Between the 18 July and 17 August 2021, the UK celebrates South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM). The month-long event will explore the shared cultures and histories of the UK and South Asia.
SAHM exists to commemorate, mark and celebrate South Asian history and culture; and better understand the diverse heritage that continues to link the UK and South Asia. It was launched in the House of Commons in July 2019. However, it was founded by Jasvir Singh OBE, a barrister and activist; and Dr Binita Kane, a respiratory consultant at University Hospital of South Manchester. This year marks the second South Asian Heritage Month.
CELEBRATING SOUTH ASIAN ARTISTS
Various organisations have organised events to celebrate SAHM this year. The British Council, Glasgow Life, Manchester Museum and young people aged 18-25 have curated a programme of activity involving artists and speakers from the UK and South Asia. Young people have selected the themes, which include language, diaspora and identity, alongside a focus on music, literature and fashion.
The series of discussions, workshops and performances, South Asian Heritage Month aims to connect speakers, artists and young people across the UK and South Asia; in particular in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh. Click here for more information.
ENCOURAGING ASIAN PARTICIPATION IN FOOTBALL
The Football Association has also released a content series which highlights positive stories from Asian participants across the game. The series aims to inspire people within Asian communities to play a bigger part in English football; both on and off the pitch. The six-part video series features players, coaches and match officials of Asian heritage discussing their inspirational journeys to date. They include Hamza Choudhury (Leicester City); Zidane Iqbal (Manchester United); Maz Pacheco (West Ham United Women); Yan Dhanda (Swansea City); Layla Banaras (Birmingham City Women Academy); Azeem Amir (Para Lions); Riteesh Mishra (Assistant Manager of Charlton Athletic Women); Sabrina Dale (UEFA B accredited coach); and former referee Jarnail Singh, alongside his sons Sunny and Bhups Gill, who are current match officials. England men’s senior manager Gareth Southgate also provides his view on Asian participation.
You can watch the first video, featuring Maz Pacheco, Yan Dhanda and Gareth Southgate, below. The complete series will be shared on England Football, FA, England, and Lionesses social media channels throughout South Asian Heritage Month; which ends on 17 August.
Also check out the official South Heritage Month website, which lists over 100 events taking place up until 17th August. Click here for more information.
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