Archive · 26 Dec 2025
Indian-origin politician Manjula Sood dies in UK
Manjula Sood was a very important lady from India who moved to the UK and did many great things.
She was one of the first female teachers from India in Leicester and helped make schools more welcoming to different cultures.
Later, she became a politician and was one of the first female Hindu councillors in Leicester.
She also received a special award called an MBE from the late Queen Elizabeth II for her hard work in the community.
Many people loved and respected her, and they are sad that she has passed away.
She was 80 years old.
Manjula Sood, an Indian-origin female politician and educator, has passed away at the age of 80.
She was one of the UK's first female lord mayors of Leicester and received an MBE for her community work.
Sood was a pioneering teacher who introduced multiculturalism into local education in Leicester.
She entered politics by supporting her late husband and later became Leicester City's first female Hindu local councillor.
Tributes have poured in from political circles, including from the Indian-origin Independent MP for Leicester South and the UK's science and technology Cabinet minister.
- Who
- Manjula Sood, an Indian-origin female politician and educator in the UK
- What
- Her passing away at the age of 80
- When
- December 26 (Thursday)
- Where
- UK
- Why
- Not explicitly stated, but she had been a dedicated servant of the Leicester community and a prominent figure in local politics
- Name
- Manjula Sood
- Age
- 80
- Birthplace
- Ludhiana, Punjab, India
- Profession
- Teacher, Politician
- Notable Achievements
- First female Hindu local councillor in Leicester, MBE recipient
- Education
- Leicester University (Post-graduate training, Honorary Doctorate of Laws in 2008)
- Political Affiliation
- Labour Party
- Date of Death
- December 26 (Thursday)