A KEIGHLEY community figure has reflected on the success of South Asian Heritage Month.

Dr Javed Bashir – who was born in Pakistan, and moved to Keighley at the age of ten – said he was proud of how a host of events had been held to commemorate the month.

"South Asian Heritage Month has provided an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of why Britain looks as diverse as it does," he said.

"The history of South Asians in Britain spans more than 400 years. The establishment of the British East India Company in 1600 marked the beginning of a long-standing relationship between Britain and South Asia.

"There were students, intellectuals, politicians, soldiers, seamen (lascars) and servants who moved from South Asia to the UK in the 18th century.

"Dock areas were settled by male lascars from modern-day India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Some married local women.

"By 1932 there were about 7,000 South Asians in the UK, and that grew considerably after the war.

"By 1961, there were about 100,000 and people found employment in the textile industry in places like Bradford.

"After the Mangla Dam – which submerged large parts of the Mirpur district of Pakistan – was built in the 1960s, emigration from that area accelerated.

"The 1970s also saw the arrival of East African Indians."

Dr Bashir, who performed extensive community work promoting cohesion following the 2001 riots, noted how British South Asians often had multiple identities and rarely felt like they belonged to just one community.

"Some British South Asians retained strong links back home – and think of themselves primarily as South Asians in Britain," he added. "For most, however, their first allegiance is to the UK.

"They were born here and have a firm sense of being British."

Dr Bashir added that there is plenty for British South Asians to be proud of.

"Today British South Asians generate over £103bn a year for the UK economy – even though many arrived here penniless or unable to speak English," he said.

"In spite of facing discrimination, the early migrants settled in the UK and fought for workers’ rights.

"Early achievers included Mohammed Ajeeb, from Bradford, who was the UK’s first Asian Lord Mayor.

"People from the district like cricketer Adil Rashid, Zayn Malik and author AA Dhand are examples of more recent achievers.

"It’s great that this month helps us to recognise their contributions."