 years old — would participate in such activities, let alone enjoy them so enthusiastically.

Recognition and Awards

Prabha’s dedication to community service has been widely recognized over the years.

Among the honors she has received are:

• Mayor’s Community Award for outstanding service to the community
• Social Worker of the Year recognition
• Local authority staff awards
• Multiple recognitions from voluntary and community organizations

Yet, despite these achievements, Prabha believes the most meaningful rewards are not trophies or certificates. Instead, they are the heartfelt words of gratitude from families she has supported and from the elders at Milaap whose lives have been enriched through the center’s work.

Strength Through Challenges

Prabha’s journey has not been without obstacles. Arriving in a new country as a teenager, building a family life far from home, managing a business, and caring for a child with complex medical needs demanded immense resilience.

She also faced prejudice and bias along the way. But determination, courage, and an unwavering belief in perseverance helped her overcome each challenge.

Her son’s resilience continues to inspire her advocacy, reminding her daily why her work matters.

A Message to the Next Generation

Prabha’s message to younger members of the Bunts community is both simple and powerful:

Work hard. Pursue education. Choose work that you truly enjoy. But never forget that helping others brings a fulfilment that no salary can match.

Even small acts of kindness can create meaningful change.

With her characteristic humor, she adds that her ultimate goal is simple — when she meets her maker one day, she hopes to walk through the pearly gates without too many awkward explanations.

Prabha Shetty’s life embodies the values of the Bunts community — resilience, service, compassion, and lifelong learning. Through decades of dedication, she has touched countless lives and continues to inspire future generations.

– by Abhinandana Shetty