South Asian Heritage Month 2025: from Roots to Routes
The theme for this year’s South Asian Heritage Month is ‘Roots to Routes’, exploring the journey of growth. Microbiology laboratory manager, Manfred Almeida, shares his journey and what this year’s theme means to him.
My name is Manfred Almeida and I am one of the microbiology laboratory managers at Charing Cross Hospital.
Culturally, I’m Goan, from a small, vibrant west coast Indian state that carries both Indian and Portuguese influences. My parents spoke fluent Portuguese, Konkani (the official language of Goa), and English—a reflection of Goa’s colonial past and its rich linguistic landscape. Goa itself is a place of contrasts: serene golden beaches in the south and energetic rave culture in the north.
My journey didn't start in Goa—it began in Nairobi, Kenya, where I was born. My parents had settled there before moving once again to the UK in 1968. In Kenya, my parents spoke Swahili, another language to add to the three they were already fluent in, however, despite this multilingual heritage, I must confess that English remains my only fluent tongue!
Since arriving in the UK, I’ve lived and worked across East, Central, North, and West London, and I now reside in the South - so I suppose it’s fair to say I’ve earned my stripes as a true Londoner.
Manfred
"One of the great joys of working in such a diverse NHS environment is the shared appreciation of each other’s cultures"
From a young age, I was drawn to laboratory experiments, bunsen burners, litmus paper and the discovery of how and why. What began as curiosity became a career, and over the years I progressed from entry level roles to become a laboratory manager.
It was two decades into my professional journey that I found out my grandfather had worked in pharmacy, theatres, and blood testing. Unknowingly, I had followed in his footsteps, and my roots had influenced my route.
Like many in our workforce, I carry a multicultural identity - a journey that often feels like a real-life version of Race Across the World. One of the great joys of working in such a diverse NHS environment is the shared appreciation of each other’s cultures, especially when it comes to food!
Goan cuisine blends Indian and Portuguese influences, such as coconut, jaggery, spices, and seafood. Our religious festivals bring opportunities not just for celebration, but for sharing traditions and recipes that connect us to our pasts.
South Asian Heritage Month is a time to reflect on our stories, learn from each other and celebrate the amazing diversity we bring to our Trust. For me, Roots to Routes perfectly captures that idea: the path we walk is often shaped by where we began, even if we don’t see it right away.
