South Asian Heritage Month Events

South Asian Heritage Month 18^th July-17^th August

 

What is South Asian Heritage Month?

The National Celebration of South Asian Heritage Month runs between the weeks of Monday 18^th July and Wednesday 17^th August and takes inspiration from other awareness months, such as Black History Month. These dates are important to South Asian history and help to demonstrate the connection South Asian countries have to British history. This year is the 75^th anniversary of the Partition of the Indian subcontinent and the emergence of India and Pakistan as independent nation-states, with the 18th of July 1947 being the date Indian Independence from British rule was approved by King George VI. Meanwhile, the 17th of August 1947 is the date the Radcliffe Line was published, setting out where the borders of India, West, and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) would be. Having the celebration take place across the two Western calendar months of July and August is entirely apt, as it respects the traditions of the South Asian calendars.

This year’s theme is Journeys of Empire. From empires such as the Mughal, the Duranni, the Vijayanagar and the British, from indentured labourers forced to travel to the Caribbean and East Asia, and other migrants who travelled by choice to Africa and beyond, to the journeys that families made to the UK with just £3 in their pockets, we have all been affected by the journeys of empire. (Text adapted from South Asian Heritage Month website)

What countries make up South Asia?

The 8 countries that make up South Asia include: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, The Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka. Every single one of these countries has been hugely impacted by its relationship with Britain, primarily through war, colonisation, and ultimately via the British Empire. People of South Asian heritage are a significant part of the British population, with about 1 in every 20 people in the country being of South Asian heritage.

What’s on and how can I be involved?

To celebrate the month, we have worked closely with The Global Disaster Resilience Team at the School of Applied Sciences, members of the Race Equality Charter Self-Assessment Team, and other fantastic colleagues, to organise a range of events and communications:

• Identity as an Indian Muslim

What: Rumana graduated from the University of Huddersfield in 2021 with a BA (Hons) Education degree and is now a Trainee Student Advisor in the Students’ Union Advice Centre. In this short, authentic video, Rumana discusses her identity as being both Indian and Muslim, whilst addressing outdated stereotypes and assumptions.

Where: Click the link to watch Rumana’s video now!

• The Global Disaster Resilience Team Academic Research and Activities Exhibition

What: The Global Disaster Resilience Centre (GDRC) is a global leader in multi-disciplinary research, education, and advocacy to improve the resilience of nations and communities. Their work is based at the University of Huddersfield’s School of Applied Sciences and their vision is for a society that has the capacity to resist or change to reduce hazard vulnerability, and to continue functioning physically, economically, and socially when subjected to a hazard event. To recognise and celebrate their work within the South Asian region, there will be a research poster exhibition throughout the month. Click to Learn more about the GDRC and their award-winning work.

When: Monday 25^th July- Wednesday 17^th August

Where: Oastler and Schwann Atrium

• A collection of role model profiles from The Global Disaster Resilience Centre

What: Meet the team! GDCR researchers have reflected on the month and created a series of personal profiles which discusses their heritage, the impact Sri Lankan culture has had on British culture and why we should celebrate South Asian Heritage Month.

When: Wednesday 20^th July, but will displayed alongside their research and activities posters w/c 25^th July.

Where: Keep an eye on your emails and visit the Oastler and Schwann Atrium

• Video and song from The Global Disaster Resilience Centre

What: The GDRC Team have created an amazing and informative video for South Asian Heritage Month. This year’s theme for the month is Journeys of Empire and in this video, the team discuss the effects of British Colonialism, as well as the impact British and South Asian culture has had on one another. This is an opportunity to learn from our colleagues and understand more about Sri Lankan culture and who they are, based on their own lived experiences. The video also features an incredible song, written, performed, and recorded by the team, with help from Technical Services.

When: The video will be live streamed on Wednesday 27^th July at 12:15pm via the following link: Join the Watch Party. The video will also be shared within staff communications week commencing 25^th July and available to watch at any time.

Where: Look out on the Staff Hub Notices and your emails

• Book, films, and recipe recommendations

What: This South Asian Heritage Month, why not try your hand at cooking a meal you may not have tried before? The GDRC Team have put together a selection of Sri Lankan books, films and recipes that are important to them. Look out for an email from your Diversity Champion or at the Staff Hub Notices page to see the team’s recommendations. If you would like to get involved and recommend a South Asian dish, book, or film that you think others should try, then please contact Lauren Minto.

When: Week commencing 1^st August

Where: Look out on the Staff Hub Notices and your emails

• In Conversation with Dr Sairish Hussain

What: Sairish Hussain is a Bradford based author and Lecturer in Creative Writing. She studied English Language and Literature at the University of Huddersfield and progressed onto an MA in Creative Writing. Sairish completed her PhD in 2019 after being awarded the university’s Vice-Chancellors Scholarship. Her debut novel, The Family Tree, was published by HarperCollins and shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award, the Portico Prize and The Diverse Book Awards. It was also longlisted for the Authors’ Club Best First Novel Award and winner of Calibre Audio's 'Hidden Gem' Prize. Sairish was selected by Kei Miller as one of ten ‘unmissable writers working in the UK’ for the International Literature Showcase 2021. She is one of the finalists in the Women’s Prize & Good Housekeeping Futures Award, an initiative which celebrates the most promising emerging female authors today. Sairish is now writing her second book.

The University of Huddersfield invites you to attend our online event, In Conversation with Dr Sairish Hussain as she discusses identity, her time at university, and The Family Tree.

When: Thursday 11^th August 12:00pm-1:00pm

Where: Online via MS Teams

Click here to book your place!

• The Family Tree Book Club

What: Fancy some summer reading? Why not get ready for our online talk with Sairish Hussain by reading her book The Family Tree and coming along to our book club!

Synopsis: Your roots can always lead you home...

The Family Tree is the moving story of a British Muslim family full of love, laughter and resilience as well as all the faults, mistakes and stubborn loyalties which make us human.

You can purchase The Family Tree  or borrow from The Library.

When: Tuesday 9^th August 12:15pm-1:15pm

Where: Online via MS Teams. Email Lauren Minto to sign up and receive details.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far to this year’s celebrations. If you would like to get involved, please contact Lauren Minto for further information.

To learn more about South Asian Heritage Month, you can visit their website or check out Sangam Festival to find out what events are happening locally across Kirklees.