Avtar Lit has passed away: discover the life and legacy of Sunrise Radio founder and president Avtar Lit, who sadly passed away at the age of 73 from blood cancer.
Avtar Lit passed away
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the death of Avtar Singh Lit, the visionary founder of Sunrise Radio, Britain’s pioneering Asian radio station. Today, the Lit family shared a statement expressing their deep sorrow for the loss. Lit, a true broadcasting pioneer, has left an indelible mark on the world of electronic British-Asian media. With the launch of Sunrise Radio, he gave the community a powerful voice, changing the landscape of Asian radio forever.
This 24-hour independent station has become a beacon of cultural expression, resonating with listeners far beyond its reach. The impact of Lit’s legacy reverberates throughout the industry. Surjit Singh Ghuman MBE, Managing Director of Panjab Radio, extends his sincere condolences to the Lit family and the Sunrise Radio family. He recognizes Avtar Lit as the visionary who brought South Asian radio to the airwaves in London, transforming the broadcasting landscape forever.
Amidst the grief, television presenter and journalist Anila Dhami pays tribute to Avtar Lito, acknowledging his key role in Asian media in Britain. She recalls her beginnings and the unwavering belief that Lit had in her potential, providing her with invaluable training. Anila Dhami fondly recalls their experience together hosting a call-in debate show on Sunrise Radio, a testament to Lito’s commitment to fostering dialogue and exchange.
At this dark time, our thoughts are with the Lit family, as well as the countless lives touched by the pioneering spirit of Avtar Singh Lit. His contribution to the Asian community and the broadcasting world will forever be remembered with respect and gratitude.
Who was Avtar Lit?
Avtar Lit was a passionate and influential person in the field of media, owning the reins and chairing the respected Sunrise Radio Group. His outstanding contributions to the British media have garnered him widespread recognition, earning him a coveted spot in AIM magazine’s prestigious list of “The 20 Most Powerful Asians in British Media” in 2005. Not only did his achievements speak volumes, but he also amassed considerable personal wealth, cementing his position as a force to be reckoned with.
However, life’s journey is not always smooth and Avtar Singh Lit has faced his fair share of trials and tribulations. In a heartbreaking turn of events, the High Court declared him bankrupt in 2014. The weight of this financial burden endured as he watched five of his companies fall into administration, a bitter pill to swallow for a man of his stature.
Yet amidst setbacks, Avtar Singh Lit’s fiery spirit and unwavering passion never wavered. His love for the media industry burned brightly, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who were privileged to witness his skill. His passion for his craft inspired awe and admiration as he fearlessly pursued his dreams, leaving a lasting legacy.
Avtar Singh Lit’s story is a testimony to the ups and downs of a life lived with fervor and determination. Although faced with adversity, he remains a symbol of resilience, reminding us that our passions can propel us forward, even in the face of the most daunting challenges.
What happened to Avtar Lita?
Avtar Lito’s path was marked by controversies and obstacles. In 2011, it was reported that £160,000 generously donated by Sunrise Radio listeners to help victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, as well as the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, had not reached the recipient. Instead, the funds languished untouched in a bank account for nearly seven years.
Although the Charity Commission found no evidence of misuse of funds, it criticized the trustees for their inappropriate actions and failure to provide a satisfactory explanation for the prolonged delay. In the end, the money was diverted to two registered charities that are actively working in the affected regions. Virendra Sharma, Labor MP for Ealing and Southall, raised his concerns and demanded that commissioners clarify their actions.
The Emergency Committee acknowledged the trustees’ good intentions, but emphasized the importance of having well-defined plans and procedures to ensure timely, efficient and transparent use of donated funds in such circumstances. In 2007, Avtar Lit again got involved in controversies. This time it involved what Joan Ryan, the Labor MP and deputy leader, described as “stunning and blatant Tory opportunism”.
During this period, Lito’s son, Tony, was hailed as Cameron’s “rising star candidate” and was seen as a fresh face within the Conservative Party. Tony attended Tony Blair’s farewell dinner with his family, which incurred expenses of £4,800. Furthermore, Tony offered £4,000 in an attempt to secure a weekend trip to Atlanta, which included dinner with Hillary Clinton.
The controversy arose due to the timing of the events, as Tony had recently been announced as the Conservative candidate for the upcoming Ealing Southall by-election. The Labor Party released photos of Lito and Blair from the dinner, raising suspicions about the unpaid £4,000 bid and suggesting its non-payment was a calculated move to avoid negative publicity ahead of the election.
These incidents shed light on the controversies and obstacles that Avtar Lit faced throughout his life. While his contributions to the media industry and his pioneering role in broadcasting are undeniable, these episodes highlight the complexities and scrutiny that accompany public figures.
Avtar Lit Cause of death
The specific cause of Avtar Lito’s death has not been revealed or announced to the public.
The impact of Avtar Lito’s death can be considered a significant loss in a number of ways. As the founder of Britain’s first full-time Asian radio station, Sunrise Radio, he played a pioneering role in the field of electronic British Asian media. His visionary approach and commitment have given the British-Asian community a powerful platform, giving them a voice and encouraging cultural representation.
Lito’s contribution to the broadcasting industry and his founding of Sunrise Radio marked a pivotal moment in British media history. Through his work, he not only shaped the landscape of Asian radio, but also left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and influence aspiring broadcasters.
Moreover, Lito’s philanthropic efforts, such as fundraising campaigns for disaster-stricken regions, have demonstrated his commitment to supporting those in need. While he faced challenges in using the funds, his intentions to help the affected communities were undoubtedly noble.
The loss of Avtar Lito is mourned not only by his family and loved ones, but also by the community he served and the media industry as a whole. His pioneering spirit, visionary mindset and commitment to giving voice to underrepresented communities left an indelible mark. His absence will be felt and his contributions will be remembered as a significant loss in the fields of broadcasting and community empowerment.
Avtar Lit Family
Avtar Lito’s family was an important part of his life, and he left behind a close-knit household full of love. He is survived by his mother, who undoubtedly had a special place in his heart, providing him with love and guidance throughout his life.
Among his five children, Avtar Lit leaves behind a legacy of fatherhood. Surjit, Tony, Bobby, Serena and Robbie were happy to have him as their father. Each of them shares a unique bond and fond memories with their beloved parent. Avtar Lito’s role as a father was undoubtedly appreciated and his presence will be sorely missed.
Furthermore, Avtar Lit had the joy of being the grandfather of five grandchildren. These little ones brought immense happiness and love into his life. They are a testament to his lasting legacy and his memory will live on through them.
Avtar Lit lived in Osterley, where he called the magnificent house his home. The assessed value of his residence was £2.5 million. In 2022 the house sold for £3,650,000, underscoring the importance and desirability of the property. It served as a place where precious family moments were shared and cherished memories for Avtar Lito’s loved ones.
As Avtar Lita’s family goes through the grieving process, they will undoubtedly draw strength from their mutual love and support for each other. Losing such a loved one will leave an indelible void, but the bond between family members will help them find comfort and support on their journey of healing and remembrance.
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Categories: General
Source: HIS Education