Women in Rail invites you to an online session:

Marking South Asian Heritage Month with Baggy Shanker, MP

Join Us for a Special South Asian Heritage Month Conversation with Baggy Shanker, MP.

We’re delighted to invite you to a special webinar marking South Asian Heritage Month (1-30 July), in collaboration between Women in Rail and Network Rail’s Cultural Fusion employee network.

Join for an engaging conversation with Baggy Shanker, MP, joined by Rajinder Pryor (Women in Rail Trustee, Network Rail) and Anit Chandarana (Group Director, System Operator, Network Rail). Together, amongst other topics they will explore how transport connects communities and how this aligns with the 2026 theme, Unity & Diversity.

This session will shine a light on lived experiences, representation across our sector, and the role our industry plays in bringing people together.

Baggy Shanker is the Labour and Cooperative MP for Derby South, a lifelong Derby resident and former Leader of Derby City Council. With over 30 years of community and voluntary service he has a professional background in engineering at Celanese and Rolls‑Royce. He is a strong parliamentary voice on UK engineering and manufacturing also serving on the Transport Select Committee.

This event will not be recorded.

Baggy Shanker, MP

Born and raised in Derby, and having been educated from nursery to University all in Derby, Baggy is a passionate advocate for the community as the Labour and Cooperative Member of Parliament for Derby South.

Prior to becoming an MP, Baggy joined Derby City Council as a Councillor in 2008 and was proud to be elected as leader of the Council in 2023, representing the community which he has lived and worked in for so many years. Alongside his Council role, he has served on numerous charitable and voluntary groups in Derby for over 30 years.

Having left school at 16 to work as an engineering apprentice and with extensive experience in engineering roles, working at both Celanese and Rolls Royce, Baggy is a leading voice on British engineering and manufacturing in Parliament, alongside his role as a member of the Transport Select Committee.

Register below to be part of the session.

Details on how to join online via Zoom will be sent closer to the event.