South Asian Heritage Month is an awareness event which aims to mark and celebrate South Asian histories, cultures, and communities. Having first taken place in 2020, this month-long occasion allows individuals to learn and appreciate the diverse heritage that continues to link the UK with South Asia. With around 1 in every 20 people in the UK being of South Asian Heritage, South Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity for the community to come together and share their stories of how they have blended into the British way of life.
When is South Asian Heritage Month?
South Asian Heritage Month is an annual event which begins on the 18th of July, the date that the Indian Independence Act 1947 gained royal assent, and ends on the 17th of August, the date that the Radcliffe Line was published in 1947, which set the borders between India, West Pakistan, and Bangladesh. With the dates holding great significance for the South Asian community, it is important that we are all able to understand just how much of an influence Britain has had on South Asia over the last few centuries.
Source: South Asian Heritage
Why is South Asian Heritage Month important?
South Asian Heritage Month is an extremely important awareness event on the diversity and inclusion calendar because it not only promotes education about the culture and history of the South Asian community but also allows us to celebrate the positive impact South Asian people have had throughout history. As we continue to work towards a more inclusive society, it is important that we oversee and educate ourselves during annual awareness events such as South Asian Heritage Month.
Source: Inclusive Employers
How Can South Asian Heritage Month be celebrated?
There are many ways that South Asian Heritage Month can be celebrated both in and outside of the workplace. You may want to boost the voices of South Asian creators, donate to a South Asian-specific cause, or host an informative group session to educate audiences of all ages and backgrounds on the important topic of South Asian Heritage Month. By hiring one of the experienced speakers featured below, you will be ensuring that society continues to advance its knowledge and take one step closer to creating a diverse and inclusive community.
Source: Better Help
Our Selection of the Top South Asian Heritage Month Speakers:
- Nina Wadia
- Isma Almas
- Asif Sadiq
- Konnie Huq
- Moeen Ali
- Sukh Ojla
- Kishan Devani
- Deepa Malik
- Ranvir Singh
- Sonya Barlow
- Noreen Khan
- Devendra Jhajharia
- Krishnan Guru-Murthy
- Nimco Ali
Nina Wadia
Nina Wadia is a world-renowned Indian-born British actress, best known for playing Zainab Masoob in BBC’s EastEnders. Also recognised for her roles in Goodness Gracious Me, Open All Hours, and All About Me, she has become an empowering female figure throughout the entertainment industry. In recognition of her illustrious career, Nina has acquired several awards throughout her career, including the Best Comedy Performance at the British Soap Awards, and the Outstanding Achievements in Television Award at The Asian Awards. With a positive and confident approach to events of all kinds, Nina is the perfect speaker to attend your South Asian Heritage Month event.
Isma Almas
Isma Almas is a popular multicultural comedian who aims to utilise her background to break down stereotypes through her quick wit. Highly recognised as the Winner of The First Laugh at Sheffield Comedy Festival, her fresh perspective on stand-up allowed her to also reach the final of the Funny Women contest. Treasured by audiences of all ages and backgrounds, Isma has made regular appearances on The Big Asian Stand Up and The BBC’s Asian Network, whilst also guest-starring on podcasts such as Happy Mum, Happy Baby. A treasured figure throughout the comedic community, Isma is now highly sought-after to attend South Asian Heritage Month events of all kinds.
Asif Sadiq
Asif Sadiq MBE is an inspirational diversity and inclusion specialist, best known as the proud Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for Warner Bros. Discovery. With over fifteen years of professional experience behind him, he has seen significant success in achieving strategic and operational targets during his time working for large-scale organisations such as Adidas, Reebok, The Telegraph Media Group, and the City of London Police Force. An empowering figure for audiences globally, his remarkable achievements have allowed him to become the recipient of the Head of Diversity Award at the European Diversity Awards and was later honoured with an MBE for his services to Policing and Communities. If you are hosting an event this South Asian Heritage Month, Asif is the perfect speaker to educate and inspire your audience.
