South Asian Heritage Month: Going the Extra Mile in the Next Academic Year

Article written by Sammar Masood, LLB (Hons) graduate from City, University of London.

UK universities are lucky enough to have a diverse range of cultural societies spanning from Asia, and Europe, to America, and many of us have benefitted from the delicious food and socials these societies put on. However, in light of South Asian Heritage Month, and with the region spanning eight countries and over 4500 religious beliefs and cultures, this is a great opportunity to shed light on some of the lesser-known aspects of the culture that can be incorporated into society or university events for the new academic year. Whether you’re an events coordinator, society president, or looking to start the newest craze at university, you won’t be short of ideas.

Starting New Societies

As mentioned, South Asia consists of eight countries. The more well-known countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka may already be thriving societies in your university. However, the lesser-known countries of Bhutan, Nepal, and The Maldives may not yet have established societies. So, if you are from one of the latter nations and are missing representation in your student union, the new academic year is the perfect time to start your country’s society. Instructions on how to form a society can often be found on your university or student union’s website. Just ensure you have gathered a few friends to support your endeavour as society approvals require a provisional committee. Once established, waste no time in spreading the word and showcasing your culture to students.

Spices as Face Masks?

Did you know that for centuries, instead of relying on modern-day chemical-based skincare, South Asian cultures have used homemade spice and sugar pastes to keep their complexions glowing? Essentials like turmeric, yoghurt, and lemon juice, readily found in supermarkets, are combined to heal scars, improve skin texture, and possess antibacterial properties. This could translate into an excellent (and budget-friendly) social idea for any South Asian society. Perhaps during the social, attendees can wrap up their creations in ribbons and boxes. These can be sold to university students to raise money for your favourite charity or to fund your start-up society. Even starting a small business making homemade South Asian skincare and getting the business sponsored by your Students Union would introduce a truly entrepreneurial spin.

Support Important Causes

A great way for universities or anyone to widen their involvement with the South Asian region is to sponsor or donate to certain causes. For example, unfortunately, violence against women and girls is all too common in South Asian countries. The female youth of these countries are increasingly frustrated with this issue’s persistence, and many charities have been set up to address this. If you run a Feminist or Female-oriented society, holding a fundraiser for these causes would be a highly supportive way of connecting with the region’s wider issues.

Additionally, South Asian heritages are underrepresented in many employment sectors, with law being a major one. While South Asian Heritage Month falls in August, just before the start of the academic year, law faculties can still address this underrepresentation by forming partnerships with supportive organisations. For example, the Society of South Asian Lawyers and Muslim Lawyers Hub are excellent organisations. Setting up mentoring schemes for South Asian law students at the start of the next academic year would be an excellent, practical way of increasing diversity in the legal profession.

Unity

Finally, perhaps the most important thing universities and students can do to mark South Asian Heritage is to stay united. Not just among individual South Asian cultures with deep links keeping them all connected, but also among the wider university community. Events of the last month have troubled many. From personal experience, university was and is always a place where I and many people have felt safe from the outside world. This needs to continue. The above ways are great ways to educate others about the amazing story of South Asia, but none of them would be possible without the wider support of our universities.

Whether this article has inspired a new social idea for your society, sparked an initiative to boost South Asian representation in the legal profession, or simply motivated you to try some DIY skincare, all will contribute invaluable insights to our student communities about South Asian heritage.