South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) is a month-long celebration in Canada that aims to recognize and highlight the contributions of South Asians to Canadian society. This celebration takes place during the month of May and is an opportunity to showcase the rich cultural diversity, history, and heritage of South Asians in Canada.
During SAHM, various events, activities, and initiatives take place across the country to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of South Asian Canadians. One such initiative is the annual poster and panel discussion organized by CASSA, which brings together South Asian-Canadian trailblazers to share their experiences and insights.
The poster and panel discussion serves as a platform to showcase the contributions of South Asian Canadians in various fields, such as health, politics, entertainment, business, and academia. The event aims to inspire and empower the younger generation of South Asian Canadians to pursue their dreams and aspirations, and to make a positive impact on Canadian society.
Through this event, CASSA strives to promote cultural understanding and appreciation among Canadians of all backgrounds and to create a more inclusive and diverse society. SAHM is a valuable opportunity to celebrate the cultural richness and diversity of Canada, and to recognize the significant contributions of South Asian Canadians to the fabric of Canadian society.
2025
Every May, CASSA proudly celebrates South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM), a month-long tribute to the rich cultural diversity, history, and heritage of South Asians in Canada. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Migrant and Refugee Justice Champions,” is especially timely, as support for migrant and refugee communities is more critical than ever across the West, particularly in North America.
The campaign kicked off in the first week of May with a series of dedicated posts, each spotlighting remarkable South Asian Canadians who tirelessly advocate for migrant and refugee justice—both professionally and personally. Their work spans activism, legal support, community organizing, and more, illustrating the diverse ways South Asians contribute to social justice.
The celebration culminated on May 19th with the unveiling of CASSA’s 2025 SAHM poster, featuring six inspiring champions:
- Harsha Walia: Author and Community Organizer
- Shalini Konanur: Executive Director and Senior Lawyer, South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario (SALCO)
- Syed Hussan: Executive Director, Migrant Workers Alliance for Change
- Chris Ramsaroop: Organizer, Justicia for Migrant Workers; Assistant Professor, University of Toronto; Co-Director, Migrant Farm Worker Legal Clinic
- Prasanna Balasundaram: Advocate and Special Advocate
- Naujawan Support Network (NSN): Immigrant Worker and International Student Collective, Brampton
We are proud to honor these champions who continue to uplift, support, and shape the future of our vibrant community and beyond. Their dedication inspires us all to work towards a more just and equitable society.
