Born in Gujrat, Pakistan, Sajad Ajmal Butt arrived in Nelson, Lancashire, in 1969, joining his father who had settled there a few years earlier. As one of the first South Asian pupils at Whitefield Secondary Modern School, Sajad faced open racism. The language barrier and cultural differences made those early years tough – from struggling to order lunch to avoiding communal showers. Yet amid the hostility, he found friendship and resilience. His determination saw him break barriers, becoming the first Pakistani heritage student to represent his school football team – a milestone that filled his family and community with pride.

Education opened doors that hard work pushed wider. Sajad became the first in his community to lecture at Nelson & Colne College, later teaching at Lancaster & Morecambe before moving into business. As Commercial Director of 3B Systems Ltd, he helped shape one of East Lancashire’s notable success stories. Alongside this, his passion for community and media led him to host, ‘Taj Mahal’ on Takbeer TV – a show promoting dialogue, unity, and celebration of culture, broadcast to more than a hundred countries and reaching over two million viewers.

Sajad’s commitment to public life extends far beyond business and broadcasting. From captaining Paak United FC and winning community tournaments to serving as President of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Vice Chair of Nelson Neighbourhoods Board, and member of the Pendle Vision Board, his leadership reflects a lifelong mission to uplift others. His achievements – including being the first Pakistani heritage recipient of the prestigious Churchill Fellowship, meeting both Imran Khan and Queen Elizabeth II, and surviving a near-fatal head injury that deepened his gratitude for life in Britain – stand as milestones of perseverance and purpose.

Through it all, Sajad remains guided by humility and service. His message to young people is simple and powerful:

“This is still a great country. It is your country. Be proud of it. It is your responsibility to make it better. Commit to improving and fostering relations with all communities, backgrounds and faiths. As Muslims, show the best side of Islam: caring, loving, respectful, tolerant, inclusive, and humble.

Remember Rabbul-Alameen. Allah is NOT just your God but of everyone and everything that exists. The blacks, the whites and all the colours in between. The able and not so able. The straight and not straight. Muslim and non-Muslim. And the environment, too. They are all part of humanity.

You must not forget your heritage, but don’t be slaves to it. Continue with the pioneering spirit of our forefathers. Be inspired by their hard work ethic, ambition and resilience. “No pain, No Gain”. Nothing is achieved without hard work, dedication and sacrifice.

You have great opportunities; grab them with both hands. And remember, “The secret of success is hard work. That’s probably why it’s a secret to so many”

Most important – Get involved in Voluntary work. Will open up all kinds of possibilities”