Indian-Origin Writer Sunder Katwala Joins UK Funding Panel

Katwala's appointment was confirmed by the UK government, which oversees the fund's operations. The board is responsible for distributing grants to community projects across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with an annual budget exceeding £600 million.

British Future, which Katwala has led since 2012, focuses on issues of immigration, identity, and integration. His work there has included research on social cohesion and public attitudes toward diversity, topics that align with the fund's mission to support community-led initiatives.

The National Lottery Community Fund, previously known as the Big Lottery Fund, has awarded over £9 billion to more than 130,000 projects since 2004. Katwala's term begins immediately, and he will join other board members in reviewing funding strategies and approving major grants.

In a statement, Katwala said he was 'delighted' to take on the role and looked forward to helping ensure that lottery funding reaches communities across the UK. His appointment reflects a broader effort by the government to bring diverse perspectives to public bodies.