London, UK

Rishi Sunak, the Indian-origin prime minister of UK, opened up in an interview about how he experienced racism in childhood.

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His parents, determined for him to "fit in," arranged extra drama lessons to eliminate any accent, Sunak told ITV News. He shared the challenges of feeling different, and instances of racism during his youth. Sunak was born to Indian-origin parents who migrated to Britain from Kenya in the 1960s.

In 2022, Sunak made history as Britain's first Indian-origin prime minister, a milestone that marked the culmination of his political journey within the governing Conservative Party.

He assumed leadership on Diwali after being elected by the party after a series of changes at the top. At 43, Sunak is the youngest British prime minister in two centuries and the first of Indian or Asian heritage.

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Family's commitment to 'fitting in'

In the interview, Sunak discussed his parents' dedication to ensuring he and his siblings blended in seamlessly, highlighting his mother's emphasis on proper speech.

By sending him for extra drama lessons, Sunak's family aimed to eliminate any accent, striving to remove barriers associated with cultural differences.

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Sunak candidly expressed his consciousness of being different and revealed encounters with racism during his childhood.

He acknowledged the painful impact of racial slurs directed at his younger siblings, emphasising how racism "stings" and leaves lasting scars.

Sunak underscored his belief in the unacceptability of any form of racism, emphasising that when engaging with world leaders, the UK should serve as an example of combating discrimination.

Reflecting on his own experiences, he asserted that such incidents wouldn't happen to his children today.

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The British prime minister admitted that growing up, he never imagined an ethnic minority individual could become the prime minister due to the absence of role models. '

He sees his historic appointment as a testament to challenging norms and inspiring future generations.

Sunak noted that the UK is often looked upon as an example of successfully addressing racial issues, emphasising the nation's commitment to inclusivity and equality.

(With inputs from agencies)