Mandalia said seeing it included in the exhibition was emotional.
“I wish she was here to see it,” adding: “I talk to her before I go to bed. It helps me, and I don’t feel as sad.”
She joined the workshop after being introduced to the group and began attending sessions.
“As soon as I went, every single face had a lovely smile on it, so we got connected straight away,” she said.
She added that the experience helped her meet new people.
“Sometimes people just stay in their own environment, so it’s important they connect with others,” she said.
The exhibition reflects this year’s South Asian Heritage Month theme, Unity in Diversity.
Preet Cox, community engagement officer at the museum, said the new space allows communities to present their stories in their own way.
“The community space gives local groups a platform to share their stories in a way that feels authentic to them,” she said.
“When communities feel represented in museums, it creates a sense of belonging.”
Do you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks? Contact us below.