Konnie Huq
Konnie Huq is a well-loved presenter, writer, and speaker, best known for becoming a fan-favourite on Blue Peter. Having resided in the role for over 10 years, she secured remarkable opportunities such as filming in Bangladesh and speaking to members of her extended family whom she had not seen for many years. As the longest-serving female presenter on the show, Konnie has also developed a successful career as a best-selling author, following the release of ‘Cookie! And the Most Annoying Boy in the World’. Treasured for her charming personality, she has become an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust and the British Asian Trust, continuing to implement positive change throughout society.
Moeen Ali
Moeen Ali has developed an admirable career as an explosive left-handed batsman over recent years. Having entered the spotlight after representing the Lions and Under-19 sides during the 2006 World Cup in Pakistan, he has since taken the industry by storm and is esteemed by audiences globally. In his iconic 2011 season, Moeen scored 930 first-class runs and topped the club average in 40-over cricket, achievements which allowed him to be nominated for the Best at Sport Award at the British Muslim Awards. As a speaker, Moeen is admired for tackling important topics such as his Muslim faith, overcoming adversity, and being a role model to British Asians. When looking to hire a passionate South Asian Heritage Month speaker to attend your future events, look no further than Moeen today.
Sukh Ojla
Sukh Ojla is a successful comedian, writer, and actor, widely recognised for appearing on the Big Asian Stand-Up Show and across the BBC Asian Network. Having made her comedy debut in 2019 at her solo show ‘For Sukh’s Sake’, she has since taken the industry by storm and has embarked on a nationwide tour called Life Sukhs. Alongside her renowned comedic career, Sukh is also a respected actress, best known for appearing on Future Conditional, East Enders and Black Mirror. Also a regular guest on Channel 4’s GameFace, her humorous and charming persona is beloved by audiences of all ages and backgrounds. An inspirational female figure throughout the entertainment industry, Sukh will be the ideal addition to South Asian Heritage Month events.
Kishan Devani
Kishan Devani is treasured throughout the community as a successful business consultant and influential politician. From diversity and inclusion in the workplace to sustainable business practices, he has devoted his career to implementing positive change in the business industry. Having previously been the Deputy Chairman of the London Conservative Party, Kishan gained the opportunity to become the youngest politician of ethnic minority to be appointed the prestigious title. A driven individual, he was later selected to become the Chief Advisor to the World Youth Organisation, a role which helped him improve the perception among young British Asians of Ugandan origin. The proud recipient of the 2014 National Diversity Award and the 2016 Inspiration of the Year BEAM Award, Kishan is now highly sought-after to attend a wide range of South Asian Heritage Month engagements.
Deepa Malik
Deepa Malik is an inspirational female sportswoman, best known as the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic medal. As the current President of the Paralympic Committee of India, she is on a mission to put Indian para-athletics on the map. An incredibly talented paralympic biker, swimmer, and rally driver, Deepa has made history as the only female athlete from India to place at three successive Asian Games, and not just set but continuously defend her Javelin record. Passionate about ensuring people with disabilities are treated with respect and equality, Deepa has become the proud Founder of the Wheeling Happiness Foundation, an ambassador for Clean India, and a consultant for Disability Inclusive Accessible Infrastructure. When looking to hire a captivating diversity and inclusion speaker, look no further than Deepa today.
Ranvir Singh
Ranvir Singh is a world-recognised journalist and television presenter, best known as the newsreader for Good Morning Britain and the relief presenter on Lorraine. Famed for her likable personality and natural wit, she has developed an illustrious career over recent years, and is now a highly sought-after speaker to share her first-hand experience of journalism, broadcasting, and television production. An inspiration to audiences globally, Ranvir has received numerous prestigious awards for her work, including the Best Onscreen Talent at the Royal Television Society’s Northwest Awards and the Media Personality of the Year at the Asian Media Awards. With a positive and powerful approach to events of all kinds, Ranvir is the model speaker to attend your South Asian Heritage Month events.
