Platform for Indian Democracy’s exhibition on the way Indian and British Indian women have ‘taken up space’ through protest and dissent

Southall recently hosted an exhibition that explored the history of activism among British Indian women. Organized by the Platform for Indian Democracy and curated by Megan Drabble, the event shone a spotlight on the vital yet underrepresented role of women from the British Indian diaspora who have fought for justice, equality, and social reform both in the UK and abroad.

The exhibition highlighted key figures from the British Indian diaspora alongside influential women from India’s independence movement. Jayaben Desai, a trade unionist who led the historic Grunwick factory strikes of the 1970s, featured prominently as a symbol of courage and leadership in the British labor movement. The work of Southall Black Sisters, founded in 1979 to combat racism and sexism faced by Asian, African, and Caribbean women, was another focal point. The Organisation of Women of African and Asian Descent (OWAAD), an anti-imperialist collective from the late 1970s, also gained attention for its work on education and reproductive rights.

These stories were interwoven with narratives of Indian women who influenced these movements. Figures like Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, a freedom fighter and diplomat, and Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, a social reformer dedicated to improving women’s socio-economic conditions, underscored the deep connections between India’s history of dissent and activism in the UK.

The exhibition went beyond traditional storytelling by offering visitors an immersive and interactive experience. Oral histories allowed attendees to listen to first-hand accounts of women involved in India’s independence movement, while tactile elements, such as fabric and salt symbolising Gandhi’s salt march, created a physical connection to historic acts of resistance. Visitors were also invited to contribute to the exhibition by writing down their own experiences of protest. These personal stories were displayed alongside historical narratives, fostering a sense of shared history and collective memory.

Curator Megan Drabble emphasized the importance of bringing these stories to light, particularly as they remain largely untaught in schools or academic spaces. She explained, “This exhibition provides a space to explore the history of dissent within the British Indian diaspora. It’s a story rarely told, but deeply relevant as we continue to face issues of inequality today.” By connecting the methods and struggles of Indian and British Indian women, the exhibition encouraged visitors to see how these legacies of activism resonate in their own lives and communities.

The exhibition had a profound emotional impact on its visitors. Some attendees recognized family members in the photographs, while others were moved to tears by the stories of courage and resilience. Many expressed a newfound sense of connection to their heritage and the struggles of past generations, seeing parallels with ongoing challenges faced by British Indian communities today.

Due to the success of the event, the Platform for Indian Democracy plans to revive the exhibition in early 2025 and take it on tour across the UK. Raul Lai, the group’s coordinator, summed up its enduring message: “British Indian women have always been at the forefront of progressive change. We hope this exhibition inspires others to take up space in their communities, just as these remarkable women did.”

The exhibition not only celebrated the rich history of British Indian women’s activism but also encouraged visitors to reflect on how they, too, can carry forward this legacy of dissent and advocacy in today’s world.

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