This week on the show I speak to Suki Randhawa. One of the original founders of Four by Four Bhangra Group. Established in 1994 by Gurdish Sall, Marni Dhinsa, Sunny Sandher and of course Suki were the 4 original dancers and Billy Sandher the original dhol player. The founder members had previously performed with Jugnu Bhangra to much acclaim, Marni, Gurdish and Sunny between 1985 and 1994 and Suki and Billy between 1989 and 1994. From an initial membership of 4 dancers the group has flourished and is recognised as one of the leading lights on the bhangra dance scene. The group is recognised not just for its performances but also its hard work in the local community working alongside other community partners and faith groups to promote positive community relations around Kent. PRESS PLAY DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the person/guest appearing on the show and do not reflect the views and opinions of the British Asian Podcast or anyone associated with the show.

This week on the show we speak to Sukki Singapora a burlesque performer and model. She is best known for being the first international burlesque performer from Singapore. She is also known for her outspoken political views on freedom of expression for women in socially restrictive countries and she was recognized with an "Asian Women of Achievement Award. Her career choice as a Burlesque performer, despite her stringent cultural background, has gained her a large international fanbase, leading to her founding The Singapore Burlesque Society in 2012: to protect Asian women (and men) wanting to pursue a career in burlesque. She became the first burlesque performer in the world to be invited for tea at Buckingham Palace for recognition of her contribution to the Arts as an Asian role model. She states that there is a taboo and disapproval surrounding burlesque within the Asian community and has worked to change the stereotypes and misconceptions about Burlesque and to encourage others to try the performance style. About her activism for Asian women, she stated; "This is not just an opportunity to prove that Burlesque can make a difference, it is a responsibility".

Parmi Dheensa is the Founder and Executive Director of Include Me TOO which supports Black Asian & Ethnic Minority (BAME) disabled children & families. An award winning charity recently honoured by winning the National Diversity Award for Age as the charity works with all ages. She has over 15 years experience of working in the areas of equality, diversity, participation, human rights, community engagements & inclusion. She has worked with voluntary, community, statutory sectors, locally, regionally & nationally. During which she has developed and implemented several BAME specialist community research programmes, consultations & managed specialists service delivery projects/programmes, including early years & children & families provisions, parents & carers networks, disabled children & young people’s participation & inclusion. Parmi is passionate about supporting (BAME) disabled children & their families, to be champions through many approaches such as peer, mentoring support, increased awareness & information, sharing their experiences, their journeys & aspirations to influence positive changes for a better quality of family life.

Rani Bilkhu a mother of five is the founder and Director of Jeena International an innovative and proactive Women and Young People’s organisation working locally, nationally and internationally. For over 20 years Rani has been an activist in community based issues, from Interfaith work and Gender Inequalities for women especially those who are vulnerable. Rani passion has allowed her to become an entrepreneur with her training company Cultural Insight and using her knowledge base and skills as a Cultural Competence consultant and Trainer, she has delivered training to all three sectors corporate, statutory and third sector. Rani Bilkhu believes that by understanding and being able to engage with a diverse range of people will enhance both personal and professional relations; she recognises the gray area between Political Correctness and relevance of work practice. Rani Bilkhu’s views have been aired on Sky News, CNN, Al Jazeera and the BBC.

This week on the show we speak to Jas Jassal who is a co Founder of the Asian Cricket Awards and a Director of the Asian Football Awards. He was awarded the British Empire Medal Recipient (Queens New Year Honours list 2014) for charity and community service. He has been an Olympic Torchbearer London Olympics for charity and community impact and has been quoted as saying "My vision is to provide support to charity and community impact work and provide opportunities for youth to develop in sport". On this episode we talk to to him about his life and how sport has become his passion and tool to help people. You can find out more here: www.jasvirjassal.com www.asiancricketawards.co.uk Www.asianfootballawards.co.uk