Kent Equality Cohesion Council

Author: susan

  • South Asian Heritage Month Celebrations

    South Asian Heritage Month Celebrations

    South Asian Heritage Month Celebrations

    KECC in partnership with Cohesion Plus once again delivered South Asian Heritage Month Celebrations taking place across Dartford and Gravesend.

    Dartford South Asian Heritage Month on Tuesday 22nd July in the Orchard West Theatre and saw the showcasing of South Asian art forms and the recognition of celebrated local community champions. Around 150 local residents attended the celebrations including civic guests Cllr Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council and Mayor of Dartford Cllr Peter Whapshot as well as Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL who also represented the Lord Lieutenant of Kent.

    The evening saw the inaugural presentation of the Dev Sharma Community Award. The award was presented to Cllr Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council, Bina Pandaya Ghimire, President of the Nepalese Community Group and Gurdial Singh Rai, President of Dartford Guru Hargobind Singh Gurdwara. All recipients of the award have worked long and hard in their respective communities and displayed exceptional leadership. There was also a programme of artistic performances by local artists showcasing their respective art forms which originated from the South and North of India as well as Bangladesh.

    In addition, the Gravesend South Asian Heritage Month celebrations were marked at the Studio, Woodville on Wednesday 23rd July. As part of the evening, attendees were able to watch the premiere of three new films which once again celebrated the positive contribution made by local residents of South Asian descent.

    Dignitaries in attendance included the Mayor of Gravesham Cllr Jenny Wallace, Joanne Holmes DL and Anne Millington DL.

    The first film covered the journey of the local Eid Community Mela which begun in 2023 and was organised working in partnership with local community figures. The celebrations are some of the largest in Kent and one that brings Muslims and non-Muslims alike together to enjoy a full programme of on stage, culturally diverse performances from artists of Indian, Pakistani, Syrian and Bangladeshi descent. Co organisers Bilal Farooq CEO of Kent Muslim Hands and Khawar Khurshit of Gravesham Skills Centre were awarded a special community award to mark their hard work and efforts for the event, working in partnership with Cohesion Plus.

    The second film told the story of the largest Kabbadi Tournament held in the South East and organised by local Kabbadi Club, a club run by volunteers for well over 20 years. The film showcased the immense impact the sport has on both British born players as well as those from India and Pakistan who are invited to play internationally on large scale platforms annually. The Kabbadi Club were also recipients of the special community award, marking their vast contribution towards sports and culture.

    The third and final film showcased the practice of ‘Seva’ (selfless service) and the long held tradition across three generations of the Birring family. The film captured the individual stories of the elder and younger members of the family, highlighting the differences in lifestyles and also the connecting practice of seva with the Gravesend Guru Nanak Dabar Gurdwara serving at the backdrop. The family also received a special community award for their prolific efforts and service to the local community.

    In addition there was a special World War 2 exhibition commemorating the contributions made by the Commonwealth and specifically soldiers of South Asian descent. The families of those soldiers were also in attendance and they had the opportunity to tell their stories.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of KECC commented,

    “I am so incredibly proud of what we were able to produce and deliver as part of this year’s South Asian Heritage Month celebrating local heroes, stories and art forms. I feel it is vital to celebrate this month as it is South Asian history is British history. Our histories are so intrinsically intertwined that it would be remiss of us not to highlight and showcase the myriad of ways that the Asian subcontinent has contributed to the fabric of British society. We are currently living in very divisive times so I believe now more so than ever, we have a responsibility to celebrate Britain in its modern, diverse context. I feel we achieved this with these wonderful events and the success is clearly evident in the sheer number of people who came out to support them.”

  • Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival

    Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival

    Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival

    The 19th annual Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival took place on Sunday 20th July and was a resounding success. Produced by Kent Equality Cohesion Council in partnership with Cohesion Plus, the free event once again delivered a family themed celebration which brought the many communities of Royal Tunbridge Wells together.

    Despite the classic unpredictability of the British summer hundreds of people turned out to support the Mela which at its heart, champions diversity and celebrates community cohesion. Festivalgoers enjoyed a packed programme of performances from midday to evening as well as a sumptuous offer of food from around the world.

