South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) runs from 17 July – 18 August and seeks to commemorate, mark and celebrate South Asian cultures, histories, and communities. The month seeks to understand the diverse heritage and cultures that continue to link the UK with South Asia.
The theme for SAHM this year is ‘Stories to Tell’. Here’s a story from Justin Jose, a Mental Health Nurse at Sheffield Children’s.
“I work as Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN) at the Becton Centre. I come from Kerala, (Gods own country – which is a famous tag line) India. I often hear jokes that people from Kerala are everywhere especially nurses. This is usually out of shock at how far and wide we have travelled. As a community we have been a crucial part of the labour market in the UK and we travel globally to work, explore, and settle.
“I believe that along with providing learning opportunities for others, this month enables people of South Asian heritage to reclaim their history and identity by sharing their own stories and experiences.
“I moved to Sheffield from Kerala in October 2022 as the part of the international nurses recruitment program by NHS England. The journey of transition was way easier than I thought since most of the people I met so far was very friendly and welcoming, especially at my work.
“I was lucky enough to be a part of Kerala community that gathered under our parish church in Sheffield after my arrival. I was awestruck to witness the number of Keralite parish members during a function I recently attended. So, moving to Sheffield and working for the NHS is a right decision made by myself. My family who joined me lately have similar experiences.
“I would love to have a full English Breakfast any time of the day apart from the numerous curries we prepare at home! Along with the rich heritage of England, I am indeed glad to experience that Indian and south Asian culture is equally valued and included in Sheffield and throughout UK.” #StoriesToTell
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 →
