South Asian Heritage Month Spotlight Series

Thursday 18 July, marked the start of South Asian Heritage month which runs until Saturday 17 August. It is a time where the diversity of South Asian history and culture is celebrated, and we’re introducing a spotlight series from employees of South Asian heritage to broaden people’s understanding of the rich and deep ties between South Asian culture and Britain.

The series will provide insights into their personal stories and viewpoints on topics such as Independence days and the ways South Asian culture has impacted the UK. Fundamentally, this series aims to encourage mutual understanding of diverse cultures within our community.

We are thrilled to kick off the series with Snehal Bhudia, Director of Business Propositions and Go To Market. Join us as we delve into Snehal’s fascinating journey as a British Indian. 

1. What does being British Indian mean to you?

Being exposed to the way of life, culture, traditions and values of two countries is a badge I wear with pride. England is my home, where I was born and raised. India is my home away from home, with family still there, it’s a place I visit regularly and a culture I identify with strongly. It genuinely does feel like you get to pick what works for you, and have the best of both.

Everyday life – be that food, clothes, entertainment, the language I speak etc is a seamless ebb and flow of being both British and of Indian heritage, something that I’m very appreciative of. My family, including my children are fluent in two languages, English and Gujarati, my playlists are a funky mix of Indian and western music, my social feed goes from Bollywood to the BBC to whatever Nigella is cooking, one part of my wardrobe is dedicated to my Indian clothes and the other to my western.

I’m a regular member of a Mandir (Hindu Temple) in Northwest London, as well as being a religious organisation, we’re involved in a lot of charity and community based work.

All of this is how I personally identify as British Indian – being active in and wanting the best for my country and local community, whilst celebrating the beliefs, culture and traditions of my ancestral home. It makes for a pretty vibrant and colourful life.

2. Do you have a favourite memory of being in India?

Finishing my degree and taking a two-month timeout, living with my grandparents in the village where our family comes from in Gujarat, Northwest India. Full of simple pleasures. Every afternoon, we’d sit on a stone bench outside the house, with all the other elderly neighbours, talking, kids playing, watching cows walking past, being fearful of the odd cow! Many of those people have now passed, so this is a cherished memory. 

3. Do you feel that India’s culture has influenced the UK?

Absolutely, but with a British spin to it, we’ve made it our own.

Food and Yoga are the most obvious. Indian food has a permanent place in British life, it’s adapted to our likes and tastes, but distinct from what you’d experience in India. You don’t have to go very far to find an Indian restaurant in Britain! In India, yoga is a way of life and extends well beyond the physical practice, deeply intertwined with spirituality. The way yoga is taught and practiced here is again distinct, and is more suited to our way of life.

4. What are your favourite traditions and festivals from India?

Indian weddings are epic. Hundreds of people, more colour, noise, flavours and family than your senses can cope with but amazing fun. They usually last a few days.

The festivals of Diwali and Hindu New Year are spectacular, full of; food, colour, light, celebration and loved ones.

5. What is your favourite dish from India?

Too many to choose from… When I’m in India, I cannot leave without eating Dosa (crispy lentil pancake) and Pani Puri (best described as a flavour explosion!). Here, I love all home cooked simple Indian food, this is what I cook and eat on most days – nothing quite like a homemade vegetable curry and chapatti.

6. Do you celebrate India’s Independence Day and how?

A little complicated. India fought for independence from Britain, the place where I am born. But a key contributor to how and why my family ended up emigrating here in the 1970s when there was a shortage of labour in England and not enough opportunity in the part of India my family comes from. I don’t celebrate Indian Independence specifically but certainly acknowledge and understand the significance.