Posted on: 16 August 2024
South Asian Heritage Month, is celebrated from 18 July to 17 August, and marks the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of South Asian communities in the UK. It promotes understanding and appreciation of the diverse identities, traditions, and legacies from 8 composite countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives Islands.
CNWL has been holding events during the month and came together this week at an event to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month by gathering together at Trust Headquarters.
The event began with welcome and introductions by deputy co-chair of the BAME staff network, Rizvana Ahmed.
Rizvana spoke about the afternoon being an educational awareness event.
She said:
'For South Asians from the continent, it’s important to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month to up our esteem, be recognised, accepted and for careers to flourish. We’ve traditionally been a silent community, we want to be proud and to participate. The first rule of inclusivity, is to include yourself.’
Rizvana also spoke about the history of South Asian Heritage Month and the reason it exists. Which are for, celebration, commemoration, remembrance events that happened around the partition in 1947. She discussed how historically a lot of South Asian countries were ruled by the British Empire, post-world war 2, and that countries wanted their own independence. In 1947, India received independency, and Pakistan was formed.
She wore a traditional dress, to illustrate how to engage with staff in an authentic way, and to represent her vibrant culture.
Sheila Nursimhulu, co-chair of the BAME staff network – spoke about initiatives to improving ourselves and how the BAME network can help make a difference. She encouraged colleagues to discuss anything they need support with and to improve their experiences with the Trust.
Nick Green, CNWL Chief People Officer, and BAME Staff Network Sponsor also attended, and he offered his support and encouragement to the Network, addressing recent happenings in the world.
The event was followed by a Q&A session, and staff were encouraged to network with other colleagues. There was also Asian food, music and videos to showcase tourism in the Asian subcontinent.