Abdul Patel – One of the most recognisable names of Imperial College

Posted on July 30, 2012 at 10:15 AM (UTC) ( 10 months ago);
section: rant / society
views: 2,539
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0a1180fcb5c3d67dbadfcfbaf6d8e68f

wrote the following:

I am writing this blog about someone that I wasn’t particularly close to but someone I had worked with in my professional capacity in the union. Firstly, I want to start by saying how impressed I am with what he has accomplished in such a short space of time. Within a year he became the most senior student ambassador of the college, a student trustee, union’s court advocate and one of the most (if not most) popular and recognised guys around college. He did this whilst still obtaining a high first and being one of iconic figures around college. I used to love going to ethos sports gym when he was there. He would liven the place up with his Ronnie Coleman’s impression and put people in awe with his 150kg bench presses. The amount of people he inspired to go to the gym is astonishing and an accomplishment in itself! He is without doubt, one of the funniest guys I have come across but when you converse in a serious discussion with him, you will be amazed at how intelligent and calculated he is. I remember I used to look forward to union council meetings just to hear what he said – because it just made sense. He was in touch with the people and one of the few peoples in the union that genuinely cared about the students and not another bureaucrat. This inevitably caused rift within the members which were not used to this exposure of creativity and new ideas. When he ran for union president this year, I experienced something I have not since my four years at Imperial – hope. For once the union had someone that was in touch with people and had original, feasible and sensible ideas. His manifesto points did not resolve around drinking or an open bar summerball but contained points that involved everyone – such as addressing Imperial’s falling in league tables. The amount of effort and heart he put in has earned most people’s respect – even those that might have not necessarily voted for him. Almost every senior staff you speak to that knew Abdul would sing his praises. As an ambassador, I spoke to Jo (head of the scheme) and the international office on a frequent basis. They would argue how Abdul is one of their best ambassadors due to his work both within college and when he was sent abroad (such as Texas in the summer last year). It is for this reason why they purposely select him to give tours to VIPs. No one in college has ever had the charisma of flair he possesses. His head of department was devastated when he heard Abdul had decided to graduate early to do a Masters at Cambridge. Within his home department he is admired. The younger years all look at to him and I don’t think anyone would disagree that he has helped so many out morally and on supportive roles. This is testament to the caring person he is. So why am I writing this blog? Well I think he does not get the recognition or credit he truly deserves. During the election this year Paul Beaumont campaign team (which included Alexander Kendall) went on a mission to defame his name by accusing him of some ludicrous and asinine things which has subsequently found to be untrue (Kendall was cautioned and addressed by the college for his actions). They did this because they knew his popularity was huge and he was without doubt, at the time, the most recognisable figures around college. They did it because if they hadn’t Paul Beaumont would have had no chance of winning. I feel had this not been allowed, many others and I would have had a union president and year to look forward to. I guess it is funny how things work out. I just admire Abdul’s forgiving nature – had I been in his shoes, I would have done things differently.

 

55 responses to Abdul Patel – One of the most recognisable names of Imperial College

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  1. RE: Abdul Patel – One of the most recognisable names of Imperial College

    Posted on July 31, 2012 at 07:21 AM (UTC) ( 10 months ago )
    replies: 1
    0c4dafea11004671f4f89e4b6a075d71

    wrote the following:

    I can't agree with more with the above post. Couldn't believe Alex Kendall and Paul Beaumont stooped so low. I understand why they did - Abdul was definite to win due to his popularity and they had to defame his image on a large scale. Oh well he is at Cambridge now and Paul is stuck at Imperial so in the end, it's kinda obvious who won.

