Celebrating ‘South Asian Heritage Month’ at Houses of Parliament
L-R: Simon Purdy (violin), Kavi Pau (keyboard,vocals), Shri Gadhvi (tabla)
A trio from Third Culture Collective recently performed a ground-breaking set at the Houses of Parliament, London in celebration of South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM). Our musicians had the privilege of serenading esteemed guests with an eclectic blend of music, bringing together western and Indian classical notes, Bollywood beats, and soulful Bhajans.
A vibrant tribute to the shared history and cultural tapestry of South Asia and the UK, South Asian Heritage month, founded in 2020, has become an annual event, running from July 18th to August 17th each year. Its purpose is to commemorate and celebrate the diverse heritage that binds South Asia and the UK, inviting everyone to explore and appreciate the rich traditions of South Asian countries.
The evening, hosted by the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, was a splendid affair. Distinguished South Asians, including Members of Parliament Lisa Nandy and Gagan Mohindra, graced the occasion with inspirational speeches. We also had the pleasure of engaging in a stimulating conversation with Jasvir Singh, the co-founder of South Asian Heritage Month, delving into the nuances of South Asian history.
Our trio, comprising Kavi Pau on keyboard and vocals, Simon Purdy on the violin, and Shri Gadhvi on tabla, created a symphony of cultural fusion. From the timeless compositions of Bach to the vibrant melodies of Bollywood and the soul-soothing Bhajans, our performance celebrated the diversity of South Asian music.
Letter from appreciation received from the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP
Amazingly, this marked our second performance at the Houses of Parliament, having previously played there in 2022 for an event hosted by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. The feedback we received was heartwarming, with many attendees expressing their delight at experiencing a Bhajan live in Parliament. Mr. Speaker himself acknowledged our contribution with a heartfelt letter of appreciation.
Our performance at the Houses of Parliament was not just a musical event but a celebration of the enduring ties between the UK and South Asia. Through the universal language of music, we bridged cultures, leaving a lasting impression on all who were present. Thank you to all involved in facilitating a wonderful event!
As this was a private event, we were not able to make any recordings. However, see below for a sneak preview of our previous performance at the Houses of Parliament in 2022:
