Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month

“South Asians have been involved in fashion, beauty, and food in the UK for centuries,” Jasvir Singh, co-founder of South Asian Heritage Month, remarks. This celebration occurs each year in July and August to honor the rich cultural heritage, history, and contributions of South Asian communities, encompassing countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.

Historically, shampooing was introduced to Britain in the 1810s by Dean Mohamed Sake, a South Asian entrepreneur who also opened the first Indian restaurant in Europe during Regency London. Two centuries later, the South Asian community continues to bring innovations in beauty, fashion, and hospitality to the UK.

Singh emphasizes, “Sake’s legacy can be seen in the work done by modern South Asian entrepreneurs who are carving out their own interpretations of South Asian-ness within their respective fields today. More needs to be done to ensure that they are given the profile they deserve. That’s where South Asian Heritage Month has an important role to play – in providing that spotlight.”

The Impact on British Culture

The South Asian community has significantly enriched British culture through various avenues, including:

• Cuisine: Authentic flavors and global dining experiences.
• Music: Influential sounds and diverse musical traditions.
• Beauty: Innovations and practices reflecting rich cultural heritage.
• Fashion: Unique styles that blend tradition with modernity.
• Festivals: Celebrations that promote cultural awareness and unity.

This month serves as a platform to tell the stories of nine entrepreneurs whose work exemplifies the contributions of the South Asian community.

Spotlight on Influential Entrepreneurs

Sharan Pasricha MBE

Sharan Pasricha, an Indian-born entrepreneur based in London, founded the hospitality powerhouse Ennismore in 2011 and soon acquired The Hoxton. The success of The Hoxton has expanded globally, reaching cities like New York, Amsterdam, and Rome. In 2015, Pasricha further acquired Gleneagles, which has undergone over 12 major renovations, earning several awards, including the prestigious recognition on Condé Nast Traveller’s 2024 Gold List.

Sharan reflects, “I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur in first grade when I started selling my packed lunches in school to fuel my love for comic books! The hustle came tumbling down during a parent-teacher meeting when some of the students complained to my mum that the price of sandwiches had increased too much.”

Conclusion

As we celebrate South Asian Heritage Month, it’s crucial to acknowledge the profound impact that South Asian communities have had in shaping modern British culture. Their contributions in various sectors, especially hospitality, fashion, and beauty, have paved the way for future generations to thrive and innovate.