Diaspora Diaries : Zaynab Zubair on Identity, Culture, Creativity and Finding Serendipity

In this episode host Dee Gibson welcomes British Sri Lankan writer Zaynab Zubair. Dee and Zaynab explore a myriad of topics surrounding Sri Lankan identities and the diaspora experience and Zaynab reads an excerpt from her upcoming book 'Finding Serendipity,' which delves into themes of migration, identity, and the cultural interplay between Sri Lanka and Britain.

They reflect on the historical influence of colonialism, the complexities of religious identities, and how cultural upbringing shapes personal narratives. The conversation highlights the importance of storytelling in capturing the nuanced experiences of the Sri Lankan diaspora.

The conversation also highlights the importance of communities like Hera project X in supporting creative Sri Lankan women globally.

Summary

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:08 Meet Zaynab Zubair: A Sri Lankan-British Writer

02:39 Reading from 'Finding Serendipity'

08:42 Zaynab Personal Journey

14:31 Exploring Identity and Culture

20:04 The Role of Religion in Sri Lankan Life

32:28 Blending Cultures: Zaynab Family Life

36:27 The Hera Project and Community

39:33 What's Next for Zaynab?

LINKS

Short Stories

Coromandel: A boyhood of love - Short Story (Frescoes Book 1) https://amzn.eu/d/hv4TYvC

Vesak in Dilmun: A short story https://amzn.eu/d/0NJZKqw
Finding Serendipity Instagram for release updates! 

https://www.instagram.com/finding_serendipity.lk?igsh=MXV3a2Fpc2lrYXZnbw==

Follow Zaynab
 
Baobab.lk instagram 

https://www.instagram.com/baobab.lk/profilecard/?igsh=dmgzd2J3aG40aHBr

Dee Gibson is the award winning designer and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka, www.kalukandahouse.com ~ Conde Nast Best Places to Visit in Asia 2024 & HIP Hotels Best Hotels 2025. You can follow on
instagram @deegibson2017 or @kalukandahouse

This podcast lifts the veil on what, and more importantly WHO this island is with conversations about all the things you never read about in the travel pages. Dee showcases a fascinating modern society reclaiming their identity and taking ownership of their narratives on the global stage. No subject is taboo so expect guests talking about everything from activism through art and yoga, why sari was modified by British colonisers, a performance on love and lust to episodes on forgotten heroines being narrated back into our history books and much more.