Enam Ali

(Bengali: এনাম আলি; 1 December 1960 – 17 July 2022)

Enam Ali MBE FRSA, who tragically passed away from cancer in July 2022, was an exceptional individual whose remarkable contributions to the Bangladeshi community and the curry industry have left an indelible mark. His lifetime achievements spanned various domains, including entrepreneurship, community engagement, charity work, and the recognition he received for his outstanding efforts.

Enam Ali's journey commenced in Sylhet District, East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), where he was born in 1960. In pursuit of higher education, he ventured to the United Kingdom in 1974 with the intent of studying law. However, his true passion for hospitality and management emerged, prompting him to change his academic path.

While pursuing his studies, Enam Ali worked part-time in the hospitality industry, acquiring invaluable experience that would lay the foundation for his future endeavors. In 1989, he took a bold step and established Le Raj, a restaurant that swiftly became synonymous with culinary excellence and exceptional service. Le Raj quickly garnered a reputation as a premier establishment within the British curry industry.

Enam Ali's commitment to advancing the curry industry was further exemplified in 1998 with the launch of Spice Business Magazine. This quarterly trade publication served as a comprehensive source of information on the restaurant sector, and it provided a platform for community news. With a substantial readership exceeding 100,000 on average per quarter, the magazine became an influential voice in the industry.

In 2005, Enam Ali founded The British Curry Awards, an esteemed annual event that celebrated excellence in the UK curry industry. This initiative not only bestowed recognition upon outstanding restaurants but also played a pivotal role in raising awareness of the significant contributions made by these establishments to British cuisine. The awards ceremony became a highly anticipated occasion within the culinary community.

Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Enam Ali actively engaged in various advisory roles and philanthropic endeavors. His involvement as a member of the Home Office Hospitality sector advisory panel in 2008 showcased his commitment to promoting fairness in the treatment of the restaurant industry by government departments. His unwavering dedication to fostering equality and improving industry standards was a testament to his profound concern for the curry industry's overall betterment.

Enam Ali's exceptional contributions were duly acknowledged through numerous prestigious honors during his lifetime. In 2009, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of his significant services to the Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant industries. This distinguished accolade underscored the immense impact he had made on these sectors. In 2011, Enam Ali became the first Muslim and the first representative of the British curry industry to be granted Freedom of the City of London, an esteemed recognition of his outstanding contributions to the hospitality industry.

Philanthropy was an integral part of Enam Ali's life. He hosted numerous charitable events, raising more than £2 million for worthy causes. Additionally, his role as Chief Strategy Advisor to Terraque Ltd, a charity devoted to the United Nations Millennium@EDU initiative, allowed him to actively contribute to providing computers to 15 million students in the world's most economically disadvantaged countries by 2015.

Enam Ali's impact on the Bangladeshi community and the curry industry extended far beyond his entrepreneurial ventures. He established the UK's first curry academy, which offered training and opportunities to aspiring British curry chefs and restaurant owners. His dedication to preserving and promoting the rich culinary heritage of Bangladesh resonated deeply with thousands of individuals.

Throughout his illustrious career, Enam Ali received recognition from various organizations and prestigious awards. Notable among them were his nominations for the Arts and Culture Awareness award at the British Muslim Awards and his designation as NRB Person of the Year by Millennium Global Magazine in 2014. These accolades further exemplified his enduring influence and legacy within the curry industry and beyond.

Even in the face of personal adversity, Enam Ali's commitment to serving others remained steadfast. Despite his battle with cancer, he continued to make a positive impact on the lives of many. Throughout his treatment, he selflessly donated thousands of meals to NHS staff, expressing his deep gratitude for their unwavering dedication and selfless service. Moreover, he extended his philanthropic efforts to orphaned children abroad, providing them with nourishment and hope amidst his own health struggles.

Enam Ali's unwavering dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to giving back have left an indelible impact on his community and the curry industry. His transformative contributions and humanitarian endeavors will continue to inspire generations to come. Enam Ali's legacy will forever be remembered as a shining example of how one person's passion, resilience, and generosity can make a profound and lasting difference in the world. May he rest in peace.