Written by Marcia Ore
South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) 2025 takes place from the 18 July to 17 August and this year’s theme is ‘Roots to Routes.’
The purpose of SAHM is to celebrate and commemorate the history and culture of the countries of South Asia, and to explore the connections between South Asian communities and the UK.
The month focuses on the 8 countries of South Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
South Asian Heritage Month came about when in December 2018 the co-founders, Jasvir Singh CBE and Dr Binita Kane discussed how to ensure the interconnectedness between Britain and South Asia could be better understood. The concept of a South Asian Heritage Month was proposed at the House of Commons and in July 2019 SAHM was officially launched.
Linking to South Asian History Month, we are focussing on different communities in a structured way which is data led, beginning by focusing some of our efforts on engaging with communities of South Asian descent. However, rest assured, we will not be ignoring other marginalised communities residing and working within Andover Mind’s areas of operation. For more information on our outreach projects, please click here.
What can you do?
- Be curious: Take time to understand the history and cultures of South Asian communities.
- Celebrate: South Asian communities and their connection with the UK.
- Network: Attend events where you can network with individuals and communities.
Resources
- South Asian Heritage Month
- South Asian Heritage Month 2024: What’s it all about?
- National Today: South Asian Heritage Month 2025
- The Evolution of South Asia: From Ancient Civilization to Modern Nations
- Smarthistory – South Asia
- Understanding the Diversity of South Asian Communities in the UK
Events
- Orchard Pavillion, Walsall – Saturday 26th July
- South Asian Heritage Late at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery -Thursday 7th August
