The Indian Community Centre of Belfast is preparing to unveil an exciting new exhibition which looks at the lives and experiences of the first generation of Indian immigrants to Northern Ireland. The Indian Heritage in Northern Ireland exhibition will be on display at the Ulster Hall, Belfast from Monday 6th of December until New Year's Eve.

Indian Heritage in Northern Ireland is an oral history project that was initiated by the Indian Community Centre of Belfast in November 2008. Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the project aimed to explore and preserve the stories of the first generation of Indian immigrants who came to Northern Ireland. On display will be photographs which have been contributed by the participants themselves, and visitors to the exhibition will hear the heartbreaking and humorous stories of the Indian community as they left their homeland to forge a new life in Northern Ireland. Visitors will also witness India's eclectic way of life that echo both tradition and modernity.

Mr Ashok Sharma, the Project Manager and Chairperson of the Indian Community Centre Belfast, said: “Indians have been immigrating to Northern Ireland since the 1920s and many of them have passed away which is why we decided to initiate this project to record and preserve the untold stories of those still alive. The essence of this project is to make our future generations aware of the hardship their forefathers suffered but nevertheless have overcome them with great achievements.”

Mr Paul Mullan, Head of HLF Northern Ireland, said: “This exhibition is the culmination of an exciting project to capture the stories, memories and experiences of the first Indian immigrants to Northern Ireland. The exhibition is a wonderful way to share this important heritage with the wider community and we are delighted to be involved.”

The Indian Heritage in Northern Ireland exhibition will be on display at the Ulster Hall's Group Space from Monday 6th – Friday 31st December 2010. Entrance to the exhibition is free of charge