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South Asian Canadian Heritage

Building K
33844 King Road
Abbotsford, BC
V2S 7N8

(604) 851-6325
sasi@ufv.ca
www.ufv.ca/sasi

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Devinder Kaur Johal is an 88 years old woman, who

Devinder Kaur Johal is an 88 years old woman, who immigrated to England in 1965 and later to Canada in 1977, where she worked to support her family. In her 60s, she began writing Punjabi poetry on themes like women’s empowerment and identity, which helped her cope with depression. In 2019, she won the Most Popular Vote at the PICS Golden Glam-Ma Beauty Pageant at 82. She has published eight poetry books, encouraging South Asian seniors to express themselves creatively.
Join us and Devinder on Thursday, September 19 from 4-6pm at Mehfil:
South Asian Folk Music evening at the K Building patio, University of the Fraser Valley (behind the Abbotsford Centre).
Producer: South Asian Studies Institute
Composer: Devinder Kaur Johal
Writer: Devinder Kaur Johal
Singer: Devinder Kaur Johal
Interviewer: Henna Mann
Videography: Thamilini Jothilingam
Studio: Civic Podcast Studio, Kwanthlen Polytechnic
University
Video editing : @_sadhik.__
Translation: @_sadhik.__

Since childhood, Daksh Kubba has found music to be

Since childhood, Daksh Kubba has found music to be his truest form of expression. Born and raised in Vijay Nagar, New Delhi, he moved to Delta, BC, at 18, where his passion for music deepened. A pivotal moment came when he picked up his guitar, Harold, and began to express himself more fully through sound. Daksh joined the band naQsh in 2007, where he learned the art of musical collaboration and harmony.
Over the years, Daksh has performed alongside renowned artists such as Junoon, Quratulain Balouch (QB), Saeen Zahoor, and Adnan Sami, and was honored to perform at the 2010 Winter Olympics. In 2018, he left his corporate job to focus solely on his passion, founding the ‘Koobook School of Arts & Performance’ to unite people through the transformative power of music and performance.
His debut solo album, Not Just a Singer, released in February 2022, explores themes such as inter-religion marriages, homophobia, love, and depression. Now, through his studio, ‘Kubba’s Kitchen,’ Daksh focuses on collaborating with local artists, helping to amplify their voices and stories through composition.
Join us and Daksh on Thursday, September 19 at Mehfil:
South Asian Folk Music evening at the K Building patio, University of the Fraser Valley (behind the Abbotsford Centre).
Producer: South Asian Studies Institute
Writer: Baba Bulleh Shah
Composer: Daksh Kubba
Singer: Daksh Kubba
Interviewer: Hamad Abdullah Nazar
Videography: Thamilini Jothilingam
Studio: Civic Podcast Studio, Kwantlen Polytechnic University Video editing: @_sadhik.__
Translation: @_sadhik.__

Some Panjabi wedding nostalgia here!! Harinder Sa

Some Panjabi wedding nostalgia here!!
Harinder Saini, has been immersed in singing folk songs since a young age. Now, she professionally delights audiences at various wedding events, through @raunkaanevents @hpksaini
Join us and Harinder Saini on Thursday, September 19 at Mehfil: South Asian Folk Music evening at the K Building patio, University of the Fraser Valley (behind the Abbotsford Centre).
Producer: South Asian Studies Institute
Composer: Traditional Panjabi folk song
Writer: Traditional Panjabi folk song
Singer: @hpksaini
Dholak: Lovely
Interviewer: Hamad Abdullah Nazar
Videography: Thamilini Jothilingam
Studio: Civic Podcast Studio,Kwanthlen Polytechnic
University
Video editing: @_sadhik.__
Translation: @_sadhik.__

Gurmukh Singh, born in Nangal, Rupnagar, and raise

Gurmukh Singh, born in Nangal, Rupnagar, and raised in Amritsar, Punjab, developed a deep passion for music early on, influenced by the legendary Mohammad Rafi and his father, who led his own orchestral band. After college, @gurmukh_singh_music formed his own band, Musafir, which performed over 500 shows across India, cementing his place in the music scene.
In 2022, Gurmukh moved to Canada, where the multicultural environment further inspired his artistic growth. He is now set to release his debut album Trapped, blending his Indian musical roots with contemporary sounds, marking a new chapter in his evolving career.
Join us and Gurmukh on Thursday, September 19 at Mehfil: South Asian Folk Music evening at the K Building patio, University of the Fraser Valley (behind the Abbotsford