Celebrating South Asian contributions to British society

On Tuesday 13 August, the Kashmir Youth Project (KYP) hosted an event at Unity House in Rochdale, in honour of South Asian Heritage Month. The occasion was dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of individuals of South Asian heritage in Rochdale to British society.

The event offered attendees a rare opportunity to explore over 30 biographies of South Asian individuals who either work in Rochdale or hail from the area. These biographies shed light on the lives and accomplishments of local figures who have made noteworthy impacts on British society.

Councillor Janet Emsley, Deputy Mayor of Rochdale, commended the diverse contributions of the South Asian community, staying: “Rochdale’s strength lies in its diversity, and the South Asian community is a vital part of that. The impact of South Asians on the cultural, economic, and social fabric of Rochdale is profound, and today’s event is a fitting recognition of those contributions.”

Zulf Ahmed, CEO of KYP, underscored the essential role of the South Asian community in the UK's social and economic landscape.

“Businesses led by ethnic-minority entrepreneurs contribute at least £74 billion annually to the UK,” he said. “South Asian Heritage Month allows us to reflect on our shared history and recognise the ongoing contributions that our community makes to British society. Today, we honour those efforts and continue our work to empower future generations.”

Nadeem Mir, CEO of the Rochdale Council of Mosques and former chief inspector at GMP, reflected on the resilience and achievements of the South Asian community.

He said: “Our community’s history is rich with stories of perseverance and success. We’ve faced many challenges, but through unity and dedication, we’ve made significant contributions to the growth and strength of Rochdale. Today’s event is a celebration of our shared journey and our commitment to the future.”

Zulf Ali, a Life Member of KYP and CEO of York Medical Group, spoke to the audience in his native language, sharing a poignant account of his journey.

“I was 14 years old when I joined KYP and began working for the community. My goal is to be a role model for the future generation, someone they can look up to and emulate in doing good for the world,” he said. Born in Kashmir and having moved to the UK at the age of four, Zulf spoke with passion about his commitment to the community and his pride in being a British Kashmiri Rochdalian.

Daalat Ali, deputy leader and portfolio holder for health at Rochdale Council, shared his inspiring story of moving to the UK as a 14-year-old. He spoke about the struggles and successes he has experienced over the years, expressing his pride in being a British Kashmiri Rochdalian.

His narrative deeply resonated with the audience, highlighting the strength and resilience of the South Asian community in Rochdale.

As part of the Local Legend initiative, several Rochdale residents were honoured for their contributions to the community.

Faheem Chishti, managing director of Crescent Radio, who presented the awards, noted, “It’s good to have an opportunity to reward hard-working, low-profile people within the community. These individuals have made a lasting impact, and we must take the time to acknowledge their efforts.”

The event concluded with remarks from Shammsa Jabeen, chair of KYP, who thanked attendees for their participation and expressed her hope for the continuation of such events in the future. “It’s a privilege to celebrate our community’s achievements together. I look forward to seeing this tradition grow and continue,” she said.

Guests were then treated to a delightful selection of South Asian cuisine, adding a festive and cultural touch to the occasion.

KYP extends its sincere gratitude to all attendees, partners, and volunteers who contributed to the success of the event. The celebration of South Asian Heritage Month at KYP was a powerful reminder of the community’s enduring contributions to British society and the importance of recognising and honouring these achievements.