South Asian Heritage Month
We first celebrated South Asian History Month in July 2020 to celebrate, mark and honour South Asian cultures and histories – particularly the intertwined histories of the UK and South Asian communities – and how South Asian cultures are present throughout the UK.
We now celebrate the more recognised South Asian Heritage Month (18 July to 17 August) in order to align ourselves with the wider national conversation around this event. We will use this month to celebrate the arts, culture and heritage of people with roots in the South Asian countries of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Our goal is to help people better understand the diversity of present-day Britain.
South Asian Heritage Month 2025
Podcast: Roots to Routes: South Asian journeys in UK psychiatry
In this special episode for South Asian Heritage Month, Dr Hassan Mahmood hosted an inspiring conversation with Dr Syeda Zakia Shaherbano and Dr Shaheen Shora, whose personal and professional journeys from South Asia to the UK illuminate the power of resilience, community, and cultural identity.
Through heartfelt storytelling, they explored how their lived experiences have shaped their careers in psychiatry, enriched their understanding of patient care, and driven innovation to address health inequalities.
From overcoming personal challenges to advocating for culturally sensitive mental health services, this episode celebrated the strength found in heritage and the transformative role of diversity in the NHS.
Speakers
- Host: Dr Hassan Mahmood – Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Learning Disability and Autism in Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust
- Dr Syeda Zakia Shaherbano – Consultant Psychiatrist specialising in learning disabilities and autism
- Dr Shaheen Shora – Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Director
Blog post
Dr Neeti Sandhu FRCPsych wrote a blog post as part of our 2025 South Asian Heritage Month celebrations: 'A bridge too far? On tackling barriers to achieving RCPsych Fellowship'.
Free members' webinar
We held a webinar to celebrate the significant strides made in establishing a truly transcultural psychiatry, moving beyond theoretical frameworks to showcase "transcultural service in action." The webinar explored the unique aspects of the UK experience, assessed its successes, and identifed crucial lessons that can inform the future of global psychiatry.
Speakers included Professor Subodh Dave, Dean, Royal College of Psychiatrists and Dr Sridevi Sira-Mahalingappa, Co-Chair, Congress Committee, Royal College of Psychiatrists.
Previous years
Blog posts relating to South Asian Heritage Month
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South Asian Heritage Month: A bridge too far? On tackling barriers to achieving RCPsych Fellowship
As part of our South Asian Heritage Month 2025 celebrations, Dr Neeti Sandhu shares details of her own career journey, which she hopes will encourage others to recognise and realise ...
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Celebrating South Asian identities
Dr Amrit Sachar, the College's Joint Presidential Lead for Equity and Equality writes a blog post to conclude our celebrations of South Asian History Month.
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South Asian History Month: Challenging traditions – Navigating mental health stigma for South Asian youth in the UK
4th year medical student, Projit Kar, writes a blog post to celebrate this year's South Asian History Month.
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South Asian History Month: My journey from South Asian to UK practice, second motherhood, community and cultural differences
Dr Supriya Agarwal talks about the challenges of coming to work as a psychiatrist in the UK, and her experiences over the last four years.
Dr Supriya Agarwal -
South Asian History Month: Breaking barriers – The imperative of an innovative mindset for clinicians from a South Asian background
For South Asian History Month, Dr Amit Chougule delves into the importance of developing an innovative mindset and how cultivating this can greatly benefit clinicians in their careers and patient ...
Dr Amit Chougule -
South Asian History Month: Looking back, looking forwards
Former College President, Professor Dinesh Bhugra CBE, reflects on intersectionality and his own personal and professional journey in a post to celebrate South Asian History Month.
Professor Dinesh Bhugra -
South Asian History Month: Dr Fabida Aria
In our final blog post to celebrate South Asian History Month, we hear from Dr Fabida Aria who talks about her upbringing and the importance of never forgetting her roots....
Dr Fabida Aria -
South Asian History Month: Dr Mina Husain
In our second blog post to celebrate South Asian History Month, we hear from Dr Mina Husain who discusses her experiences growing up in four different countries and her work ...
Dr Mina Husain
