Indian heritage and India have always been tugged into the cockles of British society, and it’s hard to separate the synergy between the two cultures which are so intertwined with each other for decades. This year’s theme for the South Asian Heritage Month is ‘Stories to tell’. The official website of SAHM rightly denotes that our stories are what make us unique, and they connect us to each other in profound ways. Whether you express yourself through art, writing, music, fashion, or food, there are so many ways to share your experiences and celebrate your heritage.
Jasvir Singh CBE of South Asian Heritage Month told Asian Voice, "South Asian Heritage Month will be a good opportunity for us to celebrate what it means to be South Asian today, commemorate important dates and the intertwined history of South Asia and Britain, and more importantly educate people so that we all leave the month having learned something new. The theme 'Stories to Tell' will allow SAHM to explore what is important to us all and ensure that we never forget the past, whilst also focusing on what the present and future hold for the South Asian communities in the UK and beyond."
The Speaker of the House of Commons will be marking South Asian Heritage Month for the first time in Parliament with an event on July 18. There is also a dinner at Lincoln’s Inn (first time) on 17 July, to celebrate the diversity of South Asian identity at the Bar.
As we enter the celebrations of South Asian Heritage Month, one of the most attractive and truly gratifying sights was to see Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee who had yet another moment of glory promoting Indian heritage in the UK. The King and Queen wore elephant masks designed by him to mark the 20th anniversary of a wildlife conservation charity’s Animal Ball 2023 at Lancaster House. Indian designers Mukherjee, Manish Malhotra and Anita Dongre represented the country by creating masks for guests at the event.
Aatish Sharma, CEO Southall Football Club told the newsweekly, “South Asian Heritage Month marks an important time in our calendar as we celebrate and honour South Asian culture, traditions, history and diversity. Southall Football Club is proud to represent a community like Southall which is one of the most well known hubs for the South Asian community in the world. We hope this month shines on the achievements, stories and activities of the community, as we hope this inspires future generations. South Asian Heritage month highlights the sacrifices and efforts made by past and present generations for a better future for the South Asian community. Southall Football Club welcomes all to share their stories and be proud of their heritage. We will do our very best to represent the community of Southall to the best of our ability for 2023/2024 and beyond”
The King and Queen wear Sabyasachi
The designer said, “Their Majesties King Charles III & Queen Camilla in The Shola Mask from Sabyasachi. For The Animal Ball 2023. Presented by Elephant Family. I like to tell hyper-local stories to the world in an attempt to create economic sustainability for heritage crafts and craftspeople.
“The Elephant Family and I are committed to similar but different missions. While I aim to preserve endangered heritage crafts, they conserve endangered animals and habitats. It’s my privilege and honour to be a part of their cause.” The Shola masks were made by hand using artisanal techniques and materials, as a collaboration between the artists from the Sabyasachi Art Foundation and craftspeople from Bengal. The designer added, “Every year the craftspeople make decorations for the deities and entire structures during the Durga Puja celebrations – that is a part of UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Shola Masks are made in homage to Bengal’s living heritage and culture.”
Oscar award-winning director Kartiki Gonsalves who made The Elephant Whisperers received The Tara Award, inspired by the bond between elephants and humans.
The Creative Industries and Cultural Economy Summit in London was held at the Nehru Centre in London, the second edition of the summit brought together leaders from the world of art, culture, fashion and cinema to highlight the transformative power of culture in fostering diplomacy, economic growth, and mutual understanding between the two nations. It is also evident from the consistent efforts and success of the arts community that is an essential part of Bollywood films and theatre groups in the UK. (See P16-17)
Diversity needs to be explored more
Bollywood, actor Sonam Kapoor at the UK-India Week 2023 said, “Diversity has become token word. We have a diverse cast, but who is your lead? I’ve been represented internationally for a while, and I know, you are always cast as the exotic Indian girl in a film. I don’t think that has not changed much. There are strides being made, but not enough. There could be more stuff that could be done. Diversity is a token word that needs to be explored more and taken more seriously.”
Designer Anita Dongre designed “Panchhi Mask” with birds for the ball to represent tropical countries and ace designer Manish Malhotra crafted the ‘Maharaja Mask’ symbolic of a lion worn by Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor.
During the UK-India Week 2023, Fashion Designer Anita Dongre underlined the importance of empowering rural women artisans. “India’s growth is its women. Women in India need to be empowered. Even 40 years later, there is so much change we need to bring in, especially in the villages. The only way you can empower a woman is to economically empower her.
“I believe you need to empower a woman in the village, the whole village is empowered. The minute the woman is empowered, her daughter gets a better education, and she keeps the family unit going. She gets the respect of the whole village as she is earning money and she can do that from the comfort of her home without having to move to a village. To take work back to Indian villages is very important.”
In her speech at the King’s Coronation Concert, Bollywood actor Sonam Kapoor had mentioned, “Our Commonwealth is a union. Together, we are one-third of the world's people. One-third of the world's ocean. One-quarter of the world's land. Each of our countries is unique; each of our peoples special, but we choose to stand as one, learning from our history; blessed by our diversity; driven by our values; and determined to build a more peaceful, sustainable and prosperous future for everyone; where every voice is heard," the 37-year-old actor said in her spoken word piece.”
