British Bhangra pioneer recognised as Chamber celebrates South Asian culture
Business leaders and community figures came together at Birmingham Botanical Gardens last night to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month at a special event hosted by the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC).
The celebration – supported by the Pathway Group and award-winning Midlands caterers Mahirs Experience - reflected on the contribution of South Asian communities to the region's economy, culture and society, while looking ahead to the next generation of business leaders.
The evening featured addresses from broadcaster Amber Sandhu, Aston University Professor Monder Ram and entrepreneur Ninder Johal, before Mr Johal was presented with a special President's Award by ABCC president Monica Ghai in recognition of his outstanding contribution to South Asian heritage and culture.
Professor Monder Ram reflected on his family's journey after his father arrived in Birmingham in the late 1950s unable to read or write English.
Describing how one generation's sacrifices created opportunities for the next, he said: “My father couldn't write his name when he arrived in Birmingham in the late 1950s.
“When he wanted to sign a document, he had to press his thumb on the paper. In due course, he learned to write one thing – his name.
“In being able to write his name, he opened up opportunities that we couldn't have foreseen.”
Professor Ram praised the evolution of the Asian Business Chamber since its origins as the Institute of Asian Businesses nearly 40 years ago, highlighting the breadth of sectors now represented by South Asian businesses.
He said: “What we're celebrating tonight, South Asian Heritage Month, is a multitude of stories. There is no one South Asian story.
“What this Chamber represents so powerfully is respect for all of those different traditions, but not forgetting what binds us together. That's what unity in diversity really means.”
Amber Sandhu, the Wolverhampton-born BBC and Sky Sports News presenter, spoke about the influence of her grandparents and parents, whose work ethic and sacrifices enabled her career in broadcasting.
She said: “The reason I'm doing my dream job is because my parents had to sacrifice theirs.”
Speaking about the challenges she has faced as a woman working in sports broadcasting, she added: “There are so many barriers and so many obstacles that are thrown at you if you're a woman, let alone a woman of colour.
“But that hasn't stopped me. I've knocked on every door, and just don't take no for an answer.”
She concluded by encouraging guests to embrace optimism, drawing on the Sikh principle of chardi kala.
“It means you've got the resilience to get through the darkest moments and the tough days as well - so be the optimist in the room,” Ms Sandhu added.
Entrepreneur and music industry pioneer Ninder Johal reflected on growing up in Birmingham during the 1970s and how embracing his heritage became the foundation of his success.
Mr Johal, who founded pioneering British Bhangra label Nachural Records, said: “Growing up in the ‘70s was extremely difficult. South Asian Heritage is so important. It reminds us of the journeys, the struggles and the battles of identity."
Describing how British Bhangra music helped shape his identity, he said: “I realised I belonged.
“Our disadvantage of being different was now our advantage. We looked different. Our music was different.”
Mr Johal was later presented with the ABCC President's Award for Outstanding Contribution to South Asian Heritage and Culture.
Presenting Monica Ghai said the award recognised “an individual whose vision has inspired others, whose leadership has created opportunities, and whose unwavering commitment to showcasing South Asian culture has left a lasting mark on our region.”
She added: “Some people build careers, some build platforms – very few build both.”
Meanwhile, ABCC manager Katrina Raipuri announced that the organisation will mark its 40th anniversary with a major awards celebration at Birmingham Town Hall on 27 March, 2027, with further details to be released later this month.
- Follow the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce’s new Instagram account - @abcc_chamber
Pictured: From left - Professor Monder Ram, Katrina Raipuri, Monica Ghai, Amber Sandhu and Ninder Johal
