Celebrations for South Asian Heritage Month at Lancashire Hospitals

The first ever South Asian Heritage Month launched across the country on July 18 for celebrations and to raise the profile of the British-South Asian history, heritage and identity.

There is a large representation of the diverse community at both Lancashire Teaching Hospitals and across the region.

And at least one out of every 20 people in the UK have South Asian heritage.

Ebraham Adia, Chair at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I am delighted the Trust is recognising the rich tradition and history of British South Asians by organising the South Asian Heritage Month.

"It is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the valuable contribution of British South Asians to many facets of life in the UK.”

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the celebrations will remain online with live events throughout the month that welcomes all to join.

The Trust is giving staff the opportunity to submit their recipes, videos and tips about South Asian cuisine to celebrate the month-long event.

Celebrations will continue with themes of music and dance, where staff and their loved ones are invited to join a live event to show off their skills and inviting people to share their personal stories about their culture, heritage or upbringing to help educate others about their community and background.

The Trust will also be showcasing some of the outstanding contributions many of their staff members from the South Asian community are making to the wider society outside of the hospitals.

Arnab Bhowmick, Deputy Medical Director and Consultant General/Colorectal Surgeon Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, said: “This is an inspired project with a wonderfully positive message.

It will raise awareness and learning of the wonderful diversity, culture and history of a key group in our community. I’m particularly looking forward to the food celebrations and recipes."

An online event is in the planning stages, where the Trust hopes to bring many staff and members of the community together to dance, sing, cook and read.

Jeyaram Srinivasan, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our Trust has many colleagues from South Asian heritage, working in all sectors such as Nursing, Medical, Catering, IT and Domestics.

"What connects us all is the shared cultures and community networks which need to be celebrated. There are many talents - singing, dancing, festivities - that are hitherto shared only within their own community space - but, this is a window to highlight that hidden talents as they enrich all of us in the Trust and the county.”

The Trust is asking for videos, photos, recipes, music, and stories from its staff to help bring to light the importance of SAHM, as well as getting involved with the national programme of events starting in the coming days.

Updates can be found on the official South Asian Heritage Month Twitter channel @SAHM_UK.