So much incredible work is taking place beyond museums, although there are moments of valuable and meaningful collaboration. The work Amandeep Madra and Parmjit Singh have been engaged in for more than twenty years is an extraordinary case in point.
Today, my good friend and colleague Imran Javed, Collection Manager in the Middle East Department at the British Museum, and I are speaking to Amandeep Madra, co-founder of the UK Punjab Heritage Association (UKPHA for short) and Kashi House Publishing. Amandeep has been involved in Sikh and Punjabi heritage for more than twenty years, co-authoring 5 books on Sikh history with Parmjit Singh, and co-curating 3 UKPHA exhibitions at the Brunei Gallery at SOAS - most recently, Empire of the Sikhs. In 2018, he was awarded an OBE for services to Sikh and Punjabi Heritage and Culture. He is currently a member of the Special Committee on Non Commemoration established by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and, since last year, he has been hosting the hugely successful UKPHA online bookclub.
For me, one of the key points in this episode is the importance of mentoring. Of sharing knowledge widely and generously, while also creating opportunities for others to develop the interest they have in history, heritage and culture. Also, the extraordinary possibilities that emerge when you get together with a group of likeminded friends who share your passion for both learning about and sharing history and culture with others.
This episode, like many others, also emphasises the need for institutions to be good partners.
Follow Amandeep on Twitter @amanmadra & Instagram @amandeepm
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