An Asian man who pioneered peaceful protest against discrimination and institutional racism in post-war Britain features in a brand new exhibition in the West Midlands. Harmohinder Bhatia, one of the longest-serving race relations advisors in the country, built a successful life in Smethwick after leaving the Punjab in 1965. His inspirational story is told in a free exhibition on the Second World War and post-war migration, which begins a nine week run on Bank Holiday Monday (May 2). Part of a joint £100,000 lottery-backed project, it recalls the 1940s, 50s and 60s in the industrial town.

Father of three Mr Bhatia, 60, said: "When I first moved to Smethwick I worked in a factory and was an assembler of hydraulic jacks. All my work colleagues were white. However they elected me as their Shop Steward and as their union representative. I was part of the Indian Workers Association, based on the Soho Road, which was an important representative of Indian workers across Smethwick."

"I was never discriminated against personally. I knew people who were but I never experienced it. I believe we are all part of one human race and this concept affected the way I treated people. I feel that my ethnic background never held me back in anything I tried to do. There was racism in Smethwick at the time though."

Mr Bhatia lived through race riots in 1965 and was among those who decided to go on the offensive using peaceful means. He said: "The vast majority of the Asian community came together and we decided that we should not use any violence or violent methods to counter this racism. Even the police were prejudiced at the time so we asked ourselves how could we convert their hearts?"

We decided we should give an award every year to the person working to achieve harmony in race relations this was called the Harmonious Person of the Year' award. "The first ever award was given to Chief Superintendent Geoffrey Fieldhouse, who banned a National Front march in West Bromwich.

Sandwell was the first Council to create a 'Race Advisory Committee of the Council' in around 1976. I am the only person to have served continually since its formation."

Cllr Linda Horton, Sandwell Council's Cabinet Member for Lifelong Learning, Culture & Leisure, said: "Migration after the war played an important part in Smethwick's history and shaped the character of the town. The exhibition will be a chance for everyone, young and old, to remember and celebrate this occasion and to have fun at the same time."

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