Multiculturalism has enabled Leicester to evolve into a unique and attractive place to live whereby cultural, racial and religious differences aren't viewed with suspicion and discomfort but with understanding and respect.

Back when I moved to the Leicester in 2019, I was struck by the relief I felt of being part of a city that heightened my feeling of acceptance as a British Indian man.

Leicester has experienced the positive influence from people of different ethnic backgrounds who have made the city its home and been a shining example to how multiculturalism can be beneficial. The various community groups have always been welcoming to others during times of cultural expression and celebration such as Diwali, Holi, Vaisakhi, and Eid.

Which is why the sudden outbreak, in what I can only describe as despicable gang violence, is something of a shock that threatens to destroy relations and tarnish our communities reputations within this progressive city that our people have worked so hard for so long to create.

When our forefathers moved to this city, for the opportunity of a better future, was this weeks atrocities what they envisioned? I don't think so. They moved to Leicester to create a better life for themselves, their families, and future generations, doing this by leaning on their own and other communities. Despite religious tension between Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs elsewhere in the world, they have thrived together in Leicester and the camaraderie and spirit between the communities was something to be proud of.

The warring factions have been releasing messages of propaganda onto social media platforms to vilify the other side whilst presenting the argument that their own violence and anti-social behaviour is both justified and righteous.

To think that violence is the answer is folly. Violence is not the resolution, it is the catalyst for the constant cycle of retaliation without clear cause or reason. It leads to greater pain and resentment which further divide our once harmonious communities.

At times like this we require strong leadership to direct those that are misled. We don't need yes-men to appease the bloodlust of the squabblers within our communities but to condemn their actions regardless of how they feel they might be mistreated in pursuit of the greater purpose of peace.

It is no coincidence that 'unity' is part of the word community. Through pragmatism, strong leadership, and diplomacy, we can identify some common ground to understand that our similarities and motivations far outweigh our differences and allow them to unite us so we can represent the collective South Asian community in the exemplary manner that we - and the city of Leicester - deserves.