Cardiff and Vale University Health Board celebrates South Asian Heritage Month

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (UHB) is proudly supporting South Asian Heritage Month, which runs from 18th July to 17th August.    

Now in its third year, South Asian Heritage Month commemorates, marks and celebrates the cultures of South Asian nations — Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.   

Throughout the month we have been celebrating and honouring all of our colleagues of South Asian heritage for their contributions to the Health Board and our wider communities.   

Reverend Sangkhuma Hmar, one of our Health Board Chaplains within the Patient Experience Team, has spoken about his South Asian heritage and why our Health Board and wider communities must continue to promote inclusivity and equality.   

Sangkhuma said: “South Asian Heritage Month is important to me because while it’s not exclusive to my way of life as a Christian, it is where I was born and raised and I am proud of my heritage.     

“I was born in Mizoram, one of the states in Northeast India which lies in between Myanmar and Bangladesh. I moved to Swansea in 1998 and to Cardiff in July 2021 when I joined the Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Department and my heritage and culture are still incredibly important.     

“One of my favourite things about my culture is the indigenous costumes we wear, with the many colours representing different tribes and communities. The fabric is woven and knitted together, representing unity and diversity and national integration.   

“For many people, food is often an important part of cultural identity but for me, it’s my clothes and what they represent.”   

Speaking about the importance of equality, Sangkhuma said: “Representation and inclusivity are incredibly important and I believe that equality can only be achieved when we all view others as true equals.    

“I am proud that our Health Board promotes inclusivity for people with all protected characteristics, including ethnicity, religion, gender or sexuality and I have no doubt that we will continue to make great progress. However, inclusivity is especially important to me personally, and in my role as Chaplain.   

“Making a person whole is my passion in life and I found that the hospital is the best place to meet, interact, encourage and support people in their greatest need — irrespective of their religion. As a Chaplain, I care for people of all faiths and none.”   

Athika Ahmed is a member of the Cardiff and Vale Health Youth Board and said her Bangladeshi heritage and traditional values are partly what inspired her to get involved with the Youth Board and aspire to become a doctor.    

She said: “I was born here in the UK, but that hasn’t stopped my culture from being such a prominent aspect of my life.   

"There are so many things that I love about my culture and heritage, including our history. The way that our ancestors fought and struggled for freedom and equal rights makes me very appreciative and proud to be Bangladeshi.    

“What I also love is the helpful nature of our people. It’s partly what makes me want to become a doctor and also why I volunteer.    

“I recently visited Bangladesh, which has been hit by heavy floods. My family joined so many others in helping make care packages that were sent to people living in some of the worst hit areas. Some of the volunteers also stood in the water that went up to their hips to help guide others trying to reach safety.”   

Athika believes that South Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity for us all to celebrate and learn about different cultures and heritages so we can help foster diversity and inclusion.   

She said: “South Asian History Month is a month to learn about different cultures and understand that despite all of our differences, we’re all the same at our core.    

“This is what makes me feel so welcome and safe in the Youth Board. We’re all so different and come from different backgrounds, but we all unite to help improve healthcare for the younger generations after us.  

"Diversity, inclusion and representation are important to Cardiff and Vale Health Board because it helps builds a community and make everybody feel welcome and supported. It also shows that everybody — no matter their background, skin colour or religion — will be shown respect and compassion."