South Asian Heritage Month is an annual celebration to recognise, honour and celebrate South Asian history and culture and the achievements and contributions of South Asian British people to politics, social reform, science, academics, sports, entertainment, arts and culture. British South Asians represent a significant proportion of the British population and also a large community here a Kent. 

South Asian Heritage Month (national)

Nationally, South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) encompasses several independence days connected to South Asian countries. The beginning and end dates of SAHM particularly call back to two significant events in 1947; the 18th of July marks the date that the Indian Independence Act gained royal assent from King George VI, whilst the 17th of August marks the date of publication of the Radcliffe Line, which established where the borders between India, West Pakistan, and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) would be.

It seeks to raise the profile of British South Asian heritage and history in the UK through education, arts, culture and commemoration, with the goal of helping people to better understand the diversity of present-day Britain and improve social cohesion across the country.

Celebrating at Kent

At Kent we have made the conscious decision to move the celebrations to May due to the clash with the summer holidays. 

In 2025, the theme of South Asian Heritage Month is ‘Roots to Routes’, exploring the rich journey of growth, and the evolving connections we make through generations. We have taken the opportunity to explore the achievements and influence of 10 notable individuals from the last 300 years of British history and shine a spotlight on them. There is a wealth of stories, narratives and lost history out there to explore, and we have just touched the edge of it. 

To help you dive deeper, we have compiled resources for staff and students to learn more, through books, blogs, online magazines and podcasts, all recommended by our Asian and British-Asian staff and students.  

British South Asians have left a huge legacy on the British political, social and cultural scene, and continue to shape our future as a nation. Why not start a conversation with your colleagues or students and take some time this week to learn a little more about this rich history for yourself.  

Take a browse of the South Asian Heritage Week webpage.