I am extremely proud to be a part of the first ever permanent South Asia gallery in the UK, at the Manchester Museum. I am a co curator part of the South Asian Gallery collective contributing to the British Asian Anthology. The South Asia Gallery is dedicated to exploring journeys and experiences, telling stories, and exploring the cultures and contributions of South Asian diaspora communities in the UK.

This role has given me the opportunity to delve into my heritage and identity, and I am excited for my team and I to be able to share stories and discuss the items we have on display. My contribution to the British Asian Anthology looks into a range of experiences and beliefs shared, including the journeys my parents took to the UK from East Africa and Pakistan. My contribution also looks at British Asian Programmes that were available in the UK in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and onwards. For example the first major programme for Hindi and Urdu-speaking viewers, ‘Nai Zindagi Naya Jeevan’, which was broadcast on BBC every Sunday Morning and watched by my whole family.

I am very excited about this project, and eager for the launch, particularly as the pandemic halted a lot of the developments!