Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month with ELBA
Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month with ELBA
Written by Samie John, Equibalance Project Manager
This year, the ELBA Inclusion Group (EIG) and colleagues proudly celebrated South Asian Heritage Month, which ran from July 18th to August 17th. This month served as a time for reflection on the rich history of South Asians and their significant contributions to east London, Britain and the wider world. While South Asian Heritage Month is only in its third year, South Asians have had a presence in Britain for over 400 years.
Banglatown Walk: A Cultural Exploration
To commemorate the month, the EIG committee organised a Banglatown walk— an immersive experience for our staff to explore the history and culture of the British Bengali community. The walk highlighted the music, food, politics, and architecture that have shaped contemporary UK culture, providing fascinating insights into the contributions of the Bengali community.
The UK is home to approximately 500,000 Bengalis, many of whom hail from the Sylhet region in Bangladesh and West Bengal in India. Tower Hamlets borough hosts the largest Bengali community in the UK, where one-third of the local population identifies as Bengali.
A Brief History of South Asians in Britain
The history of South Asians in Britain began in the early 17th century when Indian servants and nannies were brought over by British families returning from India. Later, Indian sailors (Lascars) became some of the earliest Indian working-class settlers in the UK. Over time, the South Asian community grew through waves of migration. In the 19th century, South Asians arrived as students, political activists, and merchants, while the aftermath of World War II saw an influx of Indians, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshis to address labour shortages and rebuild the nation.
A significant number also fled the Partition of India and the violence it triggered, seeking safety in Britain. Unfortunately, this period also witnessed heightened attacks against South Asians. Between 1968 and 1972, many Punjabis and Gujaratis expelled from Uganda and Kenya settled in Britain, contributing greatly to the retail sector. Over the years, South Asians have continued to migrate to Britain, joining family members or escaping political unrest, eventually becoming one of the largest minority groups in the country.
A Lasting Legacy
Despite their profound impact on the social, cultural, and economic fabric of Britain, the recognition of South Asians’ contributions still remains fragmented and sporadic.
ELBA is committed to celebrating these contributions, not just during South Asian Heritage Month but year-round. It is important to confront the long history of South Asians in Britain, including its uncomfortable aspects, and to make this history more widely acknowledged.
We must continue to appreciate, respect, and recognise the tremendous impact South Asians have made — not only within their own communities but across Britain and the world.
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