My friend the lawyer, educationist and local politician Keeki Thammaiah, who has died of a heart attack aged 76, became the first Asian mayor of Harrow, north-west London, in 2000.

He came to politics relatively late when elected as a Labour councillor in 1994. As mayor, he demonstrated his skill in working with people across the divide of politics, race and class. He relished the ceremonials – the robes and chains – not only because of his innate respect for the office but also because he felt comfortable with these trappings. Their lavishness echoed the ceremonial attire of his native Coorg in Karnataka, south India, particularly that of the traditional kupya chaleworn by Coorg men – long black tunics with red and gold brocaded cummerbunds from which intricately worked swords in gold and silver were slung.

Keeki came from an affluent landowning family, and after qualifying as a lawyer served as an advocate in the courts of justice in Bangalore. He arrived in Britain in 1964, drawn by the vibrancy of its contemporary culture (listening to the Beatles for the first time was clearly a defining experience), as well as its legal traditions. He taught business law at institutions including Westminster College for a number of years.

Keeki and Naila, his wife of 40 years, kept an open house, and visiting Indians – dignitaries, students and tourists – enjoyed the warmth of their hospitality. A champion of Karnataka culture, with its rich tradition of Kannada literature and performing arts, Keeki supported initiatives that helped younger generations living in Britain to engage with this culture. On the day before his death, he and Naila had hosted a reception to launch an initiative to promote Karnataka and its artistic heritage.

He is survived by Naila, his son, Ponnu, and two grandchildren, Adit and Alok.

source: http://www.guardian.co.uk / by Nima Poovaya-Smith / The Guardian / Thursday, May 19th, 2011