Written by Syed Muhammad Yaseen Hashmi
LONDON : In a landmark celebration of community leadership, humanitarian commitment, and transnational unity, British Asian entrepreneur and philanthropist Atta Ul Haq has been officially named Brand Ambassador of the globally recognised 10 Million Meal Project, a momentous announcement made during an inspiring and culturally rich event held at the House of Lords, which featured none other than legendary Bollywood actress and UN Goodwill Ambassador Manisha Koirala as the evening’s chief guest and keynote speaker.
The event, jointly hosted by the British Asian Who’s Who Awards and the 10 Million Meal Appeal, brought together a distinguished gathering of South Asian leaders, business figures, humanitarians, and changemakers from across the UK and beyond; it served as both a celebration of women’s empowerment and a call to action for combating hunger through grassroots engagement and philanthropic collaboration. The appointment of Atta Ul Haq, whose extensive work in community welfare and youth mobilisation has earned him accolades across multiple sectors, was met with applause and heartfelt endorsement by the event’s guests and speakers alike, symbolising a significant milestone for the British Pakistani diaspora and the wider humanitarian community.
Founder of the 10 Million Meal Appeal, Mr. Sujan Kutwal, expressed heartfelt gratitude and confidence in Atta Ul Haq’s appointment, noting that his unwavering dedication to charitable initiatives and his relentless drive to uplift the underprivileged have already made a lasting impact; he stated, “It is a true honour for us that Mr. Atta Ul Haq has graciously accepted the role of Brand Ambassador; we have full faith in his passion, commitment, and ability to take this mission to new heights, his presence means a great deal not only to our campaign but to humanity at large.” Mr. Kutwal was also recognised during the evening for his pioneering vision in establishing the initiative, which has served millions of meals globally with dignity and compassion.
The evening reached an emotional crescendo with the powerful and deeply personal address by Manisha Koirala, whose life story of resilience, from battling cancer to reclaiming her status in global cinema with her recent triumph in Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, served as a living testament to courage and purpose. “To be part of a mission that unites the fight against hunger with the empowerment of women is truly meaningful,” said Koirala, who extended a warm welcome to Atta Ul Haq, expressing her eagerness to work alongside him in furthering the campaign’s goals. “His joining the 10 Million Meal Appeal will bring immense strength to our efforts; I look forward to what we can achieve together in the service of humanity.”
Atta Ul Haq, in his maiden remarks as Brand Ambassador, delivered a speech that resonated deeply with the audience, reflecting both humility and resolve; he emphasised that “food is a basic human right, and the act of feeding those in need, especially within the communities where we live and work, is not merely an act of charity, but a moral duty that nurtures peace within and sets an example for the next generation.” He further noted that such charitable work should not be seen as optional or peripheral, but rather central to a life of purpose and community cohesion, and that his commitment to the 10 Million Meal Project will include expanding its presence and impact throughout the UK and South Asia, creating sustainable partnerships, and inspiring youth to engage in service.
The event also featured several prominent figures who lent their voices to the cause, including Miss Bhawana Basnet of Panas Charity, Dr. Shahzad Qureshi, an esteemed philanthropist, Ashraf Nehal, Commonwealth Youth Climate Envoy, renowned motivational speaker Smita Tharoor, Asim Yousaf, CEO of Top Star Entertainment, Virendra Sharma, former MP and Patron of Labour Asians Society, and Lord Rami Ranger, all of whom praised the initiative and offered their support in furthering its objectives across the British and South Asian landscape.
In what was undeniably a night of purpose, pride, and promise, the event not only celebrated the strength and resilience of women changemakers but also launched a bold and compassionate new chapter for the 10 Million Meal Project, embodied in the passionate leadership and unwavering service of Mr. Atta Ul Haq, whose role as Brand Ambassador is set to elevate the campaign’s visibility and impact for years to come.
