English is the language of global culture and it is widely used across South Asia. This means that South Asia’s products can be easily consumed around the world. The cultural shift can already been seen in areas such as international cricket, Bollywood increasingly funding international films and directors like Steven Spielberg and a growing market for international pop music.

“This is the start of a new era which will challenge the status quo. Global culture will increasingly resemble the culture of South Asia and the question is who will define what this culture looks like,” says Tajender Sagoo.

People from around the world are seeking opportunities in South Asia and it is time British Asians understood this shift in economic and cultural power. Asians in Britain must critically engage with the subcontinent. Pop Samiti is challenging Asians to engage with important issues like South Asia without Borders, female foeticide and moving away from dominant cultures to the culture of everyone reflecting the pluralism of South Asia.

About Tajender Sagoo

Ms Tajender Sagoo, 40, was born in Nairobi, Kenya of Indian parents. She relocated to the UK in the 1970s and grew up in Forest Gate, east London. She studied textiles and specialised in weaving at Central St Martins School of Art, London. She worked for many years in the community art sector, and has an artist studio in Limehouse, east London. Her practice investigates ideas referenced in post colonialism including race, identity and gender. She exhibited at Art textiles3, 2004 at Bury St Edmunds Art Gallery and most recently completed a commission for the Houses of Parliament on young people and democracy.

Pop Samiti Events

Motherland Pop: Talk
Leading experts debate South Asian Culture
Wednesday August 12, 7.30 to 9.00 pm
Borders Oxford Circus
Third floor, 197-203 Oxford Street
London W1D 2LE
Admission: Free
Tel: 020 7292 1600

Panel:

• Dr Kishore Budha; Media researcher from the Institute of Communications Studies, University of Leeds.
• Parmjit Singh; Independent filmmaker, runs Agitate films and Creative Director of Black Chilli Productions
• Parminder Vir O.B.E; Executive Producer and Media Consultant and founder of the Mayfair Club.
• Sara Wajid (Chair) freelance writer, commentator and editor of Untold London

Motherland Pop: Live
Asian poetry, dance and music
Acts; Shammi Pitha, Eisha Karol,Priya Saujani, Dina Begum
Friday August 14, 6.30 to 9.00 pm
Borders Oxford Circus
Third floor, 197-203 Oxford Street
London W1D 2LE
Admission: Free
Tel: 020 7292 1600

References:

1. For this project South Asia includes, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Afganistan and the Maldives.
2. UN World Population Prospects ;The 2008 Revision

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