UNISON Black Members are proud to promote and celebrate South Asian Heritage Month. This runs from 18th July to 17th August. The significance of these dates lies in South Asian history and the struggle for de-colonisation. On 18th July 1947, the Indian Independence Act 1947 gained royal assent from King George VI (father of the late Queen Elizabeth II). On 17th August 1947 the borderlines between India, West Pakistan and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) now came into effect. The dates coincide largely with the South Asian month of Saravan/Sawan, the main monsoon month in the region.
The South Asian Heritage Trust was set up five years ago to seek to commemorate, mark and celebrate south Asian cultures, histories, and communities. It seeks to understand the diverse heritage and cultures that continue to link the UK with south Asia.
In 2024 the theme of the month is “Free to Be Me”, exploring aspects of identity: Who are you, and what makes you unique? The moments that define identity and the pride people feel in their South Asian heritage identifying from the countries of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
UNISON Black Members looks forward to developing participation in South Asian Heritage Month in the future. This year we look at a few stories from members, talking about what SAHM means to me as a UNISON activist.
For further details on the importance of South Asian Heritage Month, please click here.
Find out more about the first Asian police officer in the Black Country here.
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Pam Sian: What does South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) mean to me?