TV presenter Anila Dhami from Rainham wins achievement award

TV journalist Anila Dhami has won an Asian Women of Achievement award for her political role in the media.

The 32-year-old from Rainham, who still lives in the area she grew up in, is a freelance presenter for 5 News and reporter for ITV News London and LBC.

“Every morning I wake up with a purpose to inform people,” she said. “I uphold impartiality, balance and truth in TV and radio.”

Politicians she has put under the spotlight include former home secretary Priti Patel and vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi, as well as issues such as the pandemic, Brexit and the Grenfell tragedy.

The accomplished presenter of shows in Punjabi, Hindi and English is also recognised for her humanitarian work as ambassador for charities like Barnardo’s, which has a base in Barkingside, and for the Binti women’s charity that provides sanitary products in Britain, the US, India and Kenya.

Anila, who wen to Rainham’s Harris Academy, is known for her diversity as co-chair of the Global Indian Creatives Group.

Film-maker Gurinder Chaddha presented Anila with her award at the Hilton Bankside hotel on June 8.