‘The Ayahs and Amahs’ Home’ in Hackney

The Hidden History of the Ayahs of Britain

‘Ayah’ refers to South Asian women and ‘Amah’ to South East Asian women who served the British in Asia and other colonies as children’s nannies, nursemaids and ladies’ maids. For the last few years Hackney Museum has been researching the stories of ayahs in Britain and in east London in particular. These pioneering women were […]

Do you have a food allergy?

Food allergies are a growing concern worldwide, with significant implications for health and well-being. In the UK, the South Asian community faces unique challenges related to food allergies, which necessitates a culturally sensitive approach to education and management. As the NHS continues to strive for inclusive healthcare, understanding these specific needs is crucial.

South Asian Podcasters get together!

First ever South Asian podcasters meet-up organised by Sangeeta Pillai, Masala Podcast at the London Podcast Show 2024

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 […]

A Legacy of Courage: From India to Britain, Three Generations Find Their Home

My story begins with my grandfather, who plucked up the courage to travel aboard at the age of 22 and start a new life in the UK. I don’t think he would have thought that he would see three generations thereafter flourish and live an Anglo-Indian life in Great Britain. Beginnings in Siyod Vanmali Patel […]

Destined to support Bangladeshis during challenging times

Ripon Ray I grew up in Tower Hamlets, an area of East London which was known to be one of the most neglected areas in the UK. I only mixed with the Bangladeshi community, both at home and my school, Stepney Green Secondary. I always felt like a Bangladeshi living in Britain, though East London […]

Chhavi’s Journey: Embracing ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – The World as One Family

As we celebrate South Asian Heritage Month with the theme ‘Free to Be Me’, I reflect on my unique journey and the challenges I’ve overcome as a South Asian woman. Growing up, there was an expectation that I would pursue a traditional career in engineering, medicine, law, or accountancy. While I did study engineering initially, […]

Relevance of Natyashastra

South Asian Heritage Month marked by Sanskruti Centre July 2023 Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence, an arts charity based in the UK marked the South Asian Heritage Month with an important talk on the relevance of Natyashastra- the ancient Indian classic on performing & creative arts. Organised at the Nehru Centre recently, the event had […]

Dr Anisha Patel – I was diagnosed with bowel cancer at 39

Dr Anisha Patel

Getting diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer at the age of 39 was a real shock. I’m a GP, active mother of two and always been fit and healthy. I don’t have a family history of cancer or any risk factors, so how could it happen to me? As a doctor, perhaps I played down […]

My journey:  From light into darkness!

‘I am the unlucky one’ I said to the Consultant. I was sobbing away on my own with nobody to hold my hand or support me. Where did I go wrong? What had I done? I always helped everyone – young old, needy and desperate. So why did it have to be ME? I didn’t understand.