How AMBER is celebrating South Asian Heritage Month
At AMBER (Asian Mentoring and Building Empowering Relationships), we are proud to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month by sharing Sister Stories—real, powerful reflections from women in our community. These stories illuminate our shared histories, untold struggles, and moments of cultural pride, contributing to this year's theme: Roots to Routes.
South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) is commemorated from 18th July to 17th August each year. It celebrates the rich history and diverse cultures and communities that continue to link the UK with South Asia. Each year, SAHM adopts a theme that highlights the significant impact South Asian communities have had on British society.
Through the Sister Stories platform, we are amplifying the lived experiences of British South Asian women, whose journeys reflect resilience, identity, and transformation across generations. Each story is shared with deep respect for privacy and consent. To protect the identities of our contributors, many stories are published under the name AMBER Guest User—allowing women to speak openly and honestly without fear of judgement or exposure.
These narratives are not just stories—they are acts of healing, resistance, and connection. By reading them, we honour the women who came before us, and empower the generations to come. You can read our Sister Stories dedicated to SAHM below. Like us, you will be truly blown away by the bravery, honesty, and strength of the women who have chosen to share their lived experiences.
We thank each of them for trusting AMBER with their voices.
This year’s theme, “Roots to Routes,” focuses on uncovering and sharing our history authentically, telling it as it truly was. It shines a spotlight on the journeys individuals undertook to come to Britain and make it their home. It reflects on the profound impact of migration—not just on those who made the journey, but also on their children, who grew up living between two cultures. SAHM is a time to reflect on the past and recognise how it has helped shape the future.
South Asian culture has had a lasting influence on British society. Early contributions were around minority rights, representation, and wartime service. Later, South Asians addressed social inequalities and introduced vibrant cultural elements such as food, fashion, music, and language, deeply enriching the character of towns and cities across the UK.
It is important that the journeys of South Asians are not forgotten. These are our shared histories and legacies that must be passed down through generations. By telling our stories, we help future generations understand their origins and the paths their parents and ancestors travelled, highlighting the struggles they faced and the sacrifices they made to offer their children a better future in Britain.
The South Asian Heritage Trust has built a platform for individuals to explore their heritage and learn about influential figures who paved the way for the identity of future generations. This platform also allows people to share their own migration stories and experiences of cultural transformation. It serves as a vital educational tool to inspire and inform, while promoting the importance of preserving identity and fostering an inclusive society that celebrates diversity.
Today, over 3 million people in the UK have South Asian heritage. They have become an integral part of British life, contributing to the diversity and richness of our nation. Observing South Asian Heritage Month gives us an opportunity to embrace and celebrate the history, identity, and contributions of British South Asians. It invites reflection on the past and an appreciation of how those experiences have shaped modern Britain.
SAHM celebrates people with South Asian roots from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives. It offers a platform to tell their stories and keep lived history alive. The theme “Roots to Routes” is a tribute to our collective history of resilience, courage, and strength. It teaches valuable life lessons and reminds us of our shared ability to overcome challenges and build a common ground.
South Asian Heritage Month is a time to reflect with pride on the achievements of South Asians in Britain, and to celebrate their role in bringing together people of different nations and cultures.
SISTER STORIES FOR SAHM:
