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Her writing combines creative flair with clarity and structure, enabling her to craft insightful blogs, feature articles, and digital content tailored for diverse audiences. Known for her adaptability and attention to detail, she has worked on editorial and branded content projects that demand creativity and precision.
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For many, the seaside offers a place of peace. But on Saturday, 12 July, the Lincolnshire coast becomes something more: a space for healing, empowerment, and connection — designed specifically for women of colour.
‘Blue Horizons: Women of Colour Connecting by the Coast’ is a unique, free-to-attend day retreat set against the backdrop of Mablethorpe beach and the nearby Rimac National Nature Reserve. Created by Her Khaani is Changing, in collaboration with Ocean Generation, South Asians for Sustainability, and Natural England, the gathering promises a thoughtful blend of mindfulness, art, nature and storytelling.
A Journey into Stillness and Strength
Starting at 11am, attendees will be welcomed near the Queen’s Park Main Car Park, just a short walk from the beach. With the sea breeze in the air and a warm chai in hand, participants will be greeted by the organisers before being gently split into two groups for the first half of the day.
Group One will flow into a Seated Ocean Flow Yoga session led by Ocean Generation — a calm, grounding practice suitable for all abilities and body types. It’s yoga with the sea as your soundtrack.
Group Two will be guided by Her Khaani in creating mandala art using natural materials — leaves, shells, and sand — combining creativity with mindfulness, inspired by the coastal landscape.
Both groups will then rotate, ensuring everyone enjoys both experiences before heading to the next part of the day.
Nature Walk, Storytelling & Empowerment at Rimac NNR
At around 1.15pm, the group will regroup and car-share to the nearby Rimac Nature Reserve, just ten minutes away. After settling in and enjoying lunch (participants are asked to bring their own packed meals), the afternoon continues with nature connection activities and storytelling in one of Lincolnshire’s most tranquil environments.
A guided walk through the sand dunes—pausing for breath, listening, reflecting—will include insights from Renata from Natural England. Her session, ‘Stories in the Sands’, delves into the often-overlooked ecosystems of dunes and the human connections tied to them, taken from the inspiring ‘Sands of Time’ book.
Participants will also meet and hear from ethnic minority women who have dedicated their careers to nature and conservation — an empowering chance to connect, learn and envision new paths forward.
Why This Event Matters
In a world where marginalised voices often go unheard in green spaces, Blue Horizons offers something intentionally inclusive — a soft, nurturing entry point to nature and wellness for women of colour. It’s a reminder that nature belongs to all of us.
This is not just a day by the coast. It’s a small but significant effort in reclaiming space — physically, emotionally, and environmentally.
As one organiser puts it, “We want women to come as they are, be nourished by nature, and leave feeling connected — to the Earth and each other.”
Things to Know
Who Can Attend: Women of Colour aged 18+, with 5 reserved spots for women from Lincolnshire. No prior experience in yoga, creative activities or nature events is required. Children are welcome if supervised — but organisers must be notified in advance due to capacity limits.
Mobility and Access: The walk is gentle and around 45 minutes with stops. Please note: the beach is not wheelchair accessible, but the Rimac reserve is.
What to Bring: Your own lunch and drinks, weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes, sun/rain protection, and a blanket or cushion for the yoga session. All other materials will be provided.
Parking: Paid parking is available at Queen’s Park Main Car Park. Bring coins or use the Pay by Phone app.
How to Join
Spaces are limited and in demand — if you’re planning to attend, it’s advised to register as soon as possible. And if your plans change, do let the organisers know so someone else can take your place.
This is a gift of a day — offered at no cost, thanks to the generosity and vision of the host organisations.
A warm cup of chai and an open conversation – that’s the essence of Chai & Chat, a welcoming dialogue forum hosted by the British South Asian Dialogue Forum. Taking place on Friday, 11 July 2025, from 1:00 to 2:30pm at Aston Students' Union in Birmingham, this inclusive event invites adults aged 18 and over to share, connect, and reflect on the British South Asian experience.
Whether you're a student exploring your identity, a professional navigating cultural expectations, or someone simply seeking community, this 90-minute gathering promises meaningful exchange and open-hearted dialogue. It’s an opportunity to talk about the shared stories, challenges, joys, and hopes that shape South Asian lives in Britain today – all over a comforting cup of chai.
The event is informal, free-flowing, and grounded in community spirit. Expect honest discussions, respectful listening, and maybe even a few new friendships. From first-generation immigrants to those born and raised in the UK, everyone with a South Asian background – or an interest in learning more – is encouraged to attend.
Hosted at the centrally located Aston Students’ Union (8 Coleshill Street, Birmingham B4 7BX), the venue is easily accessible and provides a relaxed setting for a gathering of voices, perspectives, and shared experiences.
No speeches, no panels – just real talk over real tea. Come for the chai, stay for the chat.
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Exploring Shared Heritage: Scottish and South Asian Narratives in Art
A powerful new exhibition is now open at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh’s Old Town, spotlighting the cultural links between Scotland and South Asia. Through Kindred Eyes: Two South Asian Artists’ Framings of Scotland brings together two strikingly different yet deeply connected bodies of work that explore identity, belonging, and the beauty of shared heritage.
