Published on: 28 July 2025
It's South Asian Heritage Month (18 July – 17 August) and Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is proud to celebrate the vibrant contributions of its south Asian communities and colleagues. This year’s theme, ‘Roots to Routes’, invites us to learn south Asian identity, culture and the rich diversity that strengthens our workforce and the care we provide. 
To mark the occasion, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is celebrating its diverse workforce by sharing colleagues’ stories and shining a spotlight on their lives. Shaminder Uppal, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at Derbyshire Healthcare, has written a personal piece sharing her own experiences and reflections on identity, belonging and cultural pride.
“I was born and raised in Newcastle upon Tyne, in the Northeast of England. Growing up, I was one of the few children of colour in my primary school, which often left me feeling isolated and eager to blend in rather than stand out. I experienced racism from as young as five or six years old, and it was tough navigating that at such a formative age/
“Things changed when I moved on to secondary school. The environment became more diverse, and I finally felt able to start embracing who I was. That shift was pivotal – it gave me space to be proud of my identity, rather than trying to hide it. It allowed me to shine.
“Now, I work in EDI, a field that’s deeply connected to my personal journey. Navigating questions of identity, belonging, and representation from a young age instilled in me a desire to make a difference. I wanted to help create spaces where people truly feel seen, valued, and heard.
“EDI gives me that platform. I’ve worked across local authorities, higher education, the Department for Education, and now the NHS challenging systemic inequalities and co-creating more inclusive structures. My drive also comes from experiencing injustice myself as part of a minority community. I was originally drawn to social work because I wanted to fight for social justice and protection for those who are marginalised. EDI work allows me to do just that at scale.
“I’m the youngest of three siblings, and I grew up in a warm, lively household. Weekends were filled with sleepovers, music, cousins, and laughter. My upbringing was quite liberal for the time, and I had more freedom than many of my South Asian peers, which allowed me to explore both my identity and the wider world around me.
“Our family wasn’t particularly religious or traditional. We blended Eastern and Western influences in a way that felt natural. For instance, the pub culture was a big part of life for the men in our family, and while gender roles were clear back then, things have slowly but surely progressed for South Asian women too.
“Christmas was our biggest celebration, but we also lit candles for Diwali and ate Indian sweets like barfi. I have fond memories of dancing to everything from Bollywood classics to Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, George Michael, and Michael Jackson. That cultural fusion defined my upbringing.
“For me, being South Asian means embracing a rich, evolving identity. It's about being connected to deep cultural traditions, language, and history, while also recognising the diversity within our own communities. South Asian identities are not monolithic; we each have our own unique stories and experiences. Diversity is something to be celebrated.
“This year’s theme, ‘Roots to Routes’, beautifully captures the journey from heritage to identity, and how our origins influence the paths we take. My roots have shaped my values, my worldview, and the way I parent. And the routes I've taken, personally and professionally, have helped me build a life where cultural pride is central.
“In our home, this plays out in joyful ways: my husband loves Bhangra, my daughter enjoys dressing in a fusion of Eastern and Western styles, and my teenage son is obsessed with Asian sweets! We’ve created our own version of South Asian culture – authentic, playful, and proud.
“Our cultural ties were maintained in small but meaningful ways. The Gurdwara, a Sikh temple, wasn’t just a place of worship. It was a space of community. We used to rent Bollywood VHS tapes from local shops in Newcastle and watch them repeatedly. At home, we had religious symbols and family photos that grounded us in our heritage.
“Being bilingual speaking both Punjabi and English was also important. It helped bridge generations and taught me how to navigate and interpret different perspectives. That skill has stayed with me throughout my career.
“Growing up in the 90s as a South Asian was a bit of a challenge, it wasn’t exactly the ‘cool’ thing at the time! I remember feeling hesitant to wear traditional clothes or speak my language in public, thinking I had to blend in to fit in. I had my fair share of fashion mishaps, but I also loved exploring my identity. Everything changed when I saw icons like Madonna rocking henna in her music videos. It felt like a burst of cultural validation! That really inspired me to embrace and celebrate my heritage instead of hiding it. This journey has been such a freeing experience, allowing me to express who I truly am. It's so exciting to see how far we've come, and I’m thrilled to be part of this vibrant celebration of culture!
“Cultural sharing creates empathy and connection. When we engage with each other’s food, music, stories, and celebrations, we learn to appreciate difference rather than fear it. Inclusion isn’t just about inviting others in. It’s about genuinely valuing what they bring. That’s how we build communities that are not only diverse but truly inclusive.
“To younger generations, I’d say this: ‘You don’t have to choose between being South Asian and being British. You can be both – and define that balance on your own terms. Your heritage is a source of strength. Never feel like you have to hide it. Explore it, own it, and be proud of every part of who you are.’
“My background gives me a deep understanding of how identity, language, and culture impact people’s experiences, especially in complex systems like healthcare. I remember translating medical terms for relatives as a child and watching them struggle to navigate services not designed for people like us.
“That experience drives my passion for creating inclusive policies, improving communication, and advocating for culturally competent care. I know firsthand that South Asian communities are incredibly diverse, and I strive to ensure that the NHS recognises and reflects that richness."
