Indian-Origin Sir Mufti Hamid Patel Appointed as Interim Chair of Ofsted

EC News Desk
17/03/2025

Sir Mufti Hamid Patel was appointed as the interim chair of Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills) on March 11, 2025. Just as UGC (University Grants Commission) oversees education in India, Ofsted is a regulatory body in the UK responsible for monitoring the standards of schools, childcare, and skills development in England. The appointment of Sir Mufti Hamid Patel, an Indian-origin leader, to this prestigious position is a moment of pride for the entire nation. He has been a board member of Ofsted since 2019 and is also the Chief Executive of Star Academies. His tenure as interim chair will last for five months or until a permanent chair is appointed.

Originally from Bharuch, Gujarat, India, Sir Hamid Patel has made significant contributions to the field of education in the UK. He oversees 36 educational institutions (schools and colleges) where students from diverse backgrounds, including Hindus, Muslims, and Christians, receive education. His outstanding efforts in the field of education earned him the prestigious “Sir” title from the British government, and now, recognizing his dedication and leadership, he has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading Ofsted.

This should have been a moment of pride for every Indian, but unfortunately, some biased media outlets portrayed it negatively. For example, The Times of India titled its YouTube report “Islamisation of the UK”, reflecting prejudice and a narrow-minded perspective.

It is surprising that when Kamala Harris became the Vice President of the United States or Rishi Sunak became the Prime Minister of the UK, India celebrated their achievements for weeks, and the media widely appreciated them. However, when Sir Mufti Hamid Patel receives international recognition, the Indian media and society remain silent. This indicates that negative news is given more importance than positive stories, which can mislead future generations.

We must recognize and honor such exceptional individuals who bring pride to India, even on foreign soil. Heartfelt congratulations to Sir Mufti Hamid Patel, who has set a remarkable example in the field of education and elevated India’s reputation worldwide.