Suresh Kumar
Follow That Dream is a true story that charts the journey of the Kumar family through the partition of India in the 1940s, the challenges of moving to the UK and the struggles that followed, which many will identify with. 'The Sixties were far from Swinging' and the book provides an honest and open account about what it felt like being an outsider in the UK, in those early years. Conversely, Follow that Dream also highlights the chances for success that the UK has provided, that ' Opportunity is never far from those who seek it'. Suresh Kumar explained that the book writing process has taken over a decade. He said that he started writing notes by hand in 2010 and spoke to several family members of the era to cross reference their recollections. 'One’s memories is the map for the journey of Life', said Suresh Kumar. The Grand Parents and Parents were unique, and the community clubbed together to assist each other to move up in life, unlike now days whereas it’s become very commercial and selfish. After 5 years of his arrival in UK, Pandit Kul Bhushan, Suresh Kumars father had settled several family members in the UK. Their driving factor was always to provide a better way of life for his brothers and sisters. 'This story is not unique to my family, as many early settlers have a similar story, but many have not bothered to keep an account of their journey and put pen to paper. It is important for the newer generation to have a factual record of their forefather’s journeys which have brought them where they are today, and they must have an understanding the trials, tribulations and challenges that were faced', said Suresh Kumar. ’It is my hope that this honest account of struggle, achievement and survival may strike a chord with some of you. I strongly feel, it is only by taking stock of the past and where one has come from that we are able to make the most of our present and set a direction for the future. This journey has allowed me to delve into the stories of yesteryear, reflect with family and friends on old tales and capture them for evermore in this book, before they get lost in the passage of time. It has been an extremely cathartic and reflective process which covers mistakes made, achievements won and crucially, the lessons learnt. I hope you enjoy my journey so far’, commented Suresh Kumar. 'We owe a debt of gratitude to this Country that we call home, Great Britain, which has welcomed us and gave an opportunity for us to prosper and succeed, with commitment and dedication, along with the determination to progress. There was no option, but to make it a success, for my parents', stated Suresh Kumar.
