Asian Business Chamber celebrates festival of lights

The Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights, yesterday, paying homage to South Asia’s rich cultural heritage.

The event, held at the Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club, was attended by over 100 members and guests and marked the triumph of good over evil, and light over darkness.

ABCC committee member Monica Ghai hosted the event, highlighting Diwali's significance to Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains—a time when families, friends, and communities unite in celebration and joy.

The keynote speech was delivered by Piali Ray OBE, director of Sampad South Asian Arts & Heritage.

Sampad is a charity that connects people and communities to South Asian and British Asian arts and heritage by breaking down barriers, raising critical issues, and amplifying unheard voices.

Piali, who founded Sampad in 1990, emphasised the importance of coming together to celebrate life.

She remarked: “Diwali is a time of coming together - an opportunity to celebrate life.”

Community well-being is central to Sampad’s mission, with the organisation supporting various Birmingham businesses through multidisciplinary approaches, including mental health initiatives.

Piali also highlighted the importance of resilience alongside cultural enrichment, referencing initiatives like ‘Chai and Chat’—a women-focused event aimed at improving mental health and well-being through informal storytelling and poetry, amplifying unheard voices and hidden talent.

She continued, “We program a whole range of activities, working both inside and outside the formal education sector. After 33 years, I feel blessed that our aim has been achieved—developing talent, collaborating with global artists, and fostering a passion to serve the community.”

ABCC president Omar Rashid welcomed the guests, while Adam Peters and Emma Wilkinson from Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club offered members a 20 per cent venue discount.

Pictured from left to right: Monica Ghai, Omar Rashid, Piali Ray OBE, ABCC director Anjum Khan, Adam Peters and Emma Wilkinson