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Sultan “Sid” Dajani: Andover’s Own Honoured Among London’s Greats!

Andover resident Mr. Sultan “Sid” Dajani has been honoured with the prestigious Freedom of the City of London, a distinction that dates back to 1237.

This ancient award, still one of the oldest surviving traditional ceremonies, recognises individuals for their outstanding contributions to London or public life. The ceremony took place at the historic City of London Guildhall, where Mr. Dajani joined the ranks of some of history’s most renowned figures, including Lord Horatio Nelson, Florence Nightingale, Winston Churchill, and Nelson Mandela.

The Freedom of the City of London was initially a status granted to “free men” or “citizens” to protect them under the City’s charter, safeguarding their rights outside the jurisdiction of feudal lords. Today, it remains a unique slice of London’s history, bringing together luminaries from various fields who have made significant contributions to society. The Guild of Freemen, an association of those who hold this freedom, supports charitable, educational, and social initiatives through a range of events, including cultural activities and an annual banquet.

Sid was nominated for this honour through The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries, one of the City of London’s oldest Livery Companies. The society, with roots dating back to the 12th century, recognises those in the medical, nursing, or pharmaceutical profession for their exceptional service. Famous past members include renowned author Agatha Christie, who passed the Apothecaries Hall Assistants’ Exam in 1917, a qualification that famously contributed to her knowledge of poisons in her crime novels.

As a grassroots pharmacist and independent prescriber, Sid’s contributions to the pharmaceutical profession and public health are vast. In 2014, he was nationally voted as Britain’s Best Pharmacist and recently received the Attitude for Gratitude Community Award. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he volunteered as a clinical lead and vaccinator across four vaccination centres, including The Lights and the Chantry Centre in Andover. His long-standing support for charities such as the Abel Foundation, Pride of Andover Awards, and the Jamie G Trust is a testament to his commitment to the local community.

In addition to his charity work, Sid has had a distinguished career in pharmacy. He currently serves as the Pharmacy Lead for Winchester Rural South Primary Care Network and was the youngest elected Council member in the 175-year history of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, where he served for twenty years, including six as Treasurer. He has authored over 400 articles, made more than 300 TV and radio appearances, and consulted on various public health issues, including antimicrobial resistance and the legalisation of medical cannabis.

Reflecting on his Freedom of the City honour, Sid expressed his gratitude:
“I feel moved, humbled, and grateful to be recognised in such a way. And I would never have dared to think I would ever be on the same page as Horatio Nelson, the Iron Duke, Florence Nightingale, our wartime prime minister, or even the discoverers of DNA! I did not expect this accolade, and I don’t feel like I deserve it—but then again, I have gout and I don’t deserve that either.”

He went on to describe the ceremony as a joyful experience steeped in history and tradition:
“This accolade is an outstanding moment for all my family, friends, and my support system. I’m still pinching myself. I never expect any award because success is not about wealth; it’s about the difference you make to people’s lives.”

As Sid humbly concluded, he hopes his 10-year-old daughter will one day look back on his achievements with pride, saying,
“I just hope when I go, my daughter will hopefully think her embarrassing old man did something right.”

With this honour, Mr. Dajani’s exceptional contributions to public health, pharmacy, and his local community have been rightfully celebrated in a ceremony that ties his name to centuries of history.

Ben Tuffin