South Asian Heritage Month celebrates the cultures, histories and communities of South Asia, and seeks to recognise its continued link with the UK, with around 5% of the British population being of South Asian heritage.
As part of the month, we celebrated these influences in the unique way of sharing South Asian cuisine. Across our offices, people contributed dhaals, pakorahs, paneers, homemade chutneys and other delicacies for everyone to enjoy. Alongside this first-hand experience, we ran a team quiz to test our knowledge and learn more about South Asian history, geography and culture.
In Bristol, Oman Azad and his mum prepared an array of foods for the office:
‘The community that food can create is fundamental to South Asian cuisines. Growing up, my family enjoyed a colourful selection of dishes while being surrounded by family and a sense of belonging. We are already a close office and I enjoyed the opportunity to bring everyone together. We Asians have a certain way of showing our love and affection – it’s food! Zaarda was the most popular dish and nobody had ever heard of it; it was fun to talk about its origins dating back to the Mughal empire, made for royal quests at special banquets.’
Oman Azad, Consultant
Giving back is at the heart of what we do, and as well as using the donations for the food and quiz in support of our chosen regional charities, we also took a further opportunity to volunteer with the Midland Langar Seva Society.
The MLSS was established in 2013 and seeks to help those in need in the UK by providing hot food and drink to those living on the street, schools, safe houses and those on the poverty line. It operates on a Sikh ethos, as the Langar is a Sikh community kitchen which provides free food to all, regardless of race, religion or background.
A team from Venn Group used their volunteering days to support the MLSS’s Summer Holiday Activity and Food programme for vulnerable children. The team helped prepare food for cooking as well as supporting the sports and crafts activities throughout the day.
'Volunteering with MLSS was so rewarding. Working with kids as young as five who are vulnerable in the community is tough to see and really makes you appreciate the little things in life we often take for granted. I’m so glad I work for a company that allows us to show our support and use our time to spend with these charites.’
Charley Payne, Senior Executive Consultant
To find our more about our diversity, inclusion and engagement initiatives please contact Taran Ruprai on truprai@venngroup.com