Own Voices Event at Tower Hamlets Council

Life, and the world in general, is pretty depressing right now.

But within these stretches of darkness, there are occasional bursts of light – and yesterday’s event at Tower Hamlets Council was one of them.
I joined theformidable Dr Fatima Rajina on a panel hosted by Liza Choudhury  from the Council’s Race Equality Network to talk about how Bengalis are represented in fiction and academic literature. I have honestly never been in such a heartwarming, hospitable and supportive space before.

The room was full of the most delicious food, love and laughter – in true Bengali spirit. The turnout was incredible, our discussion was frank and honest. We were joined by Councillor Abdul Wahid and even got to meet the Mayor – the legendary Mayor Lutfur Rahman.

I left the event with my belly, soul and mind full. @sylhetimacebhai blew my mind yesterday with what he was telling me about Sylhetis being a different race from Bengalis – definitely lots to think about there!!!!

A massive thanks to everyone who made this event happen…it was a much needed moment of joy amidst all of this turmoil.