    • RE: Abdul Patel – One of the most recognisable names of Imperial College

      Posted on August 02, 2012 at 07:22 AM (UTC) ( 10 months ago )
      replies: 0
      4e194c3afd173cceb99a798a8ef5729a

      wrote the following:

      Having been on a Student Associate Scheme with Abdul Patel last summer at Sydenham High School, I am able to say first hand that some of the stuff published by Paul Beaumont and Alex Kendall on that anonymous blog is just absurd and horrific. Doing the scheme requires a CRB check so the allegation that he has a criminal record is just false. Similar allegations of other stuff were just an obvious attempt of sabotage and it is so unfortunate the Union did not do more to stop it. Abdul will go down in Imperial College London history as a clean, open and honest character whilst the likes of Alexander Kendall and Paul Beaumont will be remembered from their childish, lying and vile behaviour for what they did to his this year. p.s. All the staff at Sydenham School were so impressed by Abdul during the scheme there. Not only because of his ability to engage with the students, but because he spent 2 hours every day after work (unpaid) assisting with their projects. A phonecall to the Science department of the school can detail more information.

  2. RE: Abdul Patel – One of the most recognisable names of Imperial College

    Posted on July 31, 2012 at 07:44 AM (UTC) ( 10 months ago )
    replies: 0
    0a1180fcb5c3d67dbadfcfbaf6d8e68f

    wrote the following:

    Just saw this being distributed on Facebook. Can't believe it wasn't released earlier. Shocking how they were allowed to get away it. Things just did not add up. I don't understand why Abdul ignored it all during the election - perhaps he felt it did not warrant a response so concentrated on his own positive campaign. Oh well, we have been robbed and Paul has a lot to restore people's faith in him again after all of this.

  3. RE: Abdul Patel – One of the most recognisable names of Imperial College

    Posted on July 31, 2012 at 09:21 AM (UTC) ( 10 months ago )
    replies: 2
    4e194c3afd173cceb99a798a8ef5729a

    wrote the following:

    **some things just don't add up If even 1/10th of the stuff that Paul's lot wrote on that anonymous blog is true it just doesnt add up. to be a trustee you have to be clean, you can't have any discplinaries or accusations of homophobia, racism, sexism etc. Abdul was one of hte most active and high profile trustees this year doing a lot for the union - he would have been removed if what Paul's campaign team were spreading **was true (another trustee was removed for sexism for commenting about another candidate's breast during the period). If he didn't do a great job at Texas, why did he receive a commendation and why do everyone in the international office that are head of the ambassador scheme love him? Even more, why was he still the head ambassador for another year and given one of the highest positions for any students in the college! He has was awarded by his head of department earlier this year so obviously the academics trust and respect him. Could not meet a nicer person. So glad the original poster blogged this.

    • RE: Abdul Patel – One of the most recognisable names of Imperial College

      Posted on July 31, 2012 at 09:22 AM (UTC) ( 10 months ago )
      replies: 0
      4e194c3afd173cceb99a798a8ef5729a

      wrote the following:

      **some things just don't add up If even 1/10th of the stuff that Paul's lot wrote on that anonymous blog is true it just doesnt add up. to be a trustee you have to be clean, you can't have any discplinaries or accusations of homophobia, racism, sexism etc. Abdul was one of hte most active and high profile trustees this year doing a lot for the union - he would have been removed if what Paul's campaign team were spreading **was true (another trustee was removed for sexism for commenting about another candidate's breast during the period). If he didn't do a great job at Texas, why did he receive a commendation and why do everyone in the international office that are head of the ambassador scheme love him? Even more, why was he still the head ambassador for another year and given one of the highest positions for any students in the college! He has was awarded by his head of department earlier this year so obviously the academics trust and respect him. Could not meet a nicer person. So glad the original poster blogged this. **

    • RE: Abdul Patel – One of the most recognisable names of Imperial College

      Posted on August 02, 2012 at 09:50 AM (UTC) ( 10 months ago )
      replies: 0
      16fdf9379e7ef74a3d1a3b7cb879ca9e

      wrote the following:

      Having been an observer of the trustee board this year, I can agree with the above comments. Abdul Patel was the most active trustee by far this year. It was he that examined where the union lost £150,000 last year and constructed a report he presented to the board in which money could be saved. It is because of him budgeting was carried out correctly and the union made a small profit from the summer ball this year. This is imperative to note.

