Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month 2025 at SLaM: A vibrant tribute to culture, community, and connection
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust proudly celebrated South Asian Heritage Month 2025 with a series of vibrant events that honoured the rich cultural tapestry of South Asia. The month-long celebration brought together staff and service users in a shared appreciation of heritage, identity, and wellbeing.
In our community services, the Ladywell and Lewisham Occupational Therapy team hosted a series of engaging activities for patients and service users. These included a classical South Asian dance performance by a talented staff member , c ooking sessions inspired by regional cuisines and t herapeutic art workshops rooted in South Asian traditions .
We also held a Schwartz Round focused on themes of heritage and identity, providing a reflective space for staff to share personal stori es and deepen understanding across cultures. These events were designed not only to celebrate culture but also to promote wellbeing, creativity, and connection among participants.
One of the standout events was the South Asian Movie Night, where colleagues gathered to watch Laapataa Ladies (2024), a Hindi-language comedy-drama . The film’s humorous yet poignant portrayal of rural Indian life sparked meaningful conversations around identity, tradition, and female agency. The evening was enriched with a delicious spread of South Asian snacks and refreshments, creating a warm and immersive cultural experience.
The Closing Ceremony , held in the canteen area at Maudsley Hospital, was marked with a ‘Chai and Chat’ celebration featuring South Asian cuisine and cultural performances.
Ranjeet Kaile, Director of Communications, Stakeholder Engagement and Public Affairs said: “ I’d like to thank every staff member, volunteer, and contributor who brought South Asian Heritage Month to life in such a vibrant and meaningful way .
“Your passion, creativity, and dedication not only made the celebrations unforgettable, but also helped nurture a stronger sense of belonging and cultural appreciation across our Trust. It was a n important reminder of the richness that diversity brings to our community.”
Watch a video of the celebration ceremony here or by clicking on the image.
