An event organised by Islington Council discussed the theme of ‘free to be me’

GROWING up as a South Asian girl in the Warwickshire town of Rugby, Mayor of Islington Anjna Khurana didn’t often see herself in the films or TV shows that were popular among her friends at school.

“Everyone has their own story, but I’ve never seen mine reflected before,” she said after watching the play ENG-ER-LAND at the King’s Head Theatre on Upper Street this Wednesday.

The play follows 14-year-old Lizzie, a South Asian girl and football fan living in Rugby, as she struggles with the question of where she really belongs – much like Cllr Khurana once did herself.

ENG-ER-LAND is one of several events in Islington celebrating South Asian cultures and communities during this year’s South Asian Heritage Month, which runs between 18 July and 17 August.

The theme of this year’s commemorative month is “free to be me”, which was the topic of a discussion on Tuesday evening, organised by Islington Council.

Introducing the event, Cllr Khurana said: “I am proud to be a South Asian woman serving as Mayor.

“I want to emphasise that everyone is welcome in Islington.

Henna artist Hasnara Ali with Jacqueline Nembhard

“I am really keen that this evening highlights the contributions of the South Asian community in Islington and reflects on the diversity of South Asian experiences.”

Five panellists, including Barnsbury councillor Jilani Chowdhury and St Mary’s and St James’ councillor Saiqa Pandor, discussed how their South Asian roots continue to shape their lives and how other parts of identity, like their gender or generation, impact their experiences within the community.

After the panel, the audience and panellists were treated to a spread of vegetarian delights courtesy of local Indian restaurant of OmNom, with dishes ranging from crispy Gobi Manchurian to plant-based Chicken Tikka wraps and, of course, samosas.

South Asian Heritage Month, now in its fifth year, started on 18 July, which is the date that the Indian Independence Act gained royal assent from King George VI in 1947.

Marie Ikong Ehuy

That it spans two calendar months here in the UK is apt, as the heritage celebrations instead largely coincide with the South Asian month of Saravan/Sawan, which is the main monsoon month, and therefore follow the South Asian calendar.

Islington Council also hosted a “Henna Cafe”, where Marie Ikong Ehuy, who works in Islington and went along to get a henna on her hand, said: “The designs represent us and empower us as women.

“It reminds us of our culture and our heritage, and allows us to enjoy ourselves as well.”

Other events marking the proud South Asian heritage that has enriched Islington life include a storytelling session from children’s books author Chitra Soundar and a reading list encouraging people to try books by writers of South Asian heritage.

All the books – with options for adults and children, fiction and non-fiction – can be borrowed or reserved from Islington libraries for free.