South Asian Heritage Month (18th July -17th August) is a time to celebrate and recognise the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of from South Asia – for the benefit of our colleagues and the communities and business we serve. The theme this year is 'Free to be Me'.
Together, we have an opportunity to educate, raise awareness, and promote understanding and appreciation of South Asian cultures. Our EmbRace EDI Network has a variety of activities planned to showcase the music, dance, food, and traditions of South Asian communities. We have activities, webinars and blogs...
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Are you pronouncing your colleagues names correctly?
To mark the month, and to help educate and inform colleagues, in this week's edition of GC News, network Member, Joyce Due - Skills Development Tutor, has pulled together some useful information to help colleagues pronounce names. Pronouncing your colleagues' names is important for feelings of inclusion because it demonstrates respect for individuals' identities and cultures and helps us to maintain and promote Dignity at Work at GC. Find out more here.
Bring a dish to work day – prize for the best dish!
Showcase your cooking skills and creativity by taking on the Bring a Dish to workday challenge and recreate a South Asian or South Asian inspired dish. We encourage colleagues to bring some homemade South Asian-inspired dishes into the office any day during w/c 12th August which works for you and your colleagues. Find out from the EmbRace Network when bring a dish is coming to your local office.
From snacks and light bites, to a full blown banquet and even takeaways – it’s up to you. Enjoy discussing your recipes and your learnings, and most of all – enjoy the food! Remember to consider food allergies and dietary requirements if you're preparing food for others.
The EmbRace network would love to see the food and interactions inspired, so please send photos or plans from next week to embracenetwork@growthco.uk.
Look out for some inspiration in GC News on Thursday 9th August where we'll share an Instagram-style video making a South Asian dish, plus though a blog post we'll include information on reducing food waste, plus provide swap out ingredients, such as meat for alternatives.
Join our Bolly-fusion session
At 11am on Wednesday 24th July, we'll he holding a hybrid Bolly-fusion event (in person in Room 2, Warren Bruce Court, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester, M17 1LB, and on Teamslive). Bollywood fusion dance is a contemporary dance style that combines elements of Bollywood with Western and other Indian dance forms. It emphasises creative choreography, storytelling, and a fusion of diverse dance techniques.
There's no prior dance experience required – as with our previous Bollywood dance events, just bring your enthusiasm! We welcome all colleagues, to come and experience the fun and amazing energy Bollywood dance has to bring.
Once gain, the session will be hosted by our GC colleague Anushka Parekh, who is a Bollywood dancer and teacher, who has a love for Bollywood dancing. Check out Anushka's teaser video for the event below.
Look out for the calendar invite for the event which will contain full details about the in-person and Teamslive aspects of the event.
Learn more about South Asian colleagues' progression stories and a day in the life at GC
With our Career Progression Story in GC News on 26th July, and our Day in the Life blog in GC News on 9th August, we aim to create a platform to highlight the achievements and accomplishments of two of our colleagues with a South Asian heritage.
This South Asian Heritage Month is a time to come together, celebrate diversity, and foster unity and understanding among colleagues of all backgrounds. It is a time to showcase the beauty and richness of South Asian cultures and heritage and how being free to be yourself has benefits for all. Please take the time to get involved.