10 Notable British South Asians from the Past

During South Asian Heritage Month, the University of Kent is glad to celebrate the immense contributions British South Asians have made to UK society, politics, culture, healthcare, and many other areas for decades. In this blog, we would like to highlight ten extraordinary British South Asian figures in UK-SA history.

18th Century

Sake Dean Mahomed (1759–1851)

Mahomed was an Indian surgeon, entrepreneur, and one of the most notable early immigrants to Europe. He introduced Indian cuisine and shampoo baths to Europe, as well as offering therapeutic massage. He was also the first Indian person to publish a book in English.

Learn more about Sake Dean Mahomed here

19th Century

Dadabhai Naoroji (1825 – 1917)

Also known as the ”Grand Old Man of India”, Naoroji was an Indian political leader, merchant, scholar, and writer. He was also a Liberal Party Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom House of Commons between 1892 and 1895 and the first Asian to be a British MP. Naoroji is renowned for his work in the Indian National Congress, of which he was one of the founding members and thrice president – 1886, 1893 and 1906.

Learn more about Dadabhai Naoroji here

Maharajah Duleep Singh (1838 – 1893)

The Maharajah was born in Lahore and came to the throne of the Punjab at only five years old. After the annexation of the Punjab to British territories, the Maharajah was exiled to England in 1854 and looked upon as an adopted son of Queen Victoria. His relationship with the British establishment was fraught due to their manipulations and the terror of the Anglo-Sikh war.

Learn more about Maharajah Duleep Singh here

Cornelia Sorabji (1866 – 1954)

Sorabji was the first woman to study law at Oxford University in 1889, having fought a long battle to sit the law exam alongside her male colleagues. This was the first victory for opening up the profession to women and equality in higher education. She retired in Britain in the 1930s, working as a writer and broadcaster.

Learn more about Cornelia Sorabji here

Frederick Akbar Mahomed (1872 – 1884)

The grandson of Sake Dean Mahomed, Mahomed was an Englishman of mixed Indian and Irish descent who made substantial contributions to the study of high blood pressure. He also initiated the Collective Investigation Record for the British Medical Association, the precursor of modern collaborative clinical trials.

Learn more about Frederick Akbar Mahomed here

Princess Sophia Duleep Singh (1876 – 1948)

Singh is best known as a suffragette and women’s rights campaigner. As the daughter of Maharaja Duleep Singh and goddaughter of the Queen, she used her fame and position in the fight for gender equality in the early 20th century, leading movements such as the Women’s Tax Resistance League. Singh also volunteered as a British Red Cross nurse.

Learn more about Princess Sophia Duleep Singh here

20th Century

Aftab Ali (1907 – 1972)

Ali was an early 20th-century Bengali social reformer, British Indian and East Pakistani politician, and entrepreneur. His work is recognised to have helped thousands of British South Asian lascars to migrate, settle and find employment in Britain.

Learn more about Aftab Ali here

Shah Abdul Majod Quershi (1915 – 2003)

Quershi was an early British-Bangladeshi restaurateur and social reformer. He is notable for being involved in the early politics of British Asians and pioneering social welfare work for the working-class diaspora in the United Kingdom. He was the first ever Sylheti to open up a restaurant in the United Kingdom, and his restaurants were one of the earliest Indian restaurants at the time.

Learn more about Shah Abdul Majod Quershi here

Freddie Mercury (1946 – 1991)

Born Farrokh Bulsara, Mercury was a British singer, songwriter, record producer and the lead vocalist of the rock band Queen. Regarded as one of the greatest singers in the history of rock music with his four-octave range and ‘flamboyant’ stage persona, Mercury’s later private battle with AIDS and death shocked the world.

Learn more about Freddie Mercury here

Shivananda Khan OBE (1948 – 2013)

Khan is renowned for his life-long activist work for queer and South Asian rights. Whilst attending university, Khan became the first gay South Asian sex worker in Manchester. Disenfranchised by the treatment of sexual minorities of South Asian descent in the West, Khan co-founded Shakti in 1998, a collective for South Asian gay and lesbian people, alongside Poulomi Desai. He further founded the Naz Foundation with Desai in 1991, and was made an OBE in 2005.

Learn more about Shivananda Khan OBE here

If you are interested in gaining a further understanding of the rich history of South Asians in Britain, the British Library has a wealth of resources here: https://www.bl.uk/asians-in-britain.

Staying active – new monthly gym membership

Kent Sport, in collaboration with Kent Union, are delighted to offer a new Kent Sport membership payment plan for students; monthly payments. The new payment plans are starting in September 2023. If you’re interested in monthly payments, register your interest here.

