Personal Reflections, Hidden Histories, and the Road Ahead My journey into the field of preserving South Asian and Muslim heritage in Scotland was not planned, it began with a question that I often pondered and reflected on, which my then teenage son asked: “Why are we in Scotland?” I did not realise then how deeply […]
Making Heritage Visible via Projects, Partnerships, and Public Impact The year 2026 feels both like a milestone and a moment for quiet reflection. Ten years ago, when I began my journey with Colourful Heritage as Project Officer, I could not have imagined the depth, richness, and emotional resonance of the stories that would unfold before […]
A Story of Female Entrepreneurship, Empowerment and Community The rich tapestry of Scotland’s cultural landscape is woven with the vibrant threads of its South Asian community. Among one of the many most significant contributions of this community are the uncelebrated South Asian fabric shops in Glasgow, primarily run by women mainly in the Southside Govanhill […]
In the heart of the largest community of Indians living outside of India, 312 people at The Peepul Centre, Leicester, and over 1,000 streaming live on YouTube, officially recognized the ill-fated S.S. Tilawa, also described as “The Indian Titanic.” Attendees memorialized the loss of 280 lives, and expressed thanks and recognition for the rescue mission […]
A short documentary to tell the stories of two families from Punjab whose family laid roots in the 1950s. The aim of the film is to show the shared history between these families and others in the black country and help celebrate diversity. In the 1950s, families travelled thousands of miles from Punjab to the […]
As the saying goes, “Like mother, like daughter.” In the case of creative talents, this couldn’t be more true. The influence of a mother’s creativity can leave a lasting impact on her children, shaping their own artistic endeavours and passions. In this journal I explore the profound impact my mother’s creative legacy has influenced me and how Sohavi was truly born. Roots to routes explores my late mothers life journey from birth in Kenya to India as a teenager and eventually returning to Kenya in her 20’s , to marry my father Sardar Tirlochan Singh Dhamu, to emigrate to London from Nairobi in October 1973 and live out the rest of her life. Despite experiencing loss and trauma, she endured difficulties n her younger years and made the best of her life in my fathers trusting hand, he led her to a new life in London.
Growing up in in Bristol and now based in Windsor, I was captivated by motorsport—its roaring engines, split-second decisions, and the unyielding pursuit of perfection.
What does it mean to me? ‘Roots to Routes’ means bringing our history to light and telling it as it truly was. My mother’s journey from Karachi, Pakistan to the Liverpool docks is something we didn’t discuss until I was in my late thirties, prompted by my 8-year-old son’s project for Windrush. Hearing my […]
Kent Saheli Group (KSG), a charity based in Kent, celebrated Teeyan with 700 women attending at Fort Gardens, Gravesend on Sunday 21 July 2024. Teeyan, also known as ‘Teej’ or ‘Teeyan Da Mela,’ is a traditional festival that celebrates the monsoon season and women’s sisterhood. Women from various parts of the UK gathered to celebrate […]
South Asian and interested in podcasting? This is for you. We made history with with the first ever South Asian Podcasters Meet-Up in the UK! This was literally the first time podcasters had come together in any UK podcasting industry event. I was told it was the “Most Attended Meet-Up” at the The Podcast Show […]
South Asian Heritage Month dates changed to "July" from 2026 — Learn more here →
