Mum converted to Hinduism after marrying my Dad but her original conversion to Christianity was always particularly intriguing to me.
The first question I was often asked when meeting people was “where are you from”, and I had a tough time explaining my culture and the Indian diaspora in East Africa.
Recommendations from South Asian Book Club
An important read to understand how others had to fight for the things we take for granted – I’m often shocked when I read of the open racism and violence previous generations faced as they navigated life in this country. This is the story of the fight back.
I was born and raised in Singapore and am an Indian Muslim of Tamil Nadu descent. I moved to London for university after finishing my army duties.
Cultural Appropriation and the Happy Place
"What is the right amount of exotic? And at what point does does who we are stop being marketable?"- One secondary school teacher's story about Fearne Cotton, cultural appropriation, and how to speak up and use these conversations as a tool for better understanding.
Bob Dutt - A Quiet Revolutionary My father Balbir Dutt arrived in England aged 13 in 1961. His family settled in Bedford, a small town about an hour drive north of London. Known to most as Dutt - a bookworm, comrade and perpetual samaritan to all across races, nationalities, castes, genders and any other differences... Continue Reading →
The Hidden History of the Ayahs of Britain
These ayahs were multi-dimensional, adventurous, loving, (sometimes murderess) women, that are a crucial fabric of British history. Why have they been forgotten? My project seeks to remedy that.
Commemorating Altab Ali
The memories that shape our sense of who we are aren’t always of events we experienced first hand. Memories and relationships to the past can be inherited, communicated across time and reinterpreted by successive generations.
The way they are dressed by their parents, you can absorb that pride from just looking at the photo. It is imbued with dignity.
Poetry and Memory: The Bridge Between My Grandfather's Memoirs & Me When I returned to my grandfather’s book of memoirs this year, it transformed the connection I have with my roots. My brothers and I, sitting at the foot of my grandfather’s bed, used to listen to his stories, advice, and pearls of wisdom which... Continue Reading →
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