On Saturday 18th July, the first ever South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) launched across the country to raise the profile of the British-South Asian history, heritage and identity.
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals is marking the month-long event with themes that celebrate our British South Asian community, which is over 3 million people strong.
There is a large representation of the community both at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals and in the region, and at least 1 out of every 20 people in this country 
have South Asian heritage. South Asia is formed of 8 countries, namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Ebraham Adia, Chair at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“I am delighted the Trust is recognising the rich tradition and history of British South Asians by organising the South Asian Heritage Month. It is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the valuable contribution of British South Asians to many facets of life in the UK.”
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, SAHM will be celebrated online with live events throughout the month that all are welcome to join.
The Trust is celebrating the month-long event with the themes of food, where staff can submit their recipes, videos and tips about delicious South Asian cuisine, music and dance, where staff and their loved ones are invited to join a live event to show off their skills, be it through dancing, singing or playing an instrument and stories, where people are invited to share their personal stories about their culture, heritage or upbringing to help educate others about their community and background.
To round the month off, the Trust will be showcasing some of the outstanding contributions many of our staff members from the South Asian community are making to the wider society outside of our hospitals.
Arnab Bhowmick, Deputy Medical Director and Consultant General/Colorectal Surgeon Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, said:
“This is an inspired project with a wonderfully positive message. It will raise awareness and learning of the wonderful diversity, culture and history of a key group in our community. I’m particularly looking forward to the food celebrations and recipes!”
An online event is in the planning stages, where the Trust hopes to bring many staff and members of the community together to dance, sing, cook, read and much more!
Somnath Kumar, Consultant Cardiologist at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, said:
“I am delighted to be supporting South Asian Heritage Month, because it gives a golden opportunity to show how upbringing in a rich Eastern culture can help to integrate, yet maintain individuality within a cordial Western environment.”
Jeyaram Srinivasan, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“Our Trust has many colleagues from South Asian heritage, working in all sectors such as Nursing, Medical, Catering, IT and Domestics. What connects us all is the shared cultures and community networks which need to be celebrated. There are many talents - singing, dancing, festivities - that are hitherto shared only within their own community space - but, this is a window to highlight that hidden talents as they enrich all of us in the Trust and the county.”
it gives a golden opportunity to show how upbringing in a rich Eastern culture can help to integrate, yet maintain individuality within a cordial Western environment.
The Trust is asking for videos, photos, recipes, music, and stories from its staff to help bring to light the importance of SAHM, as well as getting involved with the national programme of events starting in the coming days.
For updates, follow the Trust’s Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts @LancsHospitals, or you can follow the official South Asian Heritage Month Twitter channel here: @SAHM_UK.
