The South Asian Heritage Trust seeks to elevate the prominence of British South Asian history and heritage in the UK through education, arts, culture, celebration and commemoration.
Our mission is to deepen people’s understanding of the rich and diverse contributions of South Asian communities to British society, promote intercultural dialogue, and foster greater social cohesion among communities.
The trust aims to achieve the following objectives:
By pursuing these objectives, the South Asian Heritage Trust aims to foster a deeper and more inclusive understanding of British history and heritage, promote social harmony and cohesion, and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society for all.
Develop and deliver educational programs that highlight the history, heritage, and cultural contributions of South Asian communities in Britain, including workshops, seminars, and training sessions for schools, community organizations, and the wider public.
Organize and showcase arts and cultural events, such as exhibitions, performances, and festivals, that celebrate the diversity and creativity of South Asian communities and promote greater cross-cultural awareness and appreciation.
Commemorate and celebrate key historical events and figures that have shaped the South Asian experience in Britain, such as the partition of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the arrival of the Windrush generation, and the contributions of South Asian soldiers.
Collaborate with other organizations, institutions, and individuals to amplify the reach and impact of our mission and to build bridges across communities.
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Initiation
South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) came about over a cup of chai
in December 2018 when the founders came together to discuss how
people’s understanding of the interconnectedness between Britain
and South Asia could be better understood in the UK.
SAHM Concept Launch
Proposing the concept of ‘South Asian Heritage Month’ at the House of Commons. In July 2019, SAHM ran its concept launch.
Our First Official Launch
The Trust’s first project “South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) had its inaugural launch in 2020. During this four-week period, the volunteers organized and held over 60 official and over 100 unofficial events.
South Asian Heritage Month also went viral on social media including trending on Twitter and most importantly, engaged families, grassroots community groups, and organizations up and down the country.
Covid Brings A Change In Strategy
This year saw the biggest SAHM yet, with a wide range of online events on our official calendar covering many topics from:
With limited socializing, the strategy was to pursue the celebrations online and encourage at-home users to enjoy and take part.
May 2022 Charity Registration
Our trust aims to establish a sustainable source of funding and a functional platform to support our mission. To achieve this, we will develop and implement effective fundraising strategies, seek out partnerships with donors and sponsors, and continuously evaluate and improve our operations to ensure long-term success.
Journeys of Empire
The theme selected for South Asian Heritage Month in 2022 was ‘Journeys of Empire,’ a deliberate choice that carried profound significance and purpose. It was designed to commemorate and shed light on the historical events that shaped the South Asian diaspora and their impact on the global stage. By focusing on the journeys of empire, we aimed to foster a deeper understanding of the complex narratives and experiences of South Asians throughout history.
The selection of ‘Journeys of Empire’ as the theme was guided by the pivotal anniversaries of South Asian countries that took place in 2022. The first milestone was the momentous 75th anniversary of India’s independence and the Partition, which led to the creation of East and West Pakistan. This event marked a turning point in South Asian history, with far-reaching consequences for millions of people and the subsequent formation of modern-day India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. By centering our theme around this anniversary, we sought to honor the struggles, sacrifices, and aspirations of those who embarked on new journeys during this period of immense change.
The second significant anniversary was the 50th anniversary of the expulsion of Ugandan Asians by Idi Amin. This tragic event saw the forced displacement of thousands of South Asians from Uganda, causing them to undertake arduous journeys to find new homes and opportunities. By acknowledging this milestone, we acknowledged the resilience and strength of the Ugandan Asian community as they rebuilt their lives in different parts of the world, leaving a lasting impact on the global South Asian diaspora.
With ‘Journeys of Empire’ as the central theme, we curated a series of events and activities that aimed to engage people from various backgrounds across the UK and beyond. Through exhibitions, discussions, performances, and educational initiatives, we encouraged dialogue and reflection on the diverse experiences of South Asians during the era of empire. By exploring themes of migration, identity, and cultural exchange, we hoped to foster empathy, appreciation, and understanding among individuals of all backgrounds.
The theme of ‘Journeys of Empire’ was carefully selected to commemorate these significant anniversaries and provide a platform for South Asian voices to be heard. It allowed us to reflect on the historical legacies that have shaped the South Asian community while also celebrating their achievements and contributions to the wider world. Through this thematic focus, we aimed to promote inclusivity, respect, and unity, ultimately building bridges between communities and fostering a more comprehensive understanding of South Asian heritage.
The 2023 theme was by public selection
In 2023, as we celebrate South Asian Heritage Month, our focus is on empowering individuals to share their stories and promote their events. We are excited to bring a series of engaging workshops that not only commemorate and celebrate our rich heritage but also educate and inspire. Through these workshops, we aim to create a vibrant online platform that serves as a hub for all things South Asian.
The theme of “Stories to Tell” was chosen through an online public voting process, reflecting the collective desire to amplify diverse narratives and experiences. To ensure wider access and active participation, we are conducting focus groups to better understand the needs and interests of the public. We are also actively seeking a full-time patron to represent and support the South Asian Heritage Trust, while strategically establishing a network of community resources across the UK.
By fostering public engagement and providing a space for individuals to tell their stories, we hope to enhance the visibility and understanding of South Asian heritage throughout the nation. Together, let’s embrace this opportunity to share, connect, and create a lasting legacy for future generations.
The first of the Trust’s projects is the South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM), which first took place in 2020 and runs from the 18th of July to the 17th of August each year.
SAHM seeks to commemorate, mark and celebrate South Asian cultures, histories, and communities.
It seeks to understand the diverse heritage and cultures that continue to link the UK with South Asia.
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