Running from 3rd to 20th July 2025, this free and non-ticketed exhibition features oil paintings by Vibha Pankaj and documentary photography by Hermann Rodrigues, two South Asian artists based in Edinburgh who offer a distinct, reflective lens on Scotland as home, muse, and memory.
Vibha Pankaj, a contemporary landscape artist who has lived in Edinburgh for 27 years, presents Amaranthine—a selection of oil paintings that blur the boundaries between recollection and scenery. Her works draw upon the raw textures and natural beauty encountered during her treks through the Scottish hills, layered with memories of her life in India.
Each canvas is a meditative world of colour and texture, invoking a sense of peace, nostalgia, and freedom. “There is something deeply therapeutic about Scottish landscapes,” says Pankaj, “but they also awaken the echoes of a homeland. I paint the space where those feelings meet.”
Running alongside Pankaj’s paintings is Broon Scots, a photographic collection by documentary artist Hermann Rodrigues, curated by Puravi Kumar. The project is a long-running visual archive documenting the lives of Bangladeshi, Indian, and Pakistani communities in Scotland from the 1990s to the present day. Themes such as Portraits, Gatherings, Monuments, and a fascinating series on Restaurants offer a rare glimpse into the everyday richness of South Asian life in Scotland.
Rodrigues’s images—warm, candid, and layered—capture multigenerational moments, religious and cultural events, and the quiet dignity of ordinary lives. “It’s about breaking stereotypes,” he explains. “These images are windows. They show that South Asians in Scotland are not just present, but deeply rooted and thriving.”
Despite working in different mediums, Pankaj and Rodrigues are united in their approach. Both artists use colour—vivid, evocative, symbolic—to explore themes of identity, migration, and place. Their artworks echo each other, weaving together a visual narrative of integration and reflection.
Fittingly, the exhibition coincides with the unveiling of a bust of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore just outside the venue, in Sandeman House Garden. The bust adds another layer of cultural homage and relevance, standing as a tribute to one of South Asia’s most influential literary figures, now rooted in Scottish soil.
Through Kindred Eyes is open daily from 10am to 6pm at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43–45 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR. While the exhibition is free and non-ticketed, the space may occasionally be used for private events—visitors are encouraged to call ahead to ensure access.
For more information, visit the event website or follow @scottishstorytellingcentre on Instagram. You can also connect via Facebook to stay updated.
Whether you’re drawn by the brushstrokes of memory or the quiet strength of documentary storytelling, this is an exhibition that speaks to the heart of what it means to belong—across continents, cultures, and communities.
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Don't Miss Fanna-Fi-Allah's Enchanting Qawwali Performance
London is set to host an unforgettable night of spiritual depth and musical brilliance as the renowned Sufi qawwali ensemble Fanna-Fi-Allah brings their celebrated performance to Union Chapel on Friday, 27 June. Located at 19b Compton Terrace, the historic and acoustically rich venue in Islington will come alive with the passionate, poetic and soul-stirring sounds of qawwali — a centuries-old devotional music tradition rooted in the mystical practices of Sufism. This much-anticipated concert promises to be a transcendent cultural experience, fusing ancient rhythm, powerful vocals and heartfelt devotion in a way that deeply resonates with audiences from all walks of life.
Fanna-Fi-Allah, an ensemble revered across continents for their authentic interpretations of classical qawwali, continues to preserve and elevate this spiritual art form with integrity and passion. With decades of dedication and training under legendary qawwals in Pakistan and India, the group has become one of the most respected global ambassadors of Sufi music. Their performances are marked by an electrifying blend of tabla, harmonium, handclaps and rich vocal harmonies that build to ecstatic crescendos — transporting listeners into a meditative and emotional state known in the Sufi tradition as haal.
The ensemble’s name, Fanna-Fi-Allah, translates to “annihilation in the divine,” reflecting the central Sufi concept of dissolving the ego in union with the divine presence. This philosophy echoes through every note they sing, drawing from the works of revered Sufi poets such as Rumi, Bulleh Shah, Amir Khusrow and Kabir. The group’s musical journey is not merely performance but devotion — a sacred offering intended to uplift and connect hearts across linguistic, cultural and spiritual boundaries.
Over the years, Fanna-Fi-Allah has performed at some of the world’s leading world music festivals and venues, including in the United States, Europe, Australia, and South Asia. Their London appearance offers UK audiences a rare opportunity to witness the spiritual intensity and cultural richness of qawwali performed with deep respect for its origins. This performance at Union Chapel — a space renowned for its architectural beauty and spiritual ambiance — will only enhance the depth of the experience.
As interest in spiritual and world music continues to grow, events like this serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of sacred traditions. In a time when many seek moments of stillness, connection and meaning, the devotional energy of Fanna-Fi-Allah’s qawwali offers something more than entertainment — it offers healing, remembrance, and transcendence.
Tickets and event details are available at www.unionchapel.org.uk. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this rare and powerful musical gathering — one that bridges centuries of Sufi tradition with the vibrancy of modern global audiences.
