Coventry's new Lord Mayor makes history
He's the first Lord Mayor to wear a turban.
The move has been hailed as an example of the city's diversity.
Born in the Punjab region of India, Cllr Jaswant Singh Birdi moved to Coventry 60 years ago and has served as a councillor for 16 years.
Cllr Birdi said he feels proud to take on the role and described it as a great honour for both him and others in the Sikh community.
As well as being a councillor, Cllr Birdi has been active in the religious community and raised three children with Krishna, his wife of 54 years.
Cllr Birdi has three grandchildren and his family were there to see him receive the chains of office from outgoing mayor Cllr Kevin Maton.
The Wyken resident said his intentions as Lord Mayor are to support charities and promote different cultures within Coventy’s twin cities.
Members of his family worked for the NHS including wife Krishna as a theatre nurse – and health is reflected in the charities he has chosen this year.
These are the Muscular Dystrophy charity, the Coventry Resource Centre for the Blind, and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire Charity.
Krishna said she is looking forward to meeting people and supporting communities this year as Lady Mayoress.
Cllr Birdi takes on the non-political role after serving as a Conservative councillor for Bablake ward over the past eight years.
His fellow Conservative, Cllr Asha Masih, said the appointments show the diversity of Coventry as well as the opportunities that are here in the city.
Cllr Masih was the first Asian Christian councillor in Coventry and her late father was also from the Punjab area of India.