  4. RE: Abdul Patel – One of the most recognisable names of Imperial College

    Posted on July 31, 2012 at 12:03 PM (UTC) ( 10 months ago )
    replies: 1
    Bf205895b6e2e0b4c6ac8f6f697796c7

    wrote the following:

    I have across Abdul once at Ethos gym in which he took time out of his workout to teach me how to squat properly. I didn't even know him yet he still was amicable and helpful to me. He is the type of person that speaks and helps anyone regardless if he knows them or not, its just in his character. It probably explains why 2300 voted for him despite all the shit that the opposition campaign team were doing. Ethos is going to be so dull without him :(

  5. RE: Abdul Patel – One of the most recognisable names of Imperial College

    Posted on July 31, 2012 at 12:31 PM (UTC) ( 10 months ago )
    replies: 1
    Df0b429162749cfc71bc05a2f1ce0cef

    wrote the following:

    As a first year materials student I remember meeting Abdul during the buddy lunch back in October (and my first week at Imperial). My buddy didn't turn up so Abdul asked me to join his group instead to which I obliged. Ever since that time he would help me with my reports, assessments or any time I required help I would message him and he would take out 20-30 minutes of his day to explain crystallography or other aspects of the course to me. For someone to be that considerate is not normal.

  6. RE: Abdul Patel – One of the most recognisable names of Imperial College

    Posted on July 31, 2012 at 01:19 PM (UTC) ( 10 months ago )
    replies: 1
    Df0b429162749cfc71bc05a2f1ce0cef

    wrote the following:

    ** As a close friend of Abdul I would like to point one thing out. He had a choice to get disciplinary action against those that committed libel and spread the lies during the election for harassment and defamation of character. He refused and decided to let them go. This shows you what sort of character he is. It wasn't even him (was another sabbatical) that lodged a complaint against Alex Kendall and Paul Beaumont for lying about him during the elections on twitter which they were later forced to apologise and issue a correction tweet. **

  7. RE: Abdul Patel – One of the most recognisable names of Imperial College

    Posted on July 31, 2012 at 01:54 PM (UTC) ( 10 months ago )
    replies: 0
    Df0b429162749cfc71bc05a2f1ce0cef

    wrote the following:

    Abdul was the reason why I even bothered to show up to lectures in the first place. If it wasn't for his jokes and optimistic persona, I doubt many people in the class would enjoy coming in as much. just saying . . .

  8. RE: Abdul Patel – One of the most recognisable names of Imperial College

    Posted on July 31, 2012 at 02:10 PM (UTC) ( 10 months ago )
    replies: 0
    Df0b429162749cfc71bc05a2f1ce0cef

    wrote the following:

    Just saw this doing the rounds on Facebook and Twitter, thought I should contribute. As a fellow Rector's Ambassador I can confirm that whenever there is an event, he would get selected just because his charisma is amazing. He can talk to anyone and sound impressive - the College owe him a lot. It is no enigma why they sent him to Texas last summer and wanted to send him to Brazil this one. Best of luck to him.

  9. RE: Abdul Patel – One of the most recognisable names of Imperial College

    Posted on July 31, 2012 at 06:14 PM (UTC) ( 10 months ago )
    replies: 1
    45a83195e9a6c6649869ce678d891335

    wrote the following:

    He has done more for the students at Imperial than all the sabbaticals have accomplished in the last 10 years. He had presence, he would walk in the room and talk to everyone and cheers people up. He would do so much for the societies and attend every cultural one as a sign of respect of him being a Trustee - something none of the sabbaticals has ever done. He transformed the image of the union from the minute dominated bureaucrats to approachable and down to earth - something no one has ever accomplished before.

    • RE: Abdul Patel – One of the most recognisable names of Imperial College

      Posted on August 02, 2012 at 08:21 AM (UTC) ( 10 months ago )
      replies: 0
      Cef551471a34fcdcf269e2814036a14c

      wrote the following:

      I couldn't agree stronger with this comment. if you look at his Facebook you can see he has 2000 friends, the predominant of which go to Imperial College. It is because people enjoy his company; he makes them laugh, he is a good listener and he gets things done in a pleasant manner. There has never been nor will there ever be someone so enthusiastic and social as Abdul Patel in Imperial. It is a shame he didn't get union President this year, he was just the thing we needed to raise morale for students. His ideas were all feasible and would have, undeniably, a huge impact on student welfare (an issue that the Union seems to be neglecting).

