Saroj Lal, a Trailblazer in Campaigning for Fairness for All

That the Parliament celebrates the inspirational life of Saroj Lal who, sadly, has recently passed away, aged 82; notes that Saroj, who had been a Director of Lothian Racial Equality Council, chair of Nari Kallyan Shangho and the founder of Milan, was one of Scotland’s pioneering race relations activists, feminists and equality campaigners; notes that she was a trailblazer in seeking fairness for all, and, in particular, disadvantaged and marginalised BAME women, and was the first Asian-born Scottish woman to be appointed as a justice of the peace; recognises that 20 August 2020 represents 50 years since Saroj started teaching at South Morningside Primary School as one of the first BAME teachers in the country; commends her work in challenging stigma and narratives in school curriculums, including campaigning for equal and balanced representation of minority ethnic communities in teaching materials and children’s books; sends its condolences to Saroj's family, friends and colleagues, and takes a moment to commend all racial equality campaigners across Scotland, whose commitment and work in helping to end racial discrimination will have a long and lasting impact.