My father, Vallabh Kaviraj, who has died aged 92, was a pioneering journalist and founder of the Asian Express, one of the first Asian newspapers in English, in 1973. Vallabh was dedicated to serving the growing community in Britain by giving a voice to this marginalised group.
From the early 1970s he worked hard, publishing his newspaper seven days a week, raising awareness about equality. He was also heavily involved with the Commission for Racial Equality. Even when his printing press in east London was firebombed and subjected to repeated racist attacks from rightwing gangs in the 70s, he remained steadfast in his efforts. The Asian Express, which began in print, moved online in 1999.
Vallabh was born in Bilimora, in India, the son of Bhagwan and Bekhi, who ran their own business trading in building materials. He moved in 1956 to the UK, where he took up business studies at the University of London. In 1969, during a visit to Mumbai, he married Maniben, a teacher, who supported Vallabh as he launched his publishing endeavour – Adarsh Printing Press – while raising two daughters – my sister, Chandrika, and me. In the early 70s the first issues of the Asian Express broadsheet were produced using metal blocks and an old printing press.
Vallabh demonstrated a selfless commitment to serving the Asian community in the UK above all else. He was always the first to ask questions at press conferences, seeking answers about uncomfortable issues that would otherwise be swept aside. He supported the Commonwealth Institute and India House and firmly believed in collaboration to address problems of social inequality and injustice.
He gained respect, recognition and admiration from other Asian publishers, many of whom followed in his footsteps by establishing their own newspapers.
In 2019 he was awarded the British Empire Medal for his contribution to South Asian media in Britain.
Vallabh cared for Maniben, a stroke survivor, until her death last year. He is survived by Chandrika and me.
