The Mayor of Haringey, Ahmed Mahbub (left), with Patrick Maher, local activist
The Community Hub in Wood Green, Haringey, (formerly the Asian Centre) celebrated South Asian Heritage month with a historic exhibition, and a meeting with Haringey mayor in a cultural celebration.
The exhibition ‘Unsung Heroes of World War I’ featured historical artifacts, photos and news clippings on the Asian soldiers in WW1, as well as other moments in South Asian history. (They came from India, Nepal and Bangladeshi – the Indian subcontinent, along with Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesian
The event was meticulously curated by a content curator (Shakira) and an image curator. (Cassandra Marshall, Community Hub administrator and originally from Singapore.)
Image: Before the exhibition- room of historical photos on boards and the wall.
iThese displays illustrated the collaboration between Indian and Nepalese soldiers and their British counterparts as they responded to telephone calls, conveyed vital messages, and even tended to carrier pigeons or maintained the Morse code apparatus when necessary. The exhibit showcased Indian soldiers within a makeshift tent, with a painted sign proclaiming ‘Signaling Store’ at Dehra Bridge, 1915.
Or the Indian and Scottish soldiers – the Highlanders and the Dogra. The Highlanders hailed from Scotland, while the Dogra originated from the regions of Kashmir, Jammu, and Pakistan.
They collaborated, akin to other soldiers stationed in The Lucknow in Wiltshire.
The Dome in Pavilion Hospital in Brighton was established to cater to the needs of wounded Indian soldiers, specifically focusing on their healing and rehabilitation as amputees. With a capacity of 689 beds, it aimed to provide adequate medical care and support, ensuring that the soldiers felt a sense of protection similar to that of a trench on the Franco-Belgian border. To enhance their sense of security, they constructed their own trench and erected barbed wire around the facility for additional safety.
All the volunteers were invited by administrator Cassandra Marshall to meet Mayor Ahmed Mahbub.
Ahmed is the third South Asian Mayor to hold the office in Haringey, of Bangladeshi heritage. However, he was also nice and down-to-earth. He emphasized the significance of educating young people from diverse backgrounds about political engagement, and the ways in which they can actively participate in their communities.
There was an enchanting array of music, notably the vibrant rhythms of Indian Bhangra. One woman, adorned in a striking red dress and a seashell necklace, performed a dance infused with spiritual significance, known as Odissi.
Another older woman danced in a freestyle, with elements of classical Indian movements, yet in a flavor all her own.
At the outset, there was a captivating fusion of Bhangra and electric music, which Shakira thoroughly enjoyed dancing to in a line dance behind her steelpan instructor!
He hails from the Caribbean and mentioned that he previously led a steelpan ensemble during the formative days of the original Asian Centre. There exists a quintessential Hindi song that has also been reimagined in a soca chutney rendition, exemplifying the profound influence of cultural intermingling.
Everyone seemed to harbor a profound admiration for the rich tapestry of cultures represented within the building, and hope that this would continue after the event and years to come.
The exhibition ‘Unsung South Asian Heroes’ will be on display until Friday, September 5th, at the Community Hub, situated on the first floor.
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 →
