Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month with Comic Relief: A Journey of Diversity, Unity, and Self-Expression

Words by Ayesha Farah????????????????

At Comic Relief, we are immensely proud to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month , an important time dedicated to exploring the diverse heritages and cultures that connect the UK with South Asia. This month provides an opportunity to reflect on the shared history and cultural contributions of South Asian communities and to foster understanding, appreciation, and dialogue.

Acknowledging the Challenges and Embracing Diversity

While South Asian Heritage Month is a celebration of culture and identity, it is also a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by many within these communities. Recently, disturbing riots across the UK have cast a shadow over our celebrations, highlighting the tensions that can arise against a backdrop of cultural diversity. These events remind us that feeling safe to express one's identity is a privilege not everyone enjoys. For many, showing up as their true selves can be a daunting, even dangerous, endeavour.

As an organisation committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, we understand that creating safe and inclusive spaces is more important than ever. In these times of division, it is crucial to remember that there is, and always will be, more that unites us than divides us.

This Year's Theme: "Free to Be Me"

The theme for this year's South Asian Heritage Month, "Free to Be Me," resonated deeply with our values at Comic Relief. It highlights the importance of self-expression, individuality, and the right to live authentically. To celebrate this theme, we organised a series of events to spark conversations and provide a platform for our colleagues to share their stories and experiences.

We heard from inspiring individuals within our organisation who spoke about what "Free to Be Me" means to them. They shared stories of navigating multiple identities and cultural differences in their everyday lives. For many, straddling two worlds can be challenging, but it also offers a unique perspective and a richer understanding of both cultures. As one colleague eloquently put it:

"To be South Asian means to appreciate the diversity within the region and the different cultures that contribute to its vibrancy. Being able to share more than one culture, 'Free to Be Me' means being who I am without labels and being proud of who I am."

Honouring the Legacy of Sophia Duleep Singh

One of the highlights of our celebrations was watching and discussing the incredible story of Sophia Duleep Singh, a trailblazer in advocating for women's rights alongside Emmeline Pankhurst. Her life and achievements are a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of South Asian women in the fight for equality and justice. We were honoured to hear from the writer and actress of the play that depicts her life, who spoke passionately about the significance of Sophia's contributions to society today.

Robert Alleyne, a colleague who attended shared his reflections: “ The screening of Sophia was thought-provoking, and the post-screening talk was riveting. Both the lead actor and director started a compelling discussion about Sophia Duleep’s legacy and the challenges of representing the stories of lesser-known civil rights leaders. It is excellent that Comic Relief provides staff with the opportunity to attend events like this because they help to grow a vibrant and understanding organisational culture.”

A Culinary Journey Through South Asia

Our celebrations culminated in a vibrant and informative "Lunch and Learn" session that took us on a journey through the rich history of South Asian cuisine. We explored the stories behind some of our favourite dishes, such as naan, curries and rice, and learned how they travelled from South Asia to the UK, adding depth and diversity to British cuisine. It was a feast for the senses, and an opportunity to appreciate the cultural significance of these beloved dishes.

Reflections and Inspirations from Our Guests

Our events were made even more special by the participation of our guests, who shared their thoughts and reflections on the theme "Free to Be Me." Jaz Singh, finalist of "Traitors Season 2" and presenter on BBC Asian Network, beautifully captured the spirit of the month:

"Free to be me, for me, means to be unapologetically yourself and embrace your identity of who you were meant to be. We’re sometimes afraid of not fitting in, but the beauty of individualism is the things we can collectively achieve together, especially to overcome adversity! I love the saying, 'you can’t make a cake without the eggs or the flour,' so it’s important we represent who we’re supposed to be to create that magic. I was blown away by such an inclusive and vibrant team at the lunch & learn event! Everyone came from different backgrounds, everyone had such amazing stories to tell, and all were so welcoming. It was an honour to be a part of this to celebrate SAHM."

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Moving Forward Together

South Asian Heritage Month is a time for celebration, reflection, and action. It reminds us of the importance of standing together, creating inclusive spaces, and advocating for a world where everyone feels free to be themselves. At Comic Relief, we are committed to championing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, not just during South Asian Heritage Month, but every day. Together, we are committed to building a more inclusive and united future.

We look forward to celebrating our shared heritage, learning from each other, and working towards a world where everyone is free to be who they are.