Cohesion Plus as part of its South Asian Heritage Month programme invited local community members to watch a new series of short films titled “Big Stories Local Legends” which celebrated the positive contribution made by local residents of South Asian descent.

The sold out event was attended by dignitaries such as the Mayor of Gravesham, Cllr Daniel Adewale King, Andrew Wood DL, Jo Holmes DL and Jane Louden DL as well as Chair of NHS Kent and Medway Cedi Frederik.

The proceedings were overseen by Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL who participated in his capacity as Deputy Lieutenant, representing The Lady Colgrain, Lord Lieutenant of Kent.

The first film told the story of South Asian led football club Punjab United and their success within the Southern Counties East Football League, marking them as a force to be reckoned with. There was a particular focus on Karan Sanghera, one of the Punjabi first female coaches in the men’s game.

The second film charted the history and contribution of Virdee Stores, the first ever Indian sweet shop in the South East and the significant impact it made on multiple generations of British Asians born and raised in the area. The film focused on Surinder Kaur Virdee and her daughter Gurpreet Kaur Virdee who both spoke about the journey the shop went through including many challenges from its inception in the late 1960’s to the current day.

The third and final film covered the artistic journey of Dhol drumming prodigy and local resident Bhavinder (Bill) Sandher also known as Machine Gun Billy, a playful moniker for his legendary drumming abilities and style. The film chronicled Bill’s many artistic inspirations, challenges and his legacy as one of the most well known Dhol drummers both across the UK and internationally.

The screening was followed by an award ceremony where members of the community were awarded for their vast contributions to Gravesham across various fields. Awardees included Balbir Kaur Aluhwalia and Sukhdev Kaur Sandhu from the Asian Woman’s Group who work with and support Punjabi women in the local communities through exercise, social activity and outings.

Marni Dhinsa co-founder of Four by Four Bhangra Group was awarded for his longstanding contribution to Punjabi Arts and Culture through his decade’s long Bhangra dance career. The films participants were also awarded as part of a special presentation to recognise their prolific work and contributions.

Local first time author and poet Madhu Kiran Kans also gave some readings from her new book of poetry.

Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, Artistic Director commented, “It was an absolute honour to recognise our own local legends during South Asian Heritage Month through a powerful series of short films. The films were an attempt to capture some of the rich tapestry of stories that exist in our home town, stories that span generations and have shaped our communities. I am so very proud of what we were able to produce and that so many people came out to support, including colleagues from the Lord Lieutenants office. The evening was a wonderful way to bring people together shining a light on untold stories and heroes. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who graciously gave up their time to participate in the films and attend the screening.”