What does South Asian Heritage Month mean to you?
The College welcomes and supports South Asian Heritage Month, which runs from 18 July to 17 August each year and seeks to commemorate and celebrate South Asian cultures, histories and communities.
People with South Asian heritage have had a significant and positive impact within healthcare, the NHS and our College.
We value the rich diversity of our membership and would like to celebrate and champion the achievements and perspectives of our members with South Asian heritage.
“Having the opportunity to honour a culture which is the essence of who I am enables me to give more to my professional work.”
Dr Ramai Santhirapala, RCoA Council Member, Consultant Anaesthetist at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
If you would like to share your story, we would love to hear from you. Please contact sssoper@rcoa.ac.uk
I am Dr Muthuraja Marimuthu, a Consultant Anaesthetist working in Aneurin Bevan Health Board in Newport, Wales.
My South Asian heritage is a profound and integral part of my identity, deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of traditions, values, and history from the region. Growing up, I was immersed in a culture that celebrates diversity, resilience, and community. From vibrant festivals like Diwali and Eid, which bring together families and friends in joyous celebration, to the daily rituals that emphasise respect for elders and a strong sense of familial duty, my cultural heritage has shaped my worldview.
The languages, music, cuisine, and customs of South Asia have instilled in me a deep appreciation for multiculturalism and the importance of preserving and honouring one's roots. My cultural identity is a blend of these traditional elements and the contemporary influences of living in a diverse, global society. This fusion allows me to navigate and appreciate different cultures while maintaining a strong connection to my South Asian origins.
The theme ‘free to be me’ resonates deeply with my experiences and aspirations. As an anaesthetist, I strive to bring my authentic self into my professional life. This journey has not been without its challenges, as the medical field often demands conformity to established norms. However, my South Asian heritage provides a unique perspective and strength that I leverage in my career. I feel a profound sense of pride in my cultural identity, which allows me to offer compassionate, culturally sensitive care to a diverse patient population.
While there are moments when societal expectations and stereotypes can be limiting, I actively work towards breaking these barriers by being a visible example of diversity and inclusion in the medical profession. The freedom to be myself, both culturally and professionally, is an ongoing journey, and I am committed to creating spaces where others feel equally empowered to embrace their full identities.
The moment I witnessed a doctor who could swiftly calm patients with general anaesthesia or other pain-relieving injections, I was inspired. An ICU visit in a post graduate hospital strongly influenced my decision to become an Anesthesiologist. They wielded intricate instruments, managed complex calculations, monitored vital signs —all while caring for patients with dwindling hope.
Coming from Bangladesh, where rural life shaped my upbringing, I once never imagined artificial ventilation could save snakebite or GBS patients. This realization during my medical school days propelled my interest in anaesthesia. Another motivating factor was the social perspective: I believed specialised training in anaesthesia would enable me to handle critical situations better than a general practitioner performing routine surgeries. Given the severe shortage of anaesthetic specialists, I seized opportunities to manage substantial caseloads under the guidance of consultants and postgraduates, often working independently in rural and urban hospitals.
I was fortunate to train extensively under Royal College Fellows, both as a learner and collaborator, I pursued further specialisation at home and abroad after my fellowship. Currently, I am dedicated to advancing ultrasound-guided nerve block techniques across my country.