    The High Sheriff of Kent Jonathon Neame, Deputy Lieutenant of Kent Lord Evans and Mayor of Tunbridge Wells Cllr David Osborne were also in attendance and joined in with the festivities

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of KECC and producer of the Mela, commented:

    “It’s always a pleasure to return to Tunbridge Wells and deliver the Mela Festival which is a beloved event in the borough’s calendar. The Mela Festival will always be a wonderful example of how the many diverse communities of the area can come together to celebrate what connects them through a colourful programme of ethnically diverse acts. The Mela Festival is always so warmly received and this year was no different despite the early heavy rain. We look forward to 2026 and delivering another unifying, colourful event.”

  • Eid Community Mela brings North Kent together

    Eid Community Mela brings North Kent together

    Eid Community Mela brings North Kent together

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council once again supported the Eid Community Mela celebrations in Gravesend, working with Cohesion Plus in partnership with Gravesend Skills Centre, Kent Muslim Hands and local community figures.

    The Mela was created to mark Eid Ul Adhar and promote unity among diverse communities in Gravesham, celebrating together regardless of faith. The on and off-stage programme featured a rich mix of artists, performances, and community stalls that reflected the cultural diversity of the local Muslim community and beyond. In addition, agencies such as Kent Police, Rethink Sahayak, Home Office Immigration Project, Windrush Scheme and many more attended, engaging with audience members.

    Civic guests in attendance included the High Sheriff of Kent, Jonathan Neame DL, and the Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, Gurvinder Sandher as well as faith leaders such as Senior Vice President of the Gravesend Guru Nanak Gurdwara Indi Sall and Chair of the North Kent Interfaith Forum Bishop Greg Kitsell.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of KECC, said:

    “Regardless of the event and time of year, our express mission is to bring people together to celebrate diversity, unity and community. Our Eid Community Mela did just that, welcoming not just those from the Muslim faith, but countless other attendees from non-Muslim backgrounds. Eid is a particularly special time of the year for those who celebrate it and I know it meant a lot to the local community to be able to mark it together. I am proud of what we were able to achieve and I look forward to working with the local community again in the future”

    Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. The holiday is marked by prayers, charitable giving, and community celebrations around the world.

  • 80th Anniversary VE Day Celebrations

    80th Anniversary VE Day Celebrations

    KECC supports Cohesion Plus and Dartford Borough in delivering 80th Anniversary VE Day Celebrations in Central Park

    KECC supported Cohesion Plus in delivering the 80th Anniversary VE Day celebrations working in partnership with Dartford Borough Council. The event which took place in Central Park on Sunday 18th May saw hundreds of local residents in attendance.

    Dignitaries in attendance included the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, The Lady Colgrain; Mayor of Dartford, Peter Whapshott; and the Leader of Dartford Borough Council, Cllr Jeremy Kite who addressed the crowds and shared their own words around what VE Day meant to them as well as the of coming together as a community.

    Community engagement was at the heart of the day, with free refreshments provided by the Scouts, as well as face painting and colouring workshops keeping younger visitors entertained. In addition, there was additional activity in the shape of live musical performances of wartime classics, costumed WW2 actors, and a life-sized replica of a Spitfire aircraft providing striking visuals for families and history enthusiasts alike. Attendees also explored a vintage fire engine, a bomb disposal demonstration, and interactive exhibitions spotlighting the vital contributions of soldiers from across the Commonwealth.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of KECC commented,
    “The event was an incredible success and we are proud to have supported the festivities. VE Day serves as a vital reminder of all that was lost and gained through the selfless sacrifice of our soldiers across the nation as well as the Commonwealth. It was also an opportunity for communities to come together to celebrate all that brings us together as a nation.”

  • St Georges Day 2025

    St Georges Day 2025

    St George’s Day 2025

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council, in partnership with Cohesion Plus, and Dartford Borough Council, brought the communities of Gravesham and Dartford together for a joyful celebration of Saint George’s Day on April 23rd.

    The annual festivities are a much-anticipated and beloved tradition in the local calendar, celebrating the patron saint of England as well as what it means to be British in modern day Britain.

