South Asian Heritage Month blog
The strength in our journeys
Dr Sureshkumar Kamalakannan is an occupational therapist, global health researcher, educator and international leader whose career spans clinical practice, public health, rehabilitation, disability inclusion and health systems research across the UK and globally.
He currently serves as Vice Chair and Council Member for International Affairs at the RCOT and BAOT, UK Country Delegate to the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT), and Director of the Cochrane India Network Affiliate for Public Health and Disability.
His work focuses on strengthening rehabilitation and disability-inclusive health systems, advancing evidence-informed policy, and improving equitable access to health and social care.
Dr Sureshkuma is also a Founding Committee member of the British Indian Allied Health Professionals Association (BIAHPA).
BIAHPA is an arm’s‑length body of the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO), with its own governance structure and a clear mission: to empower all Allied Health Professionals in the UK to thrive, while celebrating, supporting, and amplifying the voices of those from an Indian background.
Their work spans advocacy, professional development, pastoral support, leadership development, and building inclusive professional communities.
The struggles that shape us can become the foundations upon which others build
South Asian Heritage Month is more than a celebration of culture and history. It is an opportunity to reflect on the journeys, sacrifices and resilience that shape who we are and how we contribute to society.
Challenges were not obstacles to my growth – they were catalysts for it.
As an occupational therapist, researcher, educator and Council Member for International Affairs at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, I often reflect on the path that brought me from my roots in India to leadership roles within the UK and international health communities. It has been a journey marked not only by opportunities, but also by challenges that tested my confidence, identity, and sense of belonging.
Like many professionals from Global Majority communities, I have experienced moments when my differences appeared more visible than my strengths.
Navigating unfamiliar systems, adapting to new cultures and overcoming assumptions about who can lead required persistence and resilience.
Looking back, I recognise that these challenges were not obstacles to my growth – they were catalysts for it. They taught me empathy, humility and the importance of creating spaces where every individual feels valued and heard.
Strengthening our profession strengthens the communities we serve
Occupational therapy is founded on the belief that participation, dignity and opportunity matter. These principles extend beyond our work with individuals and communities.
They should also shape our workplaces, our leadership structures and our professional culture.
Every Allied Health Professional has a responsibility to champion inclusion, challenge inequity and ensure that talent is recognised regardless of background, accent, ethnicity or place of origin.
This South Asian Heritage Month, I invite colleagues across the Allied Health Professions to reflect on the stories that often remain unseen behind professional success.
Our diverse experiences are not barriers to excellence – they are sources of insight, innovation and strength. When we embrace different perspectives and create genuine opportunities for others to thrive, we strengthen not only our professions but also the communities we serve.
Thrive and flourish
The struggles that shape us can become the foundations upon which others build.
Let us continue to open doors, amplify voices and create a future where everyone feels they belong, can contribute meaningfully and has the opportunity to flourish.
Our sincere thanks to Dr Sureshkumar for writing this reflective piece.
Beginning his professional journey as an occupational therapist in India before working within the NHS and academia in the UK, Dr Kamalakannan has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between research, policy, and practice. He has led and contributed to international programmes funded by organisations including NIHR, Wellcome, MRC, WHO, and USAID, with a particular focus on stroke rehabilitation, workforce development, digital health innovation, and global disability inclusion.
Beyond his professional achievements, he is passionate about mentoring future leaders and creating opportunities for occupational therapists and Allied Health Professionals to influence health policy and systems worldwide. Having navigated professional and cultural transitions across continents, he remains committed to championing inclusion, amplifying diverse voices, and supporting future generations from Global Majority communities to thrive, lead, and shape the future of the profession.
If you'd like to join him in mentoring future leaders, explore the British Indian Allied Health Professionals Association (BIAHPA) or join our B.A.M.E Network on RCOT Communities to share, connect and thrive.