REAL LIFE STORIES
BISHAMBER DAS Bishamber, 27, is runner up Miss India UK and a plus size rights activist, with an inspiring story about over-coming stereotypes, and life as a plus size woman in the South Asian community.
B
eing the First British Asian plus size model is a title I am extremely proud of. With this title has come lots of responsibility, which I strive to fulfil every day in everything I do. I am constantly working towards creating a stronger platform for plus size women, especially amongst South Asian communities. I graduated from the University of Derby in Law and
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Criminology, but decided I wanted to do more hands on work and entered the field of child protection. This journey has never been easy, as I have constantly hit barriers. Born in the United Kingdom to an Indian mother and a Malaysian father, and belonging to such rich cultures meant food was always the main focus in everyday life, exposing me to such wonderful cuisines. I
remember growing up as a healthy child where my mother would take great pride in making sure her children were getting the right nutrients. However, growing up was never easy. My father was an alcoholic; I regularly would witness and be a victim of domestic abuse against my mother and I. My father ran from most of his responsibilities, leaving my mother