  10. RE: Abdul Patel – One of the most recognisable names of Imperial College

    Posted on July 31, 2012 at 09:19 PM (UTC) ( 10 months ago )
    replies: 1
    8fff699dd4abb20ed970767b1c9c1021

    wrote the following:

    I have been the oversees society chair this year and I can say from the bottom of my heart that every single oversees clubs society presidents were really hoping Abdul would win Union President this year. He was the only person in Imperial College Union that cared about the international students and this was reflected in his campaign and manifesto point. He made an effort in talking to us - the only one. He fought for us at trustee this year, the only person to speak up for the students in Imperial College Union. I hope there is someone like him in the Union next year, for the internationals year.

  11. RE: Abdul Patel – One of the most recognisable names of Imperial College

    Posted on August 01, 2012 at 12:10 AM (UTC) ( 10 months ago )
    replies: 1
    19e8e514f4c6e9c5f61231bffe9fd467

    wrote the following:

    When £15000 grant is given to 50 members of gliding society and 3000 members of the international oversees society share a pot of £5000 when many are in dire need of assistance of help. Imperial college union is worse of because of this. It is a shame that Abdul Patel was one of the few people that could see this and was vocal about it - even to the opposition to many in the Union. That in itself, warrants eminence for carrying out his duties as promised despite what back lash it would have created.

  12. RE: Abdul Patel – One of the most recognisable names of Imperial College

    Posted on August 01, 2012 at 07:24 AM (UTC) ( 10 months ago )
    replies: 1
    0c4dafea11004671f4f89e4b6a075d71

    wrote the following:

    The full story of what happened between him and Alex Kendall (ex Imperial College Union President) last year was that Alex Kendall was bullying and harassing his own officers. It got so bad that he reduced one to tears after a union court meeting which pushed Abdul to lodge a complaint to the Trustee board about. In retaliation Alex Kendall fabricates and distributes many likes such as Abdul being disciplined for homophobia and sexist. He also made that malicious false anonymous blog about him which he further fabricated libellous and untrue comments (many of which he wrote himself). It was subsequently found that he was lying and he was forced to issue an apology. Abdul had the choice to take it further for libel to which he chose not to but rather to forgive him - despite all Alex did. Abdul Patel knew what the consequence of sticking up for his fellow officers were. He knew Alex Kendall was manipulative, malevolent and just generally disrespectful. These views have been echoed by his own sabbaticals from his own year!

    • RE: Abdul Patel – One of the most recognisable names of Imperial College

      Posted on September 07, 2012 at 07:48 AM (UTC) ( 8 months ago )
      replies: 0
      C32442195218467b53f5b124e31363ef

      wrote the following:

      I read about this in Felix last year. Ex-Imperial President Alex Kendall is the definition of a bully and his time as president shows he achieved little (he left the union in a huge deficit after his term - something Abdul Patel and the rest of the trustee board had to clear up!). He would call people 'corrupt' or 'bloody pathetic' in formal emails if they questioned him and he used to abuse his own officers (I know this because I have spoken to many whom were subject to his abuse that I trust). My personal experience of Alexander Kendall is not pleasant and the way he behaved in the election is inexcusable and just childish.

  13. RE: Abdul Patel – One of the most recognisable names of Imperial College

    Posted on August 01, 2012 at 08:24 AM (UTC) ( 10 months ago )
    replies: 1
    4e194c3afd173cceb99a798a8ef5729a

    wrote the following:

    Wow this is going viral - it is all over my Facebook. Anyway, Abdul Patel should be receiving an award for all the work he did for both the Union and the Rector's Ambassador Scheme. He recruited half the ambassadors this year and did so much for the college. All Sue, Anna, Emily and now Jennie have stated that they would be lost without his help and a contributing factor (alongside his talent) in him being promoted to the most senior student ambassador for the college. Earlier this year he organised a joint event with the Science Museum for a medic exhibition which must have taken weeks of planning, all at a time where he we doing his final year project. No other person commits as much to Imperial College as much as he has - any senior staff (including the Rector) will confirm this.