    In the lead-up to the day, some 1200 pupils participated in creative arts workshops led by Same Sky, producing Saint George-themed shields, dragons, and banners featuring messages of friendship, unity, and community. These artworks were proudly displayed during the parades, bringing colour and joy to the town centres.

    Alongside the parade, crowds were treated to an elective and culturally diverse programme of entertainment, which was reflective of the diverse communities in the towns.

    Speaking about the event, Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of KECC and producer of the celebrations, said:

    “St George’s Day is an opportunity to highlight all that brings us together and to celebrate who we are as a nation. The celebrations provide an opportunity to promote inclusion, welcoming all regardless of ethnicity, faith and background. We are stronger together than divided and it’s important to amplify this message especially amongst young people.”

  • Vaisakhi Celebrations in Gravesham

    Vaisakhi Celebrations in Gravesham

    Vaisakhi Celebrations in Gravesham

    Thousands gathered in Gravesend to celebrate Vaisakhi, one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar, in a colourful and joyful celebration that brought together communities from across Gravesham and beyond.

    Organised by the Management Committee of the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, the event featured a vibrant procession through the town, traditional music, and food served to all in the spirit of sewa (selfless service), one of the core principles of Sikhism.

    The Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara has become a focal point for interfaith and intercultural engagement, and the Vaisakhi celebrations continue to highlight the rich diversity of North Kent and the important contributions of the Sikh community to the social and cultural life of the region.

    Among those in attendance was Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL the CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council, who attended in his official capacity as Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, representing the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Lady Colgrain. He is the first of Sikh faith to hold the title in Kent.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL commented after the event “Vaisakhi is not just a celebration for the Sikh community—it’s a moment that brings people of all backgrounds together in a spirit of unity, service, and gratitude. The values we see at the heart of this event—equality, compassion, and community—are ones that resonate far beyond religious or cultural lines and also are the core values of KECC and drives our work locally.”

    Vaisakhi Celebrations on Gravesend

  • Maidstone Welcomes the Year of the Snake with Vibrant Lunar New Year Celebrations

    Maidstone Welcomes the Year of the Snake with Vibrant Lunar New Year Celebrations

    Maidstone Welcomes the Year of the Snake with Vibrant Lunar New Year Celebrations

    Maidstone marked the arrival of the Year of the Snake with a spectacular Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday 1st February. The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is the most significant traditional celebration for many East and Southeast Asian cultures. It signifies the start of the lunar calendar year and is typically observed with family reunions, feasts, and cultural traditions aimed at bringing good luck, health, and prosperity for the year ahead.

    The event, produced by Cohesion Plus and Kent Equality Council in partnership with the Maidstone Cultural Group and Maidstone Borough Council, brought together communities to celebrate this important occasion.

    The festivities commenced on Jubilee Square with a traditional ‘Dotting of the Eyes’ ceremony, a symbolic ritual that awakens the Dancing Lions. The ceremony was led by Michael Lam, a member of the Maidstone Cultural Group and a local business owner, alongside Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council. They were joined by special guests, including Deputy Lieutenant of Kent Andrew Wood and Mayor of Maidstone Cllr John Perry.

    Following the ceremony, the Dancing Lions took centre stage, captivating the crowds with their energetic and mesmerizing movements. The artistic program continued with a range of performances, including the SOAS Chinese Music Ensemble, who enchanted audiences with traditional Shanghai Tea Room melodies, and award-winning dancer Zihan Liu, who delivered a series of exquisite performances inspired by Chinese theatre.

  • Dev Sharma MBE Chair of Kent Equality Cohesion Council 1940-2024

    Dev Sharma MBE Chair of Kent Equality Cohesion Council 1940-2024

    Dev Sharma MBE Chair of Kent Equality Cohesion Council 1940-2024

    It is with great sadness that Kent Equality Cohesion Council announces the passing of its Chair Dev Sharma MBE following a short illness.

    Dev worked tirelessly in the community since the 1970’s promoting community cohesion and assisting victims of racial harassment. This work led him in helping to establish the Dartford and District Racial Equality Council in 1990 working with like-minded members from the local community including the Chair Darshan Singh Sandhu MBE.

