Background My mum was born in 1978 in Scotland to an English father and a Scottish mother, while my dad was born in 1966 in Bristol to an English mother and an absent non-white father. My paternal grandmother never disclosed any details about my dad’s father, but one of her friends provided my dad with […]
I am a dedicated psychotherapist who has carved a path of compassion and understanding in a field where my community’s representation has historically been limited. Growing up in a South Asian community where discussing feelings was often overlooked, I understand firsthand the challenges of seeking emotional support in such an environment. This personal experience fuels […]
The Library’s collections provide a unique insight into British Asians’ fight against fascism in the late twentieth century. In the 1970s, the National Front had repeatedly targeted Black and Asian communities in a deliberate attempt to ‘declare the streets as theirs’. As highlighted by the document below, their ideology was based on nationalistic racism and a wish for Britain to remain a ‘white country’. They were opposed to non-white immigration and repeatedly organised anti-immigration marches.
My story begins with my grandfather, who plucked up the courage to travel aboard at the age of 22 and start a new life in the UK. I don’t think he would have thought that he would see three generations thereafter flourish and live an Anglo-Indian life in Great Britain. Beginnings in Siyod Vanmali Patel […]
The Geographical Association is delighted that geography teacher Thalina Chowdhury has blogged for us about the importance of SAHM for the geography classroom. Her piece includes video comments from her pupils talking about this work. Thalina is Trust Lead Practitioner of Geography at Core Education Trust To read her piece and watch the vids please […]
Download the PDF Here Hackney Libraries South Asian Heritage Month Recommended Reading List
Ripon Ray I grew up in Tower Hamlets, an area of East London which was known to be one of the most neglected areas in the UK. I only mixed with the Bangladeshi community, both at home and my school, Stepney Green Secondary. I always felt like a Bangladeshi living in Britain, though East London […]
My first recorded writing was my scribbles in my grandad’s diary that proclaimed “Book is god.” Who knows what was going on in my head to write that? When I discovered that tattered diary and found my writing, I realised decades later, it’s on brand for me. I grew up in a family with limited […]
As we celebrate South Asian Heritage Month with the theme ‘Free to Be Me’, I reflect on my unique journey and the challenges I’ve overcome as a South Asian woman. Growing up, there was an expectation that I would pursue a traditional career in engineering, medicine, law, or accountancy. While I did study engineering initially, […]
As South Asian Heritage Month approaches, I find myself reflecting on the profound impact this vibrant culture has had on my life and artistic journey. My name is Tiah, and though I may not be South Asian by blood, I proudly embrace its rich tapestry as if it were woven into my very being. […]
South Asian Heritage Month dates changed to "July" from 2026 — Learn more here →
