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Hello and welcome to my story. My name is Inshirah Kishwar Sakhawat Russell. You can call me Inshra. I’m a Bangladeshi-born British person who has been living in London for the last 20 years. My roots are in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and the richness of culture and values those 19 years of living there with my […]

‘My story’ with Dr Waheed Arian – from fearing for our lives to saving lives

This year’s theme for South Asian Heritage Month (18 July to 17 August), is ‘stories to tell’. My story is a reminder that more than 100 million people in the world are displaced. With lack of access to basic amenities and healthcare, their memories may be similar to mine as a young boy – filled with conflict and war.

Scotland’s First National British Indian Army (BIA) Memorial

Artists impression of Scotland’s First BIA Memorial Colourful Heritage, a charity based in Scotland were granted planning permission by Glasgow City Council in December 2022 to construct Scotland’s first British Indian Army (BIA) memorial within the grounds of the iconic Kelvingrove Art Gallery in Glasgow. In August 2023, the ‘Memorial Brick Laying Ceremony’ was held […]

The Gurkha Museum – The most recent Gurkha Victoria Cross – Rambahadur Limbu

A Selfless Bravery – Rambahadur Limbu VC Action The story of Rambahadur Limbu often focuses on his courageous actions on November 21st 1965 when his bravery led to his being awarded the Victoria Cross, the most recent Gurkha to have been so rewarded.  His selfless bravery is better appreciated when placed in both the context […]

The Gurkha Museum – The First Gurkha Victoria Cross – Rifleman Kulbir Thapa

A Selfless Bravery – Kulbir Thapa’s Victoria Cross (VC) Action It was during the First World War that the appellation ‘Bravest of the Brave, Most Generous of the Generous’ was first used in reference to Gurkha soldiers. The actions of Rifleman Kulbir Thapa, the first Gurkha soldier to receive the Victoria Cross, stands as a shining example.   In September 1915 elements […]

Diaries of a 90’s kid

My dad was just a teenager when he arrived in Bradford in the 1970s. With the support of extended family he found work, learnt the language, and a few years later returned to Pakistan to marry my mum. I was born in the 80s, the second girl in a house of five children. We found […]

With Due Ceremony – The Gurkha Museum

Summer Exhibition 2023 – With Due Ceremony1st – 31st August 2023Introducing this year’s Summer Exhibition at The Gurkha Museum, located in the former Peninsula Barracks in Winchester.The recent coronation of HM King Charles III and Queen Camilla adds to a long and storied history of Gurkha involvement in state and ceremonial occasions. ‘With Due Ceremony’, […]

Kalasetu – the Story of Indian Diaspora in Croydon through hand-painted silks

A borough as diverse as Croydon is symbolised by the plurality of its culture. South Asians form a large population of the borough. As part of the This is Croydon, The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2023 celebration, Subrang Arts initiated ‘Kalasetu’ – Kala means ‘Art’; ‘Setu’ means bridge – building cultural bridges with communities […]

The Evolution of The British Indian Woman

What does it mean to be a British Indian woman? The Evolution of the British Indian woman  – an event which was screened at Kingston-Upon-Thames’ Rose Theatre in June 2013, explored the essence of a British Indian woman through the experiences of three branches of one family tree. A grandmother, who moved to the UK […]