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Cllr Gurdip Ram Bungar has said he is "deeply humbled and honoured" to have been announced as the new mayor of Gravesham.
The 67-year-old, who represents Central ward, first came to the borough from India in December 1961 when he could not speak a word of English, but went on to run his own business and pursue a political career.
He said: "I never dreamt that someone like me would become a mayor.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has supported my political career and now my journey as first citizen of the borough.
"My dad would be so proud to know that the town that he chose to be our family home has now chosen me to be mayor.
"I am looking forward to meeting lots of people, attending events and engagements and raising money for charity."
At the council's annual meeting yesterday evening, Cllr Bungar described what an amazing sight it was to see Christmas lights across the town when he arrived in Gravesend aged 10.
He soon grasped the English language, and went on to achieve his GCE O Levels, a five year engineering apprenticeship and Higher National Diploma (HND) qualifications.
Cllr Bungar runs a driving school in Gravesham and has done so for 35 years.
He joked, "I will steer the council meetings to the best of my ability and will try not to use the ‘dual controls’ too much".
The mayor's wife, Nanjo Kaur Bungar is now mayoress.
The deputy mayor and deputy mayoress will be Cllr John Caller, who represents Westcourt ward, and his wife, Sue Caller.
Cllr Bungar's chosen charities are hospice charity ellenor, based in Coldharbour Road, Northfleet, alongside House of Mercy and Sanctuary, which both support homeless people across Gravesham.
