A documentary sharing stories about the migration, experiences and struggles of the South Asian community in the city of Worcester has been revealed.
Worcester Mela, a charity focused on sharing South Asian culture and heritage, produced a 25-minute documentary called Worcester Mela - Worcester Voices, sharing the stories of those who came to Worcester from South Asia.
The documentary tells the stories of businessmen and women, academics, professionals, historians, mayoralty, those involved in the council and civic life.
It was put together by Cllr Jabba Riaz, Anjali Taneja and Sajeeda Begum.
Cllr Jabba Riaz said: "At points, we were reduced to tears and feelings of overwhelming compassion thank you for helping us learn and grow.
"Asian settlers have truly made their mark and we are richer for it.
"There are stories that are yet to be uncovered and told, like the Military story in Burma and brave soldiers from Worcester that fought alongside British troops in fighting the Japanese, or the significance of Metal Box the factory that united Italians, Indians, Bangladeshis & Pakistanis.
"This documentary was conceived by the Worcester Mela as the founding stone on which to build the Worcester Mela story and identity.
"A foundation built on unity, recognition of the different faiths, nationalities and early migrants that represent the City from the Indian Sub-continent and cements the founding principles of the Worcester Mela which is of unity through Culture, Colour and Creativity.
"A project like this has never been undertaken by anyone in the city in this format before and it was the right time to do it, to capture and archive the journey of our forefathers and weave it into the fabric of the story of Worcester so it is firmly etched in the City’s tapestry and history so that it can be told for many years to come."
The documentary was released in time to mark 60 years since the first settler from Mirpur, Pakistan came to the city.
It was first screened at an event held on Friday 18 March at the University of Worcester Art House, where influential members of the community in Worcester gathered.
Worcester Mela was founded 2 years ago.
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