My colleague and friend Sadru Visram, who has died aged 81, was a pioneering figure in social housing, a devoted family man and a pillar of his Ismaili Muslim community. His compassionate nature meant he gave generously of his time. He was a school governor, a treasurer of Age Concern Newham and a member of the Aga Khan Economic Planning Board. His faith remained central to his life.
Born in Zanzibar, east Africa, Sadru was the eldest of three brothers. His father, Habib Lalji Visram, repaired radios from the family shop, while his mother, Nurbanu (nee Sivji), was a strong believer in the importance of education; she used to wake her sons up at 4am to study as she sold tobacco and drinks to patrons of the bus station next door. Sadru went to King George VI school, now the Lumumba secondary school.
