I started Roots2Routes podcast by accident. It began as a personal project – to record my
family’s stories and memories of growing up as South Asians in East Africa, before starting
life again in the UK. The real value came in the unexpected.. through the depth of
understanding I gained about myself: from my identity and values, to my habits and outlook
on life.
I realised.. when we take the time to sit down and listen to our family’s stories, and vivid
recollections of their lived experiences, it gives a very real and relatable understanding of
who each of us are and how we’ve ended up where we have. After 100+ episodes, what I’ve
found through each conversation is that when you trace your roots, you don’t just uncover
history – you uncover patterns of behaviour, resilience, and lessons that guide the way you
think today.
Partnering with South Asian Heritage Month made me realise how much there is to
appreciate in South Asian stories. Speaking to each guest wasn’t just about recounting
memories, it highlighted how the roots of South Asian culture serve as a blueprint for the
world today – from sustainable practices to musical influences, and bindi’s to saris – the
culture isn’t just one that is accepted, but one that is embraced. And these conversations will
ensure this lives on in future generations.
Watch full episodes:|
Asifa Lahore on: What It’s Really Like to Be British, Muslim & LGBTQ+ | Asifa Lahore
Ketan Dattani on: The Sustainable Secrets Hidden In Every Asian Household
Trina Smith on: Mixed-Race Identity, Music, and the Fight for True Representation | Trina
Smith
Visit the Roots2Routes podcast and socials https://campsite.bio/tjo
The exhibition ‘Unsung Heroes of World War I’ featured historical artifacts, photos and news clippings on the Asian (Indian, Nepalese Bangladeshi – the Indian subcontinent, along with Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesian soldiers in WW1, as well as other moments in South Asian history.
As the saying goes, “Like mother, like daughter.” In the case of creative talents, this couldn’t be more true. The influence of a mother’s creativity can leave a lasting impact on her children, shaping their own artistic endeavours and passions. In this journal I explore the profound impact my mother’s creative legacy has influenced me and how Sohavi was truly born. Roots to routes explores my late mothers life journey from birth in Kenya to India as a teenager and eventually returning to Kenya in her 20’s , to marry my father Sardar Tirlochan Singh Dhamu, to emigrate to London from Nairobi in October 1973 and live out the rest of her life. Despite experiencing loss and trauma, she endured difficulties n her younger years and made the best of her life in my fathers trusting hand, he led her to a new life in London.
As an update from my last article, I can say that the past year has been both adventurous and fulfilling. I’ve faced a mix of opportunities
South Asian Heritage Month dates changed to "July" from 2026 — Learn more here →
