When Raj Aggarwal arrived in Wales in 1967, he reckons there were only a few thousand Indian expats living in the country. Many became friends and had a common goal; improving their lives through education and business.
Now, there are more than 30,000 Indians living in Wales, in a country that has embraced Indian culture, allowing it to feel like a home away from home.
Raj has worked tirelessly to ensure Indians arriving in Wales are given the support they need to succeed.
In 2012, Raj was appointed Honorary Consul, where he looks after the interests of Indian citizens, developing commercial and cultural relations between the two countries.
2024 is the year of Wales in India, which aims to build links between the two nations; something Raj has been passionate about for years.
Raj said: “I took the First Minister to India twice to strengthen ties between the two countries. I feel proud to be in this position and it’s a huge opportunity.
“I was appointed by the President of India, who felt they needed someone with good connections in Wales.”
Success in Wales
Raj studied Pharmacy at Cardiff University and worked in Senior Management for Boots across Wales and in London, before purchasing his first pharmacy in Cardiff.
“I chose to study in Cardiff because it was rated as one of the best pharmacy schools in the UK. I became president of the Asian Students Society of Wales and various societies of the students’ union, making friends for life.”
Raj believes students who come to study in Wales, go back to India and become ambassadors for Wales.
He said: “Many of the students are from business families and they return to India with great experience and knowledge, thus escalating the success of their businesses.
“They are proud to study here and compared to other nations, studying in Wales is cheaper, safer and more pleasing.
“When they go back to India, they have good memories and return with friends and families to enjoy the experience they have had.”
Giving back to Wales
Raj said he is honoured to contribute to the people of Wales. he has served in various influential boards including the Council of Cardiff University and Wales Millenium Centre.
He hopes Wales in India 2024 will strengthen relationships even further and give Wales more visibility across the world.
“There are great Indian establishments, restaurants and community centres in Wales which help people feel at home,” he said.
“There is so much to see here in Wales, the coastline is amazing, the food is good, and the people are very welcoming.”