UK town celebrates Southasian heritage and cultural ties weeks after anti-immigrant violence
With food, performances and solidarity, Southend-on-Sea saw a vibrant South Asian Heritage Month that brought together the diverse communities from the region.
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My adopted country, the United Kingdom, was in the news for violent anti-immigration riots in several towns and cities sparked by misinformation and far-right sentiments following the tragic stabbing of three young girls in Southport on July 29. There were attacks on mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers.
Beyond the headlines that dominate the narrative, I’ve been reflecting on an initiative I was involved in that highlighted how communities in the UK come together – the South Asian Heritage Month, launched in 2020 by Britain’s Southasian communities.
This annual celebration takes place from mid-July to mid-August, celebrating diversity and fostering unity by bringing together people from across various backgrounds to recognise and honour the cultural heritage and contributions of Southasian communities.
Migration
The celebration highlights the shared histories and cultural exchanges between South Asia and the UK, particularly following post-World War II migration. It underscores this country’s commitment to inclusivity, multiculturalism and diversity while recognising the Southasian community’s significant contributions to society, culture, politics and the economy.
Southend-on-Sea, a coastal city located in Essex County about 65km east of London, has a diverse population including a vibrant Southasian community, many who first arrived here in the 1960s and have witnessed the town's transformation. Today, the city’s Southasian community numbers...