East London is set to come alive with the sounds of tradition, rhythm and spiritual resonance as internationally acclaimed sarangi player Nabeel Khan and renowned tabla artist Junaid Ali take centre stage at Rich Mix on Sunday, 22 June 2025. The event, which will be held at the vibrant cultural venue located at 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA, invites audiences to experience the enchantment and intricacy of Indian classical music in an unforgettable live performance.
Curated for music lovers, cultural enthusiasts and those seeking a deep connection with the Indian subcontinent’s artistic legacy, the evening promises a unique dialogue between melody and rhythm. Nabeel Khan and Junaid Ali will perform in jugalbandi (duet), weaving together their instruments—the sarangi and tabla—into an expressive conversation that transcends language and borders.
Nabeel Khan, hailing from the prestigious Moradabad gharana, is one of the few young musicians reviving the legacy of the sarangi—a rare bowed instrument once at the heart of Hindustani classical music. Known for its ability to mimic the human voice, the sarangi demands years of rigorous practice, and Nabeel’s emotive playing style has earned him global acclaim, from prestigious festivals in India to international concerts in Europe and the Middle East.
Junaid Ali, meanwhile, is celebrated for his dexterous command over the tabla, a twin-drum percussion instrument that underpins the rhythmic framework of Indian classical compositions. With roots in traditional training and a flair for contemporary experimentation, Junaid’s playing is marked by precision, sensitivity and creativity—qualities that make him a sought-after accompanist and soloist in the global music scene.
Together, Khan and Ali offer more than just performance—they offer an experience: one steeped in rich history, meditative depth, and the improvisational brilliance that defines classical Indian music. This event is part of Rich Mix’s ongoing effort to highlight cross-cultural art forms and support world-class talent from the global South Asian diaspora.
Located in the heart of Shoreditch, Rich Mix has become a hub for innovation, inclusion and artistic diversity. Hosting everything from spoken word and visual arts to jazz, cinema and classical performances, the venue provides a platform for communities to come together through the universal language of creativity. The 22 June concert continues its legacy of showcasing meaningful, thought-provoking experiences that reflect London’s multicultural spirit.
This performance is expected to draw a diverse and enthusiastic crowd, so early booking is recommended. Whether you're a connoisseur of classical music or a newcomer eager to discover its magic, this is your chance to witness two master musicians breathe new life into ancient sounds.
Join Nabeel Khan and Junaid Ali for a night of musical mastery and cultural connection—where every note tells a story, and every rhythm pulses with the soul of India.
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Join Jasbinder at Barnes Children’s Literature Festival
Readers and families in London are in for a culturally rich, story-filled experience as Jasbinder Bilan, one of the UK’s most acclaimed children’s authors, headlines an exciting event at the Barnes Children’s Literature Festival. Taking place on Saturday, 21 June at the Barnes Green Centre on Church Road, London SW13 9HE, the event will offer young audiences the exclusive opportunity to meet the Costa Children’s Book Award winner and hear about her latest novel, Naeli and the Secret Song. Known for blending adventure, history, and folklore into captivating tales for young readers, Bilan’s newest book promises to enchant and empower children with themes of identity, bravery, and the magic of self-discovery.
Organised as part of the UK’s largest dedicated children’s literature festival, the interactive session will be tailored for children and families, giving them the chance to connect directly with the author. Jasbinder will introduce Naeli and the Secret Song, a beautifully written historical adventure set against a richly imagined landscape, infused with cultural heritage, ancient songs, and mysterious secrets. Young readers will not only get to hear excerpts from the book but also take part in a vibrant Q&A and creative activities designed to ignite their imaginations and deepen their love of storytelling.
Bilan, who first gained national recognition with her bestselling debut Asha & the Spirit Bird, continues to draw on her Himalayan roots to craft stories that reflect diverse voices and underrepresented narratives. Naeli and the Secret Song continues this tradition, following a courageous young girl who must unlock the secrets of her ancestry while navigating a journey of self-belief and resilience. Her work has been praised for its lyrical prose, emotional depth, and authentic representation of South Asian heritage — qualities that have resonated with readers, educators, and literary critics across the UK.
This event is ideal for parents, teachers, and young readers looking to experience literature that reflects multicultural Britain and introduces children to worlds that are both fantastical and emotionally real. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for budding writers and readers to learn about the writing process, character development, and the role of cultural identity in fiction.
The Barnes Children’s Literature Festival continues to be a major highlight of the capital’s cultural calendar, championing creativity, learning, and inclusivity through books. The festival has become known not only for its star-studded line-up of authors and illustrators but also for its dedication to nurturing a lifelong love of reading among children of all backgrounds.
Tickets for Jasbinder Bilan’s event and the full festival programme can be booked via Eventbrite. Early reservation is recommended due to high demand and limited seating.
Don’t miss this magical afternoon of stories, imagination, and inspiration with one of Britain’s most powerful literary voices in children’s fiction. Whether you're a fan of her previous novels or discovering her work for the first time, this is an unmissable event that promises to be as meaningful as it is memorable.