British South Asian Youth Summit pushes to decolonise education in UK

An inaugural British South Asian Youth Summit, hosted virtually by veteran Indian-origin British MP Virendra Sharma recently, concluded with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) calling for the decolonisation of education in the UK to cover all aspects of history, including the realities of the British Empire.

The summit, which concluded South Asian Heritage Month in the UK last week, was supported by the Indian High Commission in London and the British Council. It has been launched with the aim of fostering cooperation and understanding between South Asia and Britain and included youth delegations from nine countries – Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, India, Pakistan and the UK. Besides the need for a more rounded study of history in the UK, the pact agreed at the summit covered aspects such as strengthening democratic institutions, building a progressive, sustainable and inclusive economy, and championing diversity.

History curricula

“Include all perspectives, particularly in history curricula. In Britain in particular, it is imperative that young Britons learn about all aspects of their history. Increase the teaching of the histories of the countries of South Asia in our own curricula. Prioritising decolonisation in order to expand the curriculum and improve both teaching and course content,” reads the MoU.

“The United Kingdom has an opportunity to offer precedent for South Asian countries to foster inclusive traditions in their policy space and corporate realm,” it added.

The Indian delegation was led by Sanam Arora, chair of National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU UK), with each delegate providing subject matter expertise in specific areas.

“The Black Lives movement has reignited the need to become anti-racist. That starts with what we teach in our history curricula. We call upon the British government to include greater and balanced teaching of the role played by the British Empire in India, and all over the world,” said Arora.

New era

The Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Gaitri Issar Kumar, called on youth from India and the UK to work together for a bright new era in India-UK relations.

“Bound by shared values and aspirations, our youth can work together to bring innovative, affordable and accessible solutions to global challenges. They are a key factor in the unique living bridge between India and the UK and we look forward to their participation and valuable contribution for the prosperity of our people and a better world,” said the envoy, who has participated in a series of virtual events in recent days, including with the Conservative Friends of India and for the Labour Party’s new Mahatma Gandhi Leadership Programme.

The High Commission of India in London said the central theme for all the engagements was to enhance mutual understanding, greater engagement, clearer understanding of issues so that there is no scope for misinformation, creating networks for positive messaging, sharing good news from India, good news about India-UK relations, and about new India-UK initiatives.