Sonya Barlow
Sonya Barlow is the proud Founder of LMF Network, a diverse talent consultancy company which helps clients build confidence, capabilities, and careers. Since launching the network, she has helped over 20,000 people up-skill in over 24 countries. An expert on diversity and inclusion, Sonya has gained remarkable opportunities throughout her career, including becoming the Host of BBC Asian Networks The Everyday Hustle and being named the official Presenter of London Tech Week. In 2023, she joined Bayes Business School as a Professional Mentor for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, whilst also releasing her debut publication ‘Unprepared to Entrepreneur’. Named in the Top 50 BAME Entrepreneurs Under 50 and a runner-up in the Forbes 30 Under 30, Sonya is a must-see South Asian Heritage Month speaker for audiences internationally.
Noreen Khan
Noreen Khan is an award-winning TV host and radio presenter, best known for hosting the BBC Asian Network for over twelve years. A positive and confident individual, she was selected to co-host the opening ceremony of the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and has taken the industry by storm ever since. With a passion for entertaining audiences of all ages, she has completed numerous tours throughout her career, including her show ‘Lol (Ladies of Laughter) with Noreen Khan’ in 2019. Creating laughs and memories at all events she attends, Noreen was chosen to take part in the Asian Network Comedy E14, and has since become an ambassador for King Charles’ charity ‘The British Asian Trust’. When looking to educate audiences on the topic of South Asian Heritage Month, Noreen is the ideal keynote speaker.
Devendra Jhajharia
Devendra Jhajharia is an Indian Paralympic athlete who rose to fame as the first Indian athlete to claim two gold medals at the Paralympic Games. An empowering figure, he has overcome adversity in all areas of his life from a young age and has since been able to strive for excellence within the sporting industry. In recent years, Devendra has achieved gold at the 2013 IPC World Championships, gold at the 2016 Athletics Asia-Oceania Championship, and gold at the 2022 FESPIC Games. Having earned an impressive medal tally with perseverance and determination, Devendra has become the recipient of numerous awards throughout his career, including the FICCI Para-Sportsman of the Year and the 2004 Arjuna Award. When looking to hire an inspirational Paralympic speaker to attend your next event, look no further than Devendra today.
Krishnan Guru-Murphy
Krishnan Guru-Murphy is one of the most recognisable faces in the UK, best known for working as a broadcast journalist for over 35 successful years. Having joined Channel 4 in 1998, he is now esteemed as one of their main anchors and is currently their second-longest presenter on the channel. With experience speaking on a wide range of topics, from the 2014 Winter Paralympics to war reports and politics, Krishnan has taken the industry by storm for many years, allowing his talent to be recognised by The Royal Television Society Journalism Awards following his nomination for the News Presenter of the Year Award in 2010 and 2014. Alongside his illustrious presenting career, Krishnan has founded the Duchenne Dash and has also become a trustee for the Royal Botanical Gardens Kew. When looking to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month at your next event, do not hesitate to hire Krishnan as a diversity and inclusion speaker now.
Nimco Ali
Nimco Ali is a passionate social activist, highly recognised for becoming the proud Co-Founder of the Daughters of Eve and The Five Foundation. Having undergone female genital mutilation at a young age, she is on a mission to abolish the practice of FGM and support women who have also been a victim of this practice. Alongside her two incredible organisations, Nimco has also Co-Founded the Ginsburg Women’s Heath Board and has been appointed as an Independent Government Advisor for Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls. Passionate to educate audiences around the world on the important topic of FGM, Nimco has authored the book ‘What We’re Told Not to Talk About (But We’re Going to Anyway)’. Admired for discussing taboo topics women are told ‘not to talk about’, she has been named number 6 on the Women’s Hour Power List 2014, and has also been honoured as the 2019 Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy International Women’s Rights Award winner. Having recently been appointed an OBE for her Services to Tackling FGM and Gender Inequality, Nimco is the ideal speaker to hire this South Asian Heritage Month.
Hire a South Asian Heritage Month Speaker Today!
To hire one of the diversity and inclusion speakers featured in this post, or any of the powerful diversity and inclusion speakers featured on our website, simply contact us today by filling in our online contact form or by calling one of our dedicated booking agents on 0207 1010 553.
