Starting my journey on the BBC’s program to explore the history of South Asians within politics, I believed I was pretty clued up about the political history. But little did I know of a great man who made huge strides for ethnic minority progress within my own city.

I had the pleasure of meeting Bashir Maan who was the first ever elected ethnic minority representative in any political sphere in Scotland. An incredible man with a vision to succeed who spoke to me about issues he faced running for a political seat in 1970. Many of these issues he believes are barriers to inclusion for Scots-Asians and minority groups today. Bashir Maan fought against prejudice and held within him a belief that he could carry out his role as good as anyone else – and won. Over the course of his long political career, he nurtured and championed many substantial projects that have been hugely beneficial to the Scots-Asian population including the building of Glasgow Central Mosque.

Unfortunately, shortly after the airing of the show, Bashir Maan passed away. I was able to attend his funeral at the same mosque he helped build decades earlier, overflowing with individuals deeply affected by the passing of the pioneer. A deep sadness washed over me for a man I had only met once who had blazed a path for me to run as a Councillor decades after his own electoral success. I can only aspire to build such a great legacy for myself to encourage more young people to become involved in politics as he had for many people.