As India and Pakistan celebrate 75 years of independence this year, the University of Westminster community has come together to showcase some of the University’s strong links with these South Asian countries as well as people of South Asian origin.
Professor Dibyesh Anand, Head of School of Social Sciences, Co-chair of the Black and Minority Ethnic Network and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee at the University of Westminster, explained: “Much has changed since the end of British Empire and formal beginning of independent Pakistan and India on 14-15 August 1947. While scholars and commentators ponder over the nature of historical decolonisation, what all recognise is that contemporary British-Indian and British-Pakistani relations are significantly different. They are based on mutual respect and cooperation. With an increasingly prominent role played by British Asians in the UK, it is important to remember how times have changed.”
In a show of pride for the personal and research links to the region, students, academics, professional services colleagues and alumni have created a virtual wall of identity connections to India and Pakistan, highlighting their pride in being part of the University’s diverse community. The virtual wall is also a manifestation of the University’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion, being a global university where colleagues and students from different backgrounds can feel at home.
Professor Anand added: “As a British Indian identifying as queer, I never have to play up or play down any part of my identity within our University; I can bring my whole self to work. I am not alone. Without papering over challenges that exist within institutions and countries, it is important that we, from time to time, reflect on how far we have come. The virtual wall only covers a tiny fraction of the amazing diversity we have at Westminster.”
Dr Randhir Auluck, Head of Westminster’s School of Organisation, Economy and Society, said: “75 years on from Independence, it is interesting to see how interconnected India and Pakistan are with the UK, in terms of business and commerce, higher education and diaspora networks. This is definitely worth celebrating. As Head of the School of Organisations, Economy and Society at the University of Westminster, I am delighted to see that so many of our students are from India and Pakistan, and we are proud to be supporting each and everyone of these students in their educational journeys and their transition into the world of work.”
Professor Alexandra Hughes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement at the University of Westminster, said: “At the University we are proud to be a welcoming, diverse and inclusive organisation. Our global engagement activity is a key part of that. Our overseas students, colleagues, partners and collaborations are vital to who we are and what we do.
“We are delighted that this is reflected in our strong connections to India and Pakistan, showcased on our virtual wall created to mark the 75th anniversary of the independence of India and Pakistan. As the daughter of an Anglo-Indian mother born in what was Bangalore, I’m personally very proud indeed to celebrate our rich connections to the region.”
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Explore the University of Westminster community’s links to India and Pakistan on the virtual wall.
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