Over 25 years, South Asian Arts-uk has been incredibly fortunate for the enormous belief and trust our supporters have channelled into the organisation.
Every donation, ticket sale, and social media follower has made it possible for SAA-uk to blossom from a grass-roots charity with big, bold dreams to an organisation given the chance to realise those vivacious ambitions.
Last August, Kiran Kalsi generously donated £1000 to SAA-uk. Her hearty contributions were put towards a year of tuition for our Music Academies, as well as providing three young singers, Ravneet (age 6) Bhavdeep (age 7) Jasdeep (age 9), a place at Summer School 2025.
Inspired by her late father Dr Sewa Singh Kalsi and his everlasting legacy of kindness and sincerity, Kiran dedicated her donation in his memory.
A native of Leeds for almost 5 decades, Sewa championed the spirit and strength of community within the city. Working closely with the Indian Workers Association, he was committed to ensuring that each worker, no matter what their background, was properly organised within unions and compensated fairly for their labour.
With the Sikh population growing in Leeds between the mid to late 20th century, Sewa, holding his heritage and faith upright and proud, was committed to ensuring the Sikh community felt the city was home. Whilst lecturing at Margaret Macmillan college, Sewa published his PhD thesis, ‘
The Evolution of a Sikh Community in Britain'. His exploration and research allowed for an insightful understanding of this growing population amidst a changing Britain and the value this brought to the dynamism of Leeds.
In his later years, Sewa battled with Alzheimer's and dementia, though in keeping with his persevering character, he fought back fearlessly.
Opening up candidly about life with the diseases, he inspired and educated, showing the world that despite facing challenges, life can still beam with joy.
We are incredibly grateful to Kiran Kalsi for her incredible donation and the opportunity to learn about the
inspiring life of her father Dr Sewa Singh Kalsi.Painting Credit: Commissioned on Mrs. Kalsi 90th birthday two years ago, created by Bruce Noble, a retired consultant eye surgeon from LGI.