    His vision and dedication then led to the expansion of this work beyond Dartford and the establishment of the North West Kent Racial Equality Council in 1999, further amplifying his lifelong commitment to justice and fairness. An organisation he continued to lead until his retirement in 2010.

    In the period prior to the publication of the Macpherson Report in 1999, work around equality and diversity was incredibly rare with limited funding and overall lack of visibility in the charity sector. In this respect, Dev was a trailblazer, championing partnership working between the public sector and the community sector and seeking opportunities to bring communities together to celebrate what unites rather than divides. Dev established long term partnerships with Dartford Borough Council, Kent County Council, Gravesham Borough Council and Kent Police which still remain strong today.

    In 2006, Dev’s extraordinary contributions to the community were recognized when he was awarded an MBE by Her Majesty the Queen. Even after retiring in 2010, his legacy continued to inspire those dedicated to promoting equality and understanding.

    Dev’s service extended beyond racial equality. As an active member of Lions Club International, he demonstrated an unwavering dedication to humanitarian causes, embodying the spirit of selfless service and leadership.

    Following his retirement in 2010 he was elected Chair of the newly formed Kent Equality Cohesion Council, a role he performed with great distinction against the backdrop of raising community tensions and challenging economic outlook.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL “I am deeply saddened by the passing of not just a colleague and mentor, but also my dear friend. I had the great pleasure of working closely with Dev since 1999 and learnt so much from him over the years. He was an inspirational leader and someone who was always willing to help others. I am incredibly grateful that, even after his retirement, Dev remained on hand to guide me through countless challenges and was with me during all the successes. Dev Sharma MBE leaves behind a profound legacy of compassion, advocacy and service. He will be deeply missed, but his contributions will continue to shape the communities he so passionately served in North Kent and the Kent Equality Cohesion Council that he led for so many years. I will miss his guidance and friendship.”

  • Inter Faith Reception

    Inter Faith Reception

    Inter Faith Reception

    HM Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, Lady Colgrain hosted the first Inter Faith Reception with support from Deputy Lieutenant Gurvinder Sandher MBE and the Kent Equality Cohesion Council. The reception took place on Monday 11th November and looked to bring faith and community representatives together from across the county.

    In total 20 faith representatives attended the reception at County Hall in Maidstone where the Chairman of KCC, Byran Sweetland very kindly provided the use of his rooms. Each representative had the opportunity to speak with the Lord-Lieutenant Lady Colgrain around their experiences and the work being done with their congregations as well as their local communities. The reception also provided an opportunity for those in attendance to learn from their peers and promote positive relationships between faith groups in the county.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of KECC commented, “We are very lucky to enjoy such strong relationships across faiths and communities here in Kent and the purpose of this reception was to build upon those relationships and reaffirm our partnership. It also provided an opportunity for open discourse as well as to celebrate our unity. I am incredibly grateful to the faith representatives that took the time to attend and support the initiative. Work of this nature is only as successful as the buy in received from partners and I am glad that they had an opportunity to attend and speak with the Lord-Lieutenant who I know was moved by the work being done. We hope the success of the reception spurs on future Inter Faith activity working alongside the Kent Lieutenancy.”

  • Gravesham Diwali Celebrations brings community together

    Gravesham Diwali Celebrations brings community together

    Gravesham Diwali Celebrations brings community together

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council supported by Cohesion Plus once again produced community celebrations for Diwali on Friday 8th November to mark the Festival of Light. The event which took place at Saint George’s Church Hall was attended by over 100 guests and saw a spectacular evening of music, food and dance.

    The aim of the event was to bring members of the local community together with a particular focus on elders who wouldn’t necessarily have the opportunity to celebrate in a social setting often due to isolation and ill-health.

    There was a short programme of entertainment provided by Four by Four Bhangra Youth Club Kings of Dhol and DJ Replay as well as a full Indian buffet dinner.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of KECC commented, “We are so pleased to have been able to deliver Diwali celebrations once again in Gravesham celebrating the triumph of light over darkness. This year was extra special in that this event was particularly focused on our community elders, providing them an opportunity to come out and celebrate Diwali in a social setting. We are eternally grateful to everyone who took the time to support our work and we look forward to delivering more community celebrations in the future.”