South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) is a month-long celebration of the legacy and contributions of individuals in the UK who have their origins in the countries of South Asia. Now in its third year and running from July 18 to August 17, the theme for SAHM 2022 is Journeys of Empire.
To commemorate SAHM, Reed Smith international arbitration and litigation partner Gautam Bhattacharyya has, as part of a special podcast series, interviewed some inspirational and prominent members of the UK legal community who are of South Asian heritage. Gautam has also shared his views on this important celebration in a personal perspectives piece.
To view the perspective, please download the PDF below.
Part 1: Spotlight on ... Tony Singla QC
In our inaugural SAHM Spotlight on… episode, Gautam Bhattacharyya welcomes a “real star of his generation,” Tony Singla QC, to discuss why Tony pursued a career in the law. Tony shares his career inspirations, how his experience as a mentee impacts him in being a mentor, his thoughts on improving the arbitral process, and ways to further diversity, equality and inclusion in the law and in arbitration – before talking all things Top Gun and skiing in the Alps.
Part 2: Spotlight on ... Ricky Diwan QC
Gautam Bhattacharyya hosts leading silk Ricky Diwan QC, who effortlessly “glues the attention of the court” in this SAHM Spotlight on… episode. The pair discuss Ricky’s love of languages and French literature, his path to becoming a lawyer in New York and then London, his career inspirations and their impact on his mentoring style, his reflections on being an arbitrator rather than counsel – and his love of the film, 3 Idiots.
Part 3: Spotlight on ... Farhaz Khan QC
Described by directories as “likely to become a doyen of the market,” Farhaz Khan QC of 3VB joins us for this “Spotlight on…” episode. He and host Gautam Bhattacharyya discuss Farhaz’s academic background, why he became a lawyer, his mentors and career inspirations, potential reforms to the arbitral process – and his 2022 Glastonbury experience.
Part 4: Spotlight on ... Bankim Thanki QC
Pre-eminent leading counsel and Head of Fountain Court Chambers Bankim Thanki QC joins Gautam Bhattacharyya to discuss his journey to the bar. The duo cover Bankim’s role models, the differences in advocacy in litigation vs arbitration, some of his memorable cases, his work with Ukraine, diversity in the field of law – and his love of bluegrass music and the opera.
Part 5: Spotlight on ... Saima Hanif QC
Commended for Barrister of the Year (The Lawyer Awards 2021) Saima Hanif QC LinkedIn joins Gautam Bhattacharyya to discuss the path that led her to the law, her career inspirations, and the progress of diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession. The duo discuss Saima’s philosophy that ‘your CV needs to follow your life,’ before turning to her love of Britpop and the Sachal Jazz Orchestra.
Part 6: Spotlight on ... Rising stars of One Essex Court
Gautam Bhattacharyya welcomes four rising stars of One Essex Court: Nehali Shah, Veena Srirangam, Niranjan Venkatesan and KV Krishnaprasad, for the final episode in our SAHM series. The conversation covers why each chose the legal profession, their career mentors and inspirations, advice for up-and-coming lawyers, memorable cases and views on DE&I, before turning to musical interests, travel wish lists and favorite films.
