Most South Asian migrants settled down, built new lives and saw their families become part of British society. In the process, all have made significant contributions to the economic, social, cultural and political landscapes of Britain.
Traditionally, South Asian cultures view education as a means of achievement in life – reflected in the educational achievements of their children. As a result, South Asians have excelled as doctors, dentists, accountants, academics, journalists, barristers, political thinkers, writers and similar professions.
For many forced migrants, however, achievement meant survival, safety and access to basic necessities. Their stories of perseverance must be celebrated as well.
I’ve got a grandson now. And if they told him the story about his granddad, came from Uganda with £50 or whatever little money he had, and went on to run a successful chain of garages, educated my children who are now doctors, and dentists, and opticians.
Most of our Asian families see education as a way out. My dad was working a night shift and it was understood that if you are going to get a good quality of life, education is the way forward.
As an artist, I got the opportunity to work and you know, go for competitions for England. I joined the British Culinary Federation.
Then, during 2010 I went to Luxembourg. Then I won a gold medal with my artwork, my artworks are called margarine sculptures. And then again in 2014 I went again for another competition. I brought another gold medal to UK.
My charity The Vayyu Foundation was set up to make conservation inclusive, regardless of race, gender, and social class because,
once again, even conservation has its own set of barriers.
During my time, the only brown person on television was Krishnan Guru-Murthy on this BBC kids programme called ‘Newsround’, I think. And I was like, oh, my God, this is like, he is a role model. And where we’ve come to, you know, I think that in the 20-year journey and finally to be recognised by the Arts Council, to get some regular funding…
I can only go from my parents, from what they’ve achieved, to maybe family, sort of friends that we know, but, you know, they’ve worked really hard. I think it’s with all the immigrants. They have a strong sort of work ethic, and they want to succeed.
