South Asian Heritage Month: Roots, responsibility and representation

As someone whose family originates from South Asia, South Asian Heritage Month offers me a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect, not only with my cultural identity but also with the remarkable legacy and contributions of South Asians across the UK. It’s a time to celebrate our music, food, languages, stories, and, more importantly, the values we carry: family, service, resilience, and community.

Personally, I mark this month by revisiting the stories of my ancestors, farmers, teachers, entrepreneurs, veterans, and civil servants, who taught me the value of hard work and humility. I continue to travel back to the region regularly, not only to see family but also through the work of my charity, which supports health and education projects in underserved communities across South Asia. Whether it’s setting up mobile eye-care clinics in remote areas, building water wells, helping children access education, or supporting families with basic needs or wedding expenses, these experiences ground me. They remind me of the responsibility we each carry: to honour the sacrifices of those before us and to build better futures for those to come.

My heritage has undoubtedly shaped my journey into public service, including my role as a magistrate (justice of the peace). Although I was born and raised in the UK, my family roots lie in a part of the world where the rule of law hasn’t always been consistent or accessible to all. I grew up hearing stories of justice systems where outcomes could be influenced by wealth, privilege, or politics. These contrasts made me appreciate the British legal system and its commitment to fairness and inspired me to contribute to it. Becoming a magistrate felt like a natural way to help uphold the principles of dignity, impartiality, and equal treatment for all, values I bring with me into every courtroom I sit in.

I’m proud to be a member of the Magistrates’ Association, which plays a vital role in supporting and representing magistrates from all walks of life. The association champions diversity, provides professional development, and is a key platform for connecting members to broader conversations about justice and reform.

What many people don’t realise is that being a magistrate also opens the door to other forms of public service. Alongside my duties in court, I’m privileged to serve on the All-Wales Search Warrant Panel, the All-Wales Pre-Charge Bail Panel, and to hear appeals at the Crown Court. I’ve also been honoured to be appointed by the then Lord Chief Justice as a Wales Diversity and Community Relations Magistrate (DCRM), a role that allows me to actively promote engagement and awareness within underrepresented communities.

Being a British Muslim and from an ethnic minority background, I understand the importance of visibility and lived experience in the magistracy. When young people from underrepresented communities see someone like them serving in positions of responsibility, it sends a powerful message: “You belong here too.” Representation doesn’t just empower individuals; it builds public confidence in the justice system. It ensures decisions are informed by a broad range of perspectives and grounded in empathy as well as the law.

That said, while representation in the legal system is important, it’s equally vital that the system continues to adapt to meet the needs of all communities. This includes improving access to information in multiple languages, providing clearer guidance throughout the court process, and ensuring outreach efforts are culturally informed. I recognise that cultural and linguistic misunderstandings can influence courtroom outcomes, and that proactive, inclusive engagement is key to building trust and mutual understanding.

To young people from South Asian backgrounds thinking about becoming a magistrate or working in the justice sector, I would say this: don’t count yourself out. You don’t need a law degree or a university background. Regardless of your occupation; whether you are a shop assistant, teacher or student, a construction worker, self-employed or stay at home parent, you can apply. What matters is your life experience, your ability to listen, your integrity, and your commitment to fairness. Our communities need you. The justice system needs you.

South Asian Heritage Month isn’t just a celebration of where we come from; it’s a chance to reflect on where we’re going. Let’s use it to lift each other up, challenge barriers, and shape a justice system that reflects the rich diversity of the people it serves.