Celebrating culture and community: South Asian Heritage Month begins
At South London and Maudsley, we take pride in our commitment to be a Great Place to Work and Care. One of the ways we hope to achieve this is by recognising and celebrating the rich diversity amongst our colleagues, service users and carers. We want to take every opportunity to celebrate the unique backgrounds, perspectives and experiences that make our community what it is.
South Asian Heritage Month began in style at our opening event, which took place at our Maudsley Hospital site in Denmark Hill. Staff and service users came together to enjoy colourful Bollywood and traditional dance performances, sample a range of delicious South Asian delicacies, try on traditional attire and experience beautiful henna art.
The ceremony began with the lighting of the lamp, a traditional ritual that symbolises the commencement of an event in South Asian culture. Colleagues were able to admire the rangoli display, have a go at making some music on the tabla instrument, and find stories from South Asia to add to their reading lists, thanks to our Trust library.
Our Chief Medical Officer, Professor Derek Tracy shares his thanks for colleagues who made the day such a success:
“It was a real pleasure to be part of the celebrations for South Asian Heritage month. It has a particular resonance for me, as some of my family are from Kerala in India. I am very grateful to the many South Asian staff we have in South London and Maudsley for your ongoing work here: we are lucky to have you. The day itself was a great success, and in particular, wow to Sunny Pinto for her dancing on the day - hidden talents I didn't know you had!”
This was just the first of multiple events and opportunities that are on offer throughout the month of July to recognise the South Asian community within our Trust.
The opening ceremony encapsulated the importance of coming together, sharing personal stories and appreciating the vibrance of South Asian culture.
Thank you to Sunayna (Sunny) Pinto, who has poured her creativity and enthusiasm into organising the events taking place this month.
She said:
“The South Asian Heritage Month opening ceremony was really well attended by both staff and service users and created such a great atmosphere. People had a chance to learn some Bollywood dance moves, try a traditional South Asian musical instrument, dress up in beautiful traditional clothing and jewellery for photos, enjoy henna art, and sample some delicious street food.
It was wonderful to see so many people getting involved, having fun and letting their hair down on a Friday afternoon. I felt truly privileged to be able to share my culture and heritage with my work family and to see everyone embrace and celebrate it with such enthusiasm.”
This celebration was supported by Maudsley Charity.