I Inherited her Light, A tribute to my mothers creative legacy.

my mummy in her later teens possibily.

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. 

Twelve Day Widow

My Roots to Routes story started with my parent’s partition story. A different one from the one we’ve all heard about, the division of the Punjab, and the formation of India, and East and West Pakistan. My story is of the line drawn in Sindh, the line that separated the people of the Gujarat, from […]

Roots to Routes, Naduha’s Story

I was born and raised in the concrete heart of the Maldives, in a home where tradition lived inthe quiet details of daily life. Both sides of my family were filled with artists and storytellers,and I grew up surrounded by the hum of creativity in every corner. Art was never just a hobby;it was part […]

Menaka Manch: Roots to Routes

Join dancers Shivani Jatar (Kathak) and Dhivya Srilakshmi (Bharatanatyam) as they explore their classical dance traditions, uncovering new avenues for expression and collaboration. In this unique performance, the artists share rarely seen pieces from their rich heritages—specially curated for audiences in the UK.

Stamped within the melanin

Stamped within the melanin that flows within our skin Are age-old stories on survival, resilience, adaptability & community. ~~~~~~ The Sunday cha that brews with its bite of spice Unlocks a history that surpasses a lifetime A history passed down from Dadi & Nani to Mum then Me The ancient blending of spices our very own mystery […]

What I learned from being diagnosed with lung cancer

Louvain

I’m Louvain and work as a Civil Servant in London. I found out I had lung cancer following a scan for suspected appendicitis.In 2021, I went into hospital for a CT scan as doctors thought I may have appendicitis. It turned out to be an ovarian cyst but at the same time, they also spotted […]

RepresentAsian: Storytelling Event

an old mono photograph of a group of people outside a building, looking towards the camera

This South Asian Heritage Month, RepresentAsian are excited to host an evening of stories from Bristol’s Desi community. From personal memories to cultural roots – hear voices that celebrate identity, heritage and belonging.