On 26 September, the University of Westminster, in partnership with the project Everyday Muslim, hosted an engaging evening with BBC journalist and author Mishal Husain and barrister and social activist Jasvir Singh CBE. Centred around her book Broken Threads: My Family from Empire to Independence, the event offered a unique exploration of the British Empire and the Partition of India through a deeply personal lens.
Beginning with a book signing, Husain captivated the audience with stories of her grandparents’ experiences, linking their journey to the broader historical narrative of the Partition, which was the division of British India into the independent countries of India and Pakistan. Her talk highlighted the lasting impact of these events on families and communities, sparking meaningful reflections among attendees. Complementing the discussion was a photograph exhibition that provided visual context.
A panel discussion followed, where Everyday Muslim community members delved into the enduring legacy of Empire, migration and identity, offering insights into the ongoing relevance of these histories. Everyday Muslim focuses on creating a central archive of Muslim lives, arts, education and cultures from across the UK.
Organiser from the University of Westminster and Senior Lecturer in Law Sobia Razzaq said: “One of the most touching parts of Mishal’s story about the Partition was the realisation that we, as people of the subcontinent, have always been more alike than different. We must not let internal and external forces divide us again as they did in the past.”
Founder of Everyday Muslim and event and exhibition curator, Sadiya Ahmed, said: “Everyday Muslim were honoured to have hosted a thought-provoking evening at the University of Westminster with Mishal Husain and Jasvir Singh CBE, where Mishal discussed her powerful book Broken Threads, which explored the Partition stories of her grandparents. We also shared our plans for the first-ever memorial to commemorate the 1947 Partition of India, as a tribute to the millions affected. The most significant moment was the overwhelming support for this memorial which was truly heartening. More updates to come on this important journey."
The Westminster Conversations series is part of the Quintin Hogg Trust EDI Project titled Westminster for All - Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. The project is led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Employability Professor Dibyesh Anand, and run by Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Programme Manager Zahrah Surooprajally. Other events that have taken place include Challenging Racisms, Queering Academia and the Digital Accessibility Conference.
This project directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 10: Reduced Inequalities and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Follow the EDI Project on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for access to photos and to find out about upcoming events and highlights.
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