We all have stories to tell

By Foysol Choudhury

We all have stories. Whether these be personal experiences or steeped in family history, stories convey who we are and what’s important to us. That’s why this year’s South Asian Heritage Month theme, ‘Stories to Tell’, is so important.

Our stories make us unique and help show the diversity amongst us, including within the South Asian community. Vibrant communities are made up of a range of backgrounds, languages, religions, food, music, arts and fashions. Harnessing this diversity to tell stories about who we are within the wider South Asian community allows us to celebrate and uplift all South Asian cultures, histories, and communities, whatever South Asian country we are from.

South Asian communities have brought many benefits to Scottish society, not only through cultural elements such as food, clothing and music, but also through immense contributions to science, business, medicine, the arts, academia, politics and sports. This month is an opportunity for communities in Scotland to learn and join in with each other’s cultures and traditions, which is vital to create a diverse and inclusive society.

There are other stories to tell, too, some which unfortunately have a sinister side. Many moments in history have characterised South Asian heritage, including acts, such as colonialism, perpetrated against South Asian countries. These moments in history have shaped our communities still in South Asia and those in diasporas around the world.

The fact that South Asian Heritage Month began to be celebrated here relatively recently is disappointing, as it highlights a historical lack of recognition of South Asian communities. This delay in acknowledging South Asian heritage and culture raises concerns about historical neglect and how this has created missed opportunities for education. As a result, we have missed chances to address stereotypes and prejudices against the South Asian community, potentially impacting on the well-being and identity of the diaspora. Scotland has a diverse and complicated history that needs to be understood. Our ethnically diverse landscape should be acknowledged and celebrated but we should also recognise and commemorate the many sacrifices made by South Asian communities who have had past injustices perpetrated against them.

Future generations should be able to celebrate, commemorate and access information about their family stories and legacy. Being South Asian and living in Scotland since being a boy has allowed me to reflect on and recognise the connections Scotland has had with South Asian countries. I hope my work as an MSP will encourage discussion about multiple identities and will allow the South Asian community to feel more integrated in Scotland, as I hope to build links between the community and politics at Holyrood. In the Parliament I chair CPG Bangladesh, where I hope to create strong links between Scotland and Bangladesh on shared issues such as climate change and infrastructure. I have courage that this month will allow us to share knowledge and resources with each other to strengthen links through various activities.

Whilst it’s positive that South Asian Heritage Month is now being celebrated, it’s important to identify that progress is still needed to address historical imbalances and ensure that all communities are valued, represented and celebrated throughout the year. Doing so will enrich Scotland and make us a progressive nation where all communities can flourish.

Foysol Choudhury is a Labour MSP for Lothian.