Later this summer the Queens Jubillee celebrations will take place across the nation. We speak to Kam Kothia the newly Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire on why the Asian community has a big role to play in the celebrations.

How important it is for members of the Asian community to get involved with the Queens Jubilee Celebrations this year?.

“I think that it is extremely important for all communities to get together and celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee this summer. We all play a part in the life of our country; through the work that we do, through the contributions we make to charity and to our communities, and through our part in civic society. A big part of what makes this country great is the service and sacrifice of our Queen, who has served with great distinction, commitment and stoicism for the past 60 years. So, it is only natural that we (as citizens and members of the UK community) would want to celebrate and mark the occasion.

“Finally, this is a tough time for the nation, and the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations give us all an opportunity to put a smile on everyone’s faces and forget all of our economic problems for a little while.”

Last year, there was only one street party held in Lancashire organised by members of the Asian community. Why do you think was so?

“We might not have been very good at registering them officially, but I am sure that there were lots of parties held in Lancashire that members of our community participated in. “In my experience, we Asians do not need any excuse to get together for some samosas and a nice biryani ?

In your new role, how have you been looking to create awareness?.

I was privileged to be asked to represent our community on the Lancashire Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Committee. It has been a team effort to raise awareness. With the assistance of the University of Central Lancashire, the committee has set up a dedicated interactive website www.diamondjubileelancashire.com for the community of Lancashire. Here you can find out about all the different ways that you can participate in the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

“The committee members have also been meeting civic leaders, delivering talks in dozens of schools up and down the county, and going on local radio encouraging everyone to get involved. “Finally, we have also been involved in the planning of the visit of Her Majesty to Accrington and Burnley in May. It really is fantastic news for the area, and I am sure that all our local communities will be going out on the day and giving Her Majesty a really warm Lancashire welcome.”

What is the best advice you can give people looking to organise something?.

There are lots of different ways of getting involved in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. You could organise one of the 2012 bonfires planned around the UK, or you could take part in ‘The Big Lunch’ by holding an event such as a lunch (big or small), a street party, a picnic, a barbeque – anything where people can get together, with a common theme of having fun, celebrating and building friendships with neighbours. Whatever you do, the important thing is to make it fun and to enjoy it. Don’t get too serious, keep it simple and just have a great time.

Away from the celebrations what do you intend to achieve in your new role?.

“It’s a real honour and privilege to serve as a Deputy Lieutenant in Lancashire assisting the Lord Lieutenant in carrying out his public duties.

Through the participation in civic, voluntary and social activities with the Lieutenancy, I am hoping to promote a better understanding of the different parts of our community.