We are so excited to announce that from September Kent Sport will be implementing monthly payments for membership! Over the last few years, Kent union and the VP for Student Engagement, have been lobbying Kent Sport and the University for this outcome, and we’re so happy that student voices have been heard and change is being made! We have been working with Kent Sport to create a more active campus and encourage more students to take part in exercise and activities, to look after their physical and mental health and wellbeing. This new monthly payment option will make Kent Sport more accessible to students by spreading the cost of the membership over the whole year and will break down one of the biggest barriers to participation!

– Caroline Van Eldik, Kent Union Officer: VP Student Engagement (2022-23)

Gym membership prices

The prices for our new monthly payment options are:

Premium Plus £18.99 per month or £195 annual
Plus £13.99 per month or £150 annual
You’ll be able to buy your monthly payment membership from 1 September, either through your online account or at the Sports Centre and The Pavilion receptions. You can find out more about the benefits of Kent Sport membership on our website. Purchasing your monthly instalment membership is easy. If you’re already a Kent Sport member, you’ll just need to login to your online account from 1 September and there you can purchase your membership. If you’re not a member already, you’ll need to create an account first before you can purchase your membership.

You’ll still be able to pay for an annual membership in one payment if you prefer. Monthly and annual memberships can be purchased at anytime throughout the year, however, all student memberships have an automatic end date of 31 August.

An added bonus

Get a £20 credit top-up on your KentOne card when you purchase a Premium Plus membership between 1 September and 30 September 2023. This includes monthly and annual payments.

Please note we are retiring the Premium (gym and class only) membership option from 1 September 2023.

Ignite your start: Library and IT services in the first few weeks

Welcome to Kent! Excited to get your student journey off to a great start? We’re here to help you in using the exceptional Library and IT services Kent has to offer.

🌐 Navigate success

Discover our new student information page, a space dedicated to helping you successfully navigate your way to through these first few weeks. Whether you’re exploring the campus or joining us remotely, this resourceful page is tailored to provide just the right tips and insights, ensuring you’re all set to go.

🚀 Propel your knowledge

Take the IT and Library e-induction on Moodle – access this once enrolled. Our digital launchpad is designed to guide you through all the vital information, ensuring your student journey starts on the perfect trajectory. No matter where you’re learning from, we’ve got you covered with the Digital Library and IT e-induction (remote study only), tailored to those studying away from campus.

🌠 Discover more

Explore our online guides and equip yourself with the essential tools you will need during your time at Kent. Whether its our expert guidance on Wi-Fi setup, learning how to access premium software available to students, or discovering all you need to know about borrowing books from the renowned Templeman Library; if you need it – we’ve got a guide for it!

👨‍🚀’Fuel Up’ at the Treasure Tent 💎

Join us at ‘The Treasure Tent‘ on 19 and 20 September for a 2 days of engaging activities designed to ignite your curiosity and enhance your student experience. This Welcome Week event is an opportunity to ‘Fuel up’ for the journey ahead by discovering the treasure trove of services we offer that will help you excel at the University of Kent. Get it in your diary!

Contact IT & Library Support

Use Nexus Self Service
helpdesk@kent.ac.uk
01227 824888
Use the Chat to us button (Library and IT web pages) to launch online chat
Visit us: Nexus, Block D, Ground Floor, Templeman Library

Support for mature, commuting and part-time students

If you are a mature, commuting or part-time student (or a combination), your university experience might look a little different to someone joining university straight from school. But don’t worry, there is plenty of additional support for you and ways to connect with those in a similar position. This includes a society that runs events and study sessions at convenient times if you have other responsibilities (e.g. a part-time job and childcare), and a dedicated student network to help get your voice heard.

Introduction event for mature students (with lunch provided)

In the week before Welcome Week, our Student Learning Advisory Service are running in-person introduction events for mature students. These events will help you prepare for university study, give you an introduction to digital learning and a campus orientation. It also gives you an opportunity to ask questions and meet other mature students at the free lunch.

Please book the relevant event for you based on your Division and campus:

Mature Student Society

Kent Union has a Mature Student Society which acts as a forum to promote the challenges and needs of students over the age of 21. As well as being for mature students, the society welcomes students returning to education, part-time or commuting students, and students who have dependants or caring responsibilities. The society meets regularly and is a great way to socialise with other students with similar responsibilities and potential interests.

Mature and Part-Time Student Network

Kent Union has a number of student networks. The Mature and Part-Time Student Network aims to represent and act as the voice for all mature, commuting and part-time Students, and to feedback on key issues that affect the mature, commuting and part-time student experience to both the University and Kent Union.

More about support available.

Registering with a doctor

It is important to register with a GP close to your term-time address so you can access health services quickly and easily while you’re at University.

Visit the NHS website for more information about getting medical care as a student.

Canterbury

Kent has its own NHS general practice on campus called the University Medical Centre.

Canterbury students can register for the University Medical Practice online.

Medway

You should register with a local doctor near to your accommodation in order to receive treatment under the National Health Service (NHS): Find your nearest NHS Surgery.

NHS services for students

Check out this handy guide for students in Kent and Medway It includes:

How to register with a GP
What to do if you become unwell during the holidays
Registering with a dentist
Mental health support
Vaccinations
Contraception

More support

Find out more about our support services at Canterbury and Medway.

Kent Sport Community Tennis Open Day, 27 August

On Sunday 27 Aug 2023, we are opening our doors to everyone at the Kent Sports Community Tennis Open Days.

Located within the Kent Indoor Tennis and Events Arena at the Pavilion outdoor facilities, all students, staff, and members of the public are welcome to book a free 45-minute session with our Law Tennis Association (LTA) qualified coaching team. On the day, you’ll be able to experience the fantastic indoor courts, play on the acrylic surfaces, and chat with our experienced staff, including LTA Level 5 coach Nick Skelton and the coaching team.

Bookable slots start at 10:00 for adult and Youth Start sessions, plus there are multiple junior and children’s sessions on each Open Day, so there’s plenty of opportunity for you or your children to get involved.

Spaces on our tennis Open Days are limited so make sure you book early to avoid disappointment. Book your free space at kent.ac.uk/sports/tennis.

Uniyearbook email warning

You may have received an email from ‘uniyearbook’ and other senders, asking you to register and pay for a Kent year book.

These emails are not sent from or on behalf of the University of Kent. We have no connection or affiliation to Uniyearbook.com. They are a third party organisation which sells their products through their website.

Find out more and how to protect yourself by reading our email safety advice and privacy notice.

PG Summer August events roundup

PG Summer continues in August with a wide range of activities to get involved in, including:

Tues 1 August – Enjoy good coffee? Head to the Gulbenkian Arts Centre Café for their free coffee tasting and help influence the future coffee culture on campus.

Wed 2 August – Get creative with this relaxing Craft-ernoon Tea event at Venue. There will be painting and pottery available.

Mon 7 August – Explore how to cope with common feelings surrounding change at this online workshop, led by an expert from Student Support and Wellbeing.

Mon 7 August – Find out how to improve your LinkedIn profile or get started building it at this LinkedIn Masterclass at Medway campus, and online.

Tues 8 August – Meet new people at Kent Union’s Speed Networking and Coffee event in Nexus, with refreshments provided by the Library Café.

Tues 15 August Learn more about Interview Skills for Academic and Industry Roles (Medway session). Want to understand more about the interview process and what the interview panel are looking for? This practical session for PGT and PGR students is for you.

Fri 18 August – Get outside and volunteer at the Kent Community Oasis Garden. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re an expert, a complete beginner or just coming along for a chat.

Mon 21 August – Learn more about Interview Skills for Academic and Industry Roles (Canterbury session). Want to understand more about the interview process and what the interview panel are looking for? This practical session for PGT and PGR students is for you.

Thu 24 August – Relax with another Craft-ernoon Tea from Kent Union, where you can make something to take home with you.

Tues 29 August – Kent Union is running a mindfulness session in Woody’s where you can relax and unwind.

Wed 30 August – Learn how to find graduate level employment after uni at this online session from our Careers Team, which will focus on graduate jobs, grad schemes as well as job hunting methods and application tips.

There’s also a weekly Walk and Talk Summer Wellbeing Group, led by a mental health adviser.

See all PG Summer events.

Compassion in Action: your clothing donations are making a difference

Following our initial round of clothing collections for Refugee Week at the Kent, we were able to donate eight large bags of much-needed men’s clothing to the Gatwick Detainees Welfare Group (GDWG). These clothes have gone on to make a difference in the lives of detainees who have experienced hardships on their journey to safety.

Anna Pincus from GDWG highlighted the significance of providing good-quality second-hand clothes, stating:

“People are frequently detained in only the clothes they are wearing and do not have a second set of clothes. Sometimes people arrive in detention in clothes that are not dry after having crossed the channel. People may face deportation in clothes that are inappropriate for where they are being sent to. Providing good quality second-hand clothes meets practical needs and also counters dehumanisation and gives people basic dignity.”

The impact of your support can be seen through the words of those who have directly benefited from your donations. Mohammed said:

“I needed clothes and had only flip flops when I left detention. Thanks to GDWG for clothes I could not buy for myself. We are not allowed to work after detention but we need shoes and clothes.”

Ali said:

“When you have nothing, any clothes are a big gift. Thank you for helping us.”

There are still many more in need, and if you have not yet donated there is still time to make a difference.

Keep the Donations Coming

If you have any of the following clean items to spare, please consider contributing clothing:

Men’s trainers, especially sizes 8 and 9.
Men’s jogging bottoms.
Men’s jeans.
Men’s t-shirts.
Men’s jumpers.

Your donations can be placed in collection bins located at various spots around campus.

The Power of the Refugee Tales Trail Walk

In addition to clothing donations, we want to remind you of another impactful way you can make a difference, by learning more about the stories of refugees and asylum seekers on our Refugee Tales trail walk. On the trail you can read or listen to the real-life stories of individuals who have experienced the UK’s immigration system, offering a powerful opportunity to engage with their narratives.

The trail was launched for Refugee Week back in June, but remains in place on campus.

For more information on the trail and how you can get involved, please visit the Refugee Week webpage.

Sanctuary fund

We at the University of Kent believe that everyone should have the opportunity to study at a university irrespective of their background. We are proud that our campus is a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone.

In committing to become a University of Sanctuary in 2019, we set up Sanctuary scholarships to give three refugees and asylum seekers every year the opportunity to receive a University of Kent education. The scholarships cover a full fee waiver for an undergraduate programme as well as small maintenance grants.

Find out more about Kent’s work to become and University of Sanctuary, and donate to the fund to empower refugee students at Kent.

Apply now to become a Global Officer

Apply for the GOLD Programme. Applications are now open!

Are you looking to add value to your degree, develop your leadership skills and gain practical experience that stands out to future global employers? Look no further than the Global Officers’ Leadership Development (GOLD) Programme!

Join other like-minded students to make a positive impact on campus and enhance your global skills. As a Global Officer, you’ll work closely with the Dean & Director of Global and Lifelong Learning and other university staff to organise, develop and support globally-minded activities throughout the year.

But don’t just take our word for it! Here’s what previous Global Officers have to say about their experience:

“The GOLD Programme was one of the best things that happened to me at university. I can only encourage participation in this splendid and unique opportunity! Personally, I would have never forgiven myself for missing out on it had I known about it and not applied!”

What does the course involve?

The course is made up of five compulsory components.

Component 1: Getting started

Identify your skillset and set your goals for the year
Attend a welcome session to learn about cultural intelligence (CQ) and build your intercultural awareness
Participate in a spring-term curriculum Internationalisation workshop

Component 2: Training workshops

Choose and attend a minimum of two out of five workshops covering intercultural awareness, sustainability, internationalisation, leadership in a global context, and event management.

Component 3: Internationalized student engagement

Engage in various projects and activities on campus, such as marketing and promotion projects, student media campaigns, campus tours and focus groups.

Component 4: Project and event planning

Collaborate with a team of Global Officers to plan and deliver regular events and activities based on your personal goals and interests, such as Global Hangouts and Sustainability Forums.

Component 5: Reflection and Employability Skills Assessment

Reflect on your progress and set future goals during an interactive group session.

“Not only will you gain crucial employability skills, but also make new friends and grow as a better person and a citizen of the world.”

Benefits of the GOLD Programme

By participating in the GOLD Programme, you’ll earn Employability Points, receive a certificate of recognition, obtain a personal reference from the Dean & Director of Global and Lifelong Learning, gain practical event management and leadership experience, and expand your network with like-minded individuals.

PLUS, you can record your international skills development in the Kent Global Passport!

“The GOLD Programme was a highlight of my time at Kent. The team leading the programme listened to all of our ideas and supported us throughout the year. I developed many transferable skills, gave back to the student community, and made many new friends.”

How do I apply?

If you are a committed, enthusiastic, reliable, organised and professional undergraduate interested in developing your global skills, head to the GOLD website and fill out the online application form.

Why not apply today? Applications are open from now until 9:00 on 11 October 2023.

Not only will you gain crucial employability skills, but also make new friends and grow as a better person and a citizen of the world.

Don’t miss out on this unique chance to become a global leader! Apply now and start your GOLD journey today!