  14. RE: Abdul Patel – One of the most recognisable names of Imperial College

    Posted on August 01, 2012 at 09:41 AM (UTC) ( 10 months ago )
    replies: 1
    Cef551471a34fcdcf269e2814036a14c

    wrote the following:

    I forgot to mention on my previous entry, it was because of Abdul Patel that the Rector's Ambassadors next year are being paid for their hours they do by his meetings and the case he presented to the Senior College Council . Pretty ironic as he volunteered over 150 hours to the scheme/ imperial college without any pay but it was a nice gesture for his colleagues despite him not being here next year.

  15. RE: Abdul Patel – One of the most recognisable names of Imperial College

    Posted on August 01, 2012 at 10:44 AM (UTC) ( 10 months ago )
    replies: 1
    0a1180fcb5c3d67dbadfcfbaf6d8e68f

    wrote the following:

    Abdul Patel - Imperial College Union **PEOPLE'S** President!

  16. RE: Abdul Patel – One of the most recognisable names of Imperial College

    Posted on August 01, 2012 at 12:39 PM (UTC) ( 10 months ago )
    replies: 0
    0a1180fcb5c3d67dbadfcfbaf6d8e68f

    wrote the following:

    I see this is a blog just praising how good Abdul is because he lost Imperial College Union Presidential election this year - I might aswell chip in. As a faculty union president this year, I approached Abdul when I required some advice to do with his position as the union's court advocate (which he did alongside being a student trustee) and he was so helpful. He took so much time out to construct me a report in which I was able to use in the meeting. Top Fella.

  17. RE: Abdul Patel – One of the most recognisable names of Imperial College

    Posted on August 01, 2012 at 01:10 PM (UTC) ( 10 months ago )
    replies: 0
    Df0b429162749cfc71bc05a2f1ce0cef

    wrote the following:

    Abdul is the reason why the president election had such a huge turnout with almost 60% of undergraduates voting. People that do not care about the union voted just for Abdul as he wasn't your typical candidate. This was a real person that genuinely cared and talked to people. People did not vote for the Union, they voted for him. Next year's voting turnout will be substantially lower and Imperial College Union will have a hard time matching this years.

  18. RE: Abdul Patel – One of the most recognisable names of Imperial College

    Posted on August 01, 2012 at 01:57 PM (UTC) ( 10 months ago )
    replies: 0
    16fdf9379e7ef74a3d1a3b7cb879ca9e

    wrote the following:

    Abdul's the reason why I chose Imperial over UCL (he knows this already). I was concerned about Imperials reputation and stereotypes of the geeky loser ish bunch of people. Abdul showed me around as his position as an ambassador couple years ago and because of his jokes and he just generally being friendly down to earth, it made me reconsider the image I had of student at Imperial and persuaded me to come here instead. I only wish Imperial College had more people like him (approachable, funny, friendly, social etc).

  19. RE: Abdul Patel – One of the most recognisable names of Imperial College

    Posted on August 01, 2012 at 07:58 PM (UTC) ( 10 months ago )
    replies: 0
    Aac57b2f132386c5a5fcab4ec3f6b880

    wrote the following:

    Let's get one thing straight - The only reason why Abdul Patel is not Imperial College Union President next year is because Paul Beaumont is a lying deceitful, manipulative, cold bastard that would defame and betray his own friends just for his own gain. He bullied and harassed his own RSCU committee this year and took all the credit for their work - shame on Imperial electorates for being so easily deceived (albeit the voting results was very close) and succembing to the negatice campaign which were so evidently fabricated. Had Abdul won, we would not have a malevolent representative next year but one of a familiar face and alacrity. Imperial can't be saved.

  20. RE: Abdul Patel – One of the most recognisable names of Imperial College

    Posted on August 02, 2012 at 07:58 AM (UTC) ( 10 months ago )
    replies: 0
    16fdf9379e7ef74a3d1a3b7cb879ca9e

    wrote the following:

    During a UCAS conference, Abdul was told in the morning that he would be required to give a short talk about Imperial with no prior warning as his role as head ambassador. He obliged and with no preparation, gave what many perceived to be the best damn talk about Imperial College. His flair and charisma just shines and is an asset of envy.