Saleha Jaffer, a farmer’s daughter from Nalgonda district in Telangana, is all set to become Mayor of Lambeth, London in April this year. She is currently serving as Deputy Mayor there.
Speaking to the press in Hyderabad, the Telugu-speaking H.E. Saleha who introduced herself as “I am the daughter of a farmer from Telangana”. She will be first Muslim lady to become Mayor of Lambeth.
Responding to a query from Hyderabad Youth Mirror, H.E. Saleha said she follows news of Telangana politics, especially Hyderabad. “I am happy that Telangana has happened.”
When asked whether politics at municipal level in Lambeth, London and Hyderabad is same, she said: “No, politics at both places is different. There a mayor is a common citizen. Here it is different.”
Apart from her social work as a public servant, H.E. Saleha said she interacts with youngsters to keep them away from extremism, particularly going to Syria.
In addition, she said those people with talent and skills are recognized across the globe. “Indians are recognized for their talent. Don’t blame others if you don’t have talent.”
Regarding education system in India, she said it is better than many other countries. Commenting about her observation about students, she said that students in the UK possess more general knowledge, while Indian students appear smart in subjects only.
She is welcomed on behalf of Telangana Government by Telangana’s first International Ambassador of Peace M.A. Najeeb. He said H.E. Saleha makes all Telanganites proud. She is an alumnus of Kamala Nehru College, Nampally.