April 12, 2015: The first Sikh to take on the role of High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire has been installed in a ceremony at a temple in Basford.
Dr Jaswant Bilkhu officially took over the post for the next year at the event on Saturday.
He takes over from outgoing High Sheriff Graham Cartledge.
Dr Bilkhu, who worked as a GP in Radcliffe-on-Trent for 27 years, moved to England from Punjab in 1960, several years after his father had moved to Nottingham to work as a bricklayer.
He said: "I accepted this role first and foremost for my mother and father. They dedicated their life to their family and their community. When they came here there weren't many Indian people, and certainly not many Sikhs.
"I think the community is very proud to now see one of their own being installed as High Sheriff.
"My wish is to try and bridge the gap with the Sikh community."
Dr Bilkhu, 68, of Radcliffe-on-Trent, has taught at the University of Nottingham and took on the role of Postgraduate Medical Dean for the East Midlands, which involved overseeing the postgraduate training of doctors.
Throughout his year in office, Dr Bilkhu intends to focus on improving health and wellbeing in Nottinghamshire. He will also be continuing with charity work through his ambassadorial role for the Nottinghamshire Hospice and as a Marie Curie patron. His other charities are Age UK and Karma Nirvana, which helps victims of domestic abuse and forced marriage.
Dr Bilkhu's sister Jaswinder Biant, 54, of Sherwood, said: "This is an achievement not just for him, but for the whole Sikh community of Nottingham. My brother is a great role model and we regard him now as the head of the family.
"Our father came to England wanting his children to integrate and have an education here.
"I can't think of a better integration than having a Sikh High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire."
Outgoing Sheriff Graham Cartledge said: "I think he is an excellent choice and I look forward to seeing the work he does over the coming year."