Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month: From Roots to Routes

Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month: From Roots to Routes

Each year, South Asian Heritage Month (17 July – 18 August) offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on the vibrant legacies, deep histories, and ongoing contributions of South Asian communities across the UK. This year’s theme, “Roots to Routes,” invites us to explore the journey of cultural identity; how traditions and values are passed from one generation to the next, and how these legacies shape both personal and collective futures.

Professor Patrick Vernon OBE, Chair of NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board, shared a powerful message marking the occasion, offering both gratitude and reflection on the theme. He noted: “This year’s theme is quite important. It’s from roots to routes, which is really about celebrating tradition and values from one generation to another.”

South Asian communities have been central to the UK’s social fabric for decades, contributing across all sectors, particularly in health and social care. In Birmingham and Solihull, South Asian NHS staff have been instrumental in shaping services, improving patient care, and strengthening community trust.

“That history is rich and powerful… in terms of culture and identity, that helps to bind us,” Professor Vernon said. “It’s not just simply celebrating the history. It’s about acknowledging the contribution, which is really, really important.”

As one of the most diverse regions in the UK, Birmingham and Solihull’s health system reflects the breadth of experience and knowledge brought by its South Asian workforce, from clinicians and carers to leaders and innovators. Their impact extends far beyond service delivery, deeply influencing the ethos and direction of the NHS.

“I just want to commend our staff from South Asian heritage in Birmingham and Solihull, as well as the rest of the NHS, for their contribution and your acknowledgement as well, which is really important.”

This month is a time to honour those contributions, share stories, and reaffirm a collective commitment to equity and inclusion. As we reflect on where we come from and where we are going, it is clear that our shared journeys are made stronger through understanding, respect, and unity.

About South Asian Heritage Month:

South Asian Heritage Month is an annual celebration observed from from 17 July to 18 August, to honor the diverse cultures, histories, and communities of South Asia. It encompasses the countries of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The month-long observance aims to recognize the positive impact of the South Asian diaspora and to amplify the voices and stories of people with roots in this region.

To watch Patrick’s message in full, click: here