University partners with Birmingham-based digital British Asian magazine DESIblitz on screenings
Two film screenings and a touring exhibition on campus shared overlooked insights into South Asian heritage in Birmingham.
Commemorating the biggest strike led by South Asian women workers in the UK, DESIblitz partnered with the University of Birmingham on the screening of two films – Saris of Strength and The Power of Unity – as part of the University’s recent 125th Anniversary celebrations on Saturday 21 June.
The documentaries tell the powerful story of the Grunwick Strike, which began in 1976 and lasted two years, a movement that inspired mass pickets and generations of activists across Britain. The films explore the strikers’ fight against being “treated as animals rather than human beings” and their campaign for dignity and justice.
The screenings were accompanied by a special panel conversation featuring Raghib Ahsan, who joined the Grunwick picket line, Professor Sundari Anitha, author of Striking Women, and prominent members of Birmingham Black Sisters and the Indian Workers Association.
In addition to the screenings, DESIblitz brought their Truck Art Bus onto campus throughout the day as an interactive experience hub. The Bus also included a brand-new Saris of Strength exhibition, a powerful and engaging visual tribute that was open for all to explore.
Indi Deol, Director of DESIblitz, said:
“Collaborating with the University of Birmingham on this project was a powerful example of how creative and cultural initiatives can inspire young people to engage meaningfully with heritage work. This partnership perfectly illustrates the impact that can be achieved when education and community come together.”
A University student and a graduate supported the project as interns working with DESIblitz. Savita Vij (MA by Research, History) and Bridie King (MA International Heritage Management, 2025) curated and supported the delivery of the programme, across screenings, panel discussion and exhibition. Reflecting on the impact made by Savita and Bridie, Indi said:
“The energy, dedication, and creativity shown by both student interns significantly contributed to the success of our events, from curating a thought-provoking panel discussion following the screening of our film Saris of Strength and the Power of Unity, to designing an exhibition that travels on the DESIblitz Truck Art bus and genuinely resonates with the public.”
This programme of events was delivered through the Culture Forward and Alumni Impact Fund initiatives.
Culture Forward is a University-convened network of Birmingham and West Midlands-based arts, cultural, creative and community organisations. Culture Forward provides a forum for the University to work collaboratively with these sectors locally and regionally across research projects, public programmes, community engagement and student opportunities.
The Alumni Impact Fund, philanthropically supported by the University’s generous alumni and donors, is open to expressions of interest from staff at both our Edgbaston and Dubai campuses for student-focused projects that have a positive impact on teaching, learning, student experience, outreach and the academic endeavour.
The Alumni Impact Fund is part of the University’s wider Birmingham In Action fundraising and volunteering campaign.