Bradford's first South Asian Women's choir, Song-Geet, which began at the University of Bradford’s Theatre in the Mill, also performed at the coronation of King Charles III. They performed a rendition of Brighter Days by Emeli Sandé at Windsor Castle. Choir leader Madiha Ansari, who graduated from the university with a degree in clinical sciences in 2009 and who now works as a theatre producer, said: “It’s such a privilege to be performing at the coronation. We’re proud to be representing not just our community but the region. This is a great opportunity for women, and it’s particularly poignant in the run-up to Bradford City of Culture 2025.”
Last year, over 1,000 Women turned up in sarees for Royal Ascot’s Ladies Day, making history. The saree-clad women, many of Indian origin, showcased India's culture on a worldwide fashion platform.
This year, South Asians like Sanjay Bhandari, Malala Yousafzai and Sonam Kapoor are gracing the Wimbledon courts.
Celebration of Indian culture at India Day
India Day Milton Keynes, a vibrant celebration of Indian culture, traditions, and achievements, concluded with great success on 24, 2023. The event, held at Campbell Park in Milton Keynes, brought together an impressive total footfall of over 15,000 individuals throughout the day. People gathered traveling from as far as Cambridge to Oxford and Birmingham to London to partake in the festivities.
India Day showcased the rich diversity of Indian culture through the participation of approximately 450 parade participants. The parade featured 80 children above the age of 10, 235 women, and 135 men representing 17 different states and communities of India. Adding to the cultural tapestry, there was a guest parade performance by the African diaspora, further promoting multiculturalism and inclusivity. (SEE FULL STORY ON PAGE 6)
British Pilot recreates mission of Noor Inayat Khan
Meanwhile, a British female pilot, Fiona Smith, who won the British women pilots’ association scholarship in 2021 used her scholarship towards a special flying mission to recreate the deadly mission behind enemy lines undertaken by British Indian spy, Noor Inayat Khan, during the World War II.
Noor Inayat Khan, a descendant of the 18th century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan, was an SOE agent who had been air-dropped to a field in Nazi-occupied France to carry out covert intelligence.
“Located somewhere near the town of Angers, I was encouraged to discover there is a decent serviced airfield nearby, and a quick calculation suggested it was within reach of London within the day,” said Smith of her recent flying mission.
“My mission was clear – to fly from the south of England to Angers, lay a wreath for Noor, and fly back. As it happened, our actual flight has coincided with the 80th year of her leaving England.”
“It is wonderful to learn of Fiona’s tribute flight for Noor Inayat Khan. It is even more special as it took place on the 80th anniversary of Noor’s departure on her dangerous mission. Noor’s story and sacrifice continues to inspire in so many ways,” said Shrabani Basu, the author of Spy Princess: The Life of Noor Inayat Khan, the biography of the British Indian spy who was awarded the UK’s George Cross and France’s Croix de Guerre bravery medals posthumously.
Events @ SAHM
Exhibition at London Metropolitan Archives
'Unforgotten Lives' presents the stories of Londoners of African, Caribbean, Asian and Indigenous heritage who lived and worked in the city between 1560 and 1860 and are recorded in London’s archives. Exploring a range of experiences, these multi-layered stories speak of love, enterprise, wealth and family life; discrimination, hardship, resilience and resistance.
AP Santhanaraj (1932-2009) Modern & Contemporary Art From South India
AP Santhanaraj (1932-2009) is one of the most influential artists of the second wave that followed KCS. Paniker and S. Dhanapal out of the Madras College of Arts and Craft. Santhanaraj forged an artistic style of his own dedicated to ascertaining the various complexities of pictorial space through an abstract engagement with the figurative subject matter. Crucial to his work from the start was his love of line: its meandering through pictorial space, defining and dividing in its wake, shaping, and destroying form, aiding, and inhibiting light and colour. His spontaneous free line inspired his colour palette and archetypes to emerge, especially the female heroine or lovers in an embrace. These archetypes would appear from his subconscious through the jagged lines and the spatial areas they displaced within his process. Santhanaraj saw his line as fuelled by divine power. A devout Christian himself, his understanding of artmaking related just as much to Hindu interpretations of Shiva Nataraja – creating and destroying in its wake to form life.
Sangam Festival
Sangam Festival is a community festival celebrating South Asian arts, culture and heritage in Kirklees, West Yorkshire. Our aim is to bring people together to enjoy heritage and multi-arts events in a spirit of celebration, positivity and harmony.
Sangam Festival takes place from 18 July – 17 August 2023, with events and activities held online and in venues and outdoor locations across Kirklees.
GemArts Masala Festival Launch: ROSHNI - Sonia Sabri Company
GemArts will launch Masala Festival 2023 with Sonia Sabri Company. Roshni, from the Persian word meaning light or brilliance, is a beautifully intimate crafting of dance and live music, transporting and uplifting the audience on a journey of joy. This soul-stirring performance is a captivating combination of Kathak dance, with live music from a global palette of styles. The sumptuous music from different lands features kaval and violin led by the bold rhythms of tabla percussion. Roshni brings together Sonia’s distinctive style of dance, rooted in the traditions of Kathak from Northern India, yet reimagined in the context of her lived British experience, with diverse musical genres and artists, ranging from South Asia, Middle East and Europe and celebrates the rich diversity of our global community.
