Stories celebrating South Asian Heritage Month 2023
The ICB are celebrating South Asian Heritage this month!
The theme for this year’s South Asian Heritage Month is “Stories to tell”.
South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) first took place in 2020. This runs from the 18th of July to the 17th of August each year.
SAHM seeks to commemorate, mark and celebrate South Asian cultures, histories, and communities. The month seeks to understand the diverse heritage and cultures that continue to link the UK with South Asia.
South Asian culture has made a significant impact on Britain in various aspects, such as food, clothing, music, words, and the overall ambiance of our towns and cities.
It’s a beautiful display of the rich and proud South Asian heritage that has blended into the British way of life, contributing to the diversity of our nation. Observing South Asian Heritage Month provides us with an excellent chance to embrace and celebrate the history and identity of British South Asians.
Some of our very own colleagues at the ICB, Komal Gorania and Kevin Joplin, have kindly shared their own narrative, taking the opportunity to showcase what being South Asian in the 21st century entails, while also reflecting on their past and how it has shaped them.
Komal’s Story:
“I was born as a first generation British South Asian in my family. My dad is from Uganda, and my mum is from a small village in India. In 1972, around there was an expulsion of Asians from Uganda from the then Prime Minister Idi Amin. Following this my dad moved to the UK despite the remainder of his family returning to their homeland in India, and disagreeing with his decision, after a year of working he eventually called my mum (then fiancé) to the UK as he had set up enough money to support her. In South Asian culture it was unheard of to move in with a partner before marriage, and this has probably set the tone for almost the rest of my life and my parents’ strength to balance South Asian western culture.
Growing up in a family who host and are involved in numerous family events has allowed me to keep in touch with my culture, something I now hope to pass on to my children. The culture is bright, happy and full of food, colour and socialisation. Often mistaken to be religious focussed, a lot of South Asian culture is based around music, dance and food rather than particular religious events. As the South Asian community has continued to grow in the UK, much of this has become normalised and integrated into society. However, this has not always been the case and for much of my younger life growing up as one of a handful of South Asian students in a school of 1,000, it often felt like there was not a place for my culture or that others would not understand my personal life. One element of growing up which played a big part of me now is growing up in a joint household with around 25 people, including parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles and cousins. Being the youngest of all 25, I often found myself stuck between doing what my family and culture saw as right and taking on practices that I had grown up around in the UK. However, as I got older and found myself more in touch socially with others from the same background, it allowed me to feel like there was a sense of community and that I was not alone in how I felt.
For my parents moving to the UK and having children who had an opportunity to higher level education and jobs such as those we are in, felt like an out of reach dream and something they would not have had the opportunity to see if they had chosen to go back the India, where most of our family are farmers.
I have now as an adult found a good balance of how I reflect my culture in my lifestyle and family life, and often reflect on how lucky I have been to have these opportunities that others may not have. I am always very proud to share about my background and the culture and how it has shaped me as a person. I am always happy to open up or answer any questions to those who are more interested.”
Kevin’s story:
“In embracing this year's South Asian Heritage Month theme, "Stories to tell," I am honoured to share a journey that embodies its essence. My narrative traverses cultures, conquers adversity and finds triumph through unwavering perseverance.
I am Kevin Joplin, and my journey is a testament to the unwavering spirit that can rise above the trials life presents.
Born amidst the enchanting landscapes of Hutti Gold Mines in Karnataka, India, my origins were a blend of Anglo-Indian and Malayali heritage (South Indian state), laying the foundation for a survival story. My early years were marked by adversity that shaped the course of my life.
At the tender age of five, my father's battle with cancer left me in solitude as my parents pursued his treatment. Left to my own devices, I endured the lonely days and nights, longing for their return. Eventually, circumstances led me to a boarding school, a reality I reluctantly accepted. Fuelled by an unyielding determination to be by my ailing father's side, I embarked on a daring escape from the confines of the boarding school.
I remained steadfastly by his side until his passing when I was fifteen, leaving behind an immense void that engulfed our family. My mother's subsequent descent into depression left me responsible for not only her but also my sister, Sophia, whose life was tragically cut short by illness at the tender age of seven.
The tapestry of my life became a mosaic of challenges, each a testament to my resilience. Driven by necessity, I ventured into odd jobs to sustain my mother and myself. My formal education halted after 12th grade and I set out for Mumbai, India, to seek a new beginning. Life in the bustling city was unforgiving, with challenges ranging from financial hardships to lacking basic necessities. Through sheer determination, my innate resilience guided me through these trials, drawing strength from my acquired survival skills.
Life, with its trials and tribulations has equipped me with diverse skills – resilience in the face of adversity, adaptability across cultures, an unwavering work ethic and speaking seven languages. Noticing my dedication and determination, I ventured into roles within HR, consulting, and marketing before the age of 20, showcasing a flair for versatility and leadership.
These qualities have kindled a hope within me of becoming an entrepreneur. With each step I take, I inch closer to that goal, drawing inspiration from the journey that brought me here.
To forge a path toward a brighter future, I ventured into nursing, diligently juggling rigorous university schedules during the day and working late into the night. These years tested my endurance and I emerged as an emergency nurse at Manipal Hospital in Bangalore, India. Within these hospital corridors, blessing introduced me to Lismi, my future wife whose presence would reshape my destiny.
With a burning ambition for personal growth, I set my sights on the United Kingdom but at the pain of leaving my mother alone in India. My relentless dedication secured me a position as an international nurse at Northampton General Hospital. I embraced each challenge, ascending the ranks from a practice development nurse to interim ward manager and ultimately an assistant clinical site manager. Throughout this journey education remained a beacon, exemplified by my pursuit of an MBA recognized by the NHS Leadership Academy through distance education. As time flowed, my purpose crystallized my determination to become a CEO someday, a testament to my resilience and to lead through the challenges that forged me.
However, life had more to reveal. In 2022, I faced the heart-wrenching loss of my mother, suddenly leaving me with a void that seemed insurmountable. Devastated by this loss, I found myself yearning for the family I had lost. But amid the storm, a new already chapter began with the birth of my own family—my beloved wife Lismi, my eldest Reuel, and my one-month-old son Levi. They are my driving force, reminding me of the depth of love and the beauty of life's experiences. Together as a family we navigate forward, building upon past lessons and embracing the promise of the future.
Today, after serving Northampton general hospital for more than 5 years and now transitioning to the role of a risk manager at ICB Northamptonshire, I stand at the threshold of new horizons, armed with a story that encapsulates perseverance. My voyage from Hutti Gold Mines, India, to the Northampton skies encapsulates the very essence of "Stories to tell." It speaks of culture, fortitude and an unwavering spirit that transcends borders. My narrative is a testimony of resilience, a legacy I share with pride as a fragment of the rich mosaic of South Asian heritage.”
For more information, please visit the national South Asian Heritage website here.