South Asian Heritage Month

At MSB, we have been celebrating South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM), taking place annually from July 18th to August 17th. SAHM is dedicated to recognising the rich cultural heritage, history, and contributions of South Asian communities. This is the second year MSB has celebrated SAHM, and we’re very proud that as an organisation, we do our best to acknowledge the need for greater cultural dialogue and understanding.

As part of that dialogue, Jessica Masih, Natasha Sharma and I sat down to share our experiences growing up South Asian and discussed our similarities and differences. We come from different backgrounds, with Natasha being a second-generation immigrant, Jess moving to the UK when she was just three, and myself arriving at a much later stage in life. It was interesting to hear how while growing up, some of us found it easier to immerse ourselves in our South Asian heritage while others struggled to fully embrace it. Dancing to Bollywood music in school talent shows (and winning!) and celebrating Diwali or Eid were fond memories we looked back on. However, those memories are also overshadowed by uncomfortable feelings and memories of trying to conceal the cultural nuances that made us different. It wasn’t until much later that some of us came to accept that assimilation did not mean choosing one identity over the other, but rather allowing those identities to weave together like threads, forming something that is both beautiful and strong.

Discussing this dual aspect of identities and how we try to balance them, Jess shared how her parents drew an imaginary line halfway between her home and school, and beyond that line, she was encouraged to speak in Hindi. This practice ensured that she remained connected to her native language and culture, reinforcing her South Asian heritage. On the other hand, Natasha finds balance through meaningful conversations with her parents and grandparents about their origins and reasons for moving. By engaging in these discussions, she deepens her understanding of her cultural roots and the sacrifices made by her ancestors, fostering a sense of pride and connection to her South Asian identity. Both approaches highlight the importance of preserving cultural heritage and finding harmony between two distinct yet intertwined identities.

It was interesting to note we all felt a strong sense of pride in the community spirit and family ties within the South Asian community. Whether it’s Diwali, Eid, Holi, or any other festival, all such occasions are marked by large gatherings where families, friends and neighbours come together to celebrate. Sharing food, exchanging gifts and communal prayers are integral to these celebrations, reinforcing a sense of belonging and unity. Speaking of food, Jess is particularly proud of our cuisine and how it is a love language in South Asian culture. We discussed our eagerness to learn family recipes and share them not just within our families but also with our friends and colleagues. As the phrase goes, you must taste a culture to understand it.

We discussed what this year’s SAHM theme, “Free to Be Me,” means to us. We agreed it is linked with the concept of belonging: to express our true selves and genuinely feel like we belong within our communities, at our workplace, and in our friendships. We recognised how, at times, we end up setting the bar very low for ourselves, with mere acceptance being what we strive for. We acknowledged it is okay to want more and feel valued – even celebrated – for our unique backgrounds.

We also had to touch upon the recent surge in racist and xenophobic incidents across the country. For all three of us, this was the first time we have ever truly felt scared because of the colour of our skin. Not because things like this don’t happen to people in our community – they absolutely do – but perhaps somewhat ignorantly, we didn’t think it would happen to us or so close to home. But we were also pleasantly surprised by how our communities rallied behind us. The counter-protesters being far greater in number, concerned colleagues and friends reaching out, being given the option to work from home, or simple gestures like walking us to our cars; such acts of kindness have made us feel a little less vulnerable and hurt.

We ended our chat by discussing the advice we would give our younger selves regarding our identity. We would tell them being ‘different’ is a privilege rather than a disadvantage and there will be a turning point in their futures where they will appreciate their backgrounds and be proud of them. Why wouldn’t we when the cultures we come from are so rich and diverse and full of life? We would also encourage our younger selves to stand up and speak up when subjected to racism. It is not on us to excuse behaviour, and if there was ever a moment to educate and assert our identity, it is always the present.

Reflecting on our discussion, it’s clear our heritage is an integral part of who we are, shaping our identities in profound ways. South Asian Heritage Month at MSB has been not just a time for reflection but also a celebration of the power and vibrancy of our community. By embracing the theme “Free to Be Me,” we hope to inspire others to take pride in their unique backgrounds and to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.