For the next four and a half weeks (July 18th – August 17th) we will be celebrating South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM). Surprisingly in only its second year, SAHM aims to ‘raise the profile of British South Asian heritage and history in the UK through education, arts, culture and commemoration, with the goal of helping people to better understand the diversity of present-day Britain and improve social cohesion across the country.’
Here we answer some questions about the event, take a look at how we’ll be celebrating and how you can get involved …
Why July 18th – August 17th?
Whilst the dates may seem a little odd cutting across two calendar months, there is good reason for the timing. The month begins on 18th July the date that the Indian Independence Act of 1947 gained royal assent from King George VI, and ends on 17th August the date that the Radcliffe Line was published in 1947, finally setting out where the border between India, West Pakistan and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) would be.
What countries are in ‘South Asia’?
South Asia encompasses Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Is there a theme this year?
There are five themes this year: sports, mental health and well-being, identity, creative and history.
What will Walsall for All (WfA) be doing to celebrate?
WfA will take a unique and very Walsall based look at each of the five themes, we’ll feature ground breaking South Asian football teams, look at some awe-inspiring work from local creatives, ask some important questions around mental-health and access to services and try to find more about how those with dual-heritage connect with their South Asian culture and heritage.
How can I get involved?
If you live in Walsall, have South Asian heritage and have a story to tell related to any of the themes, then tell us (walsallforall@walsall.gov.uk) or tag us @walsallforall.
For more information on South Asian Heritage Month head over to southasianheritage.org.uk or search #SouthAsianHeritageMonth #southasianrepresentation or #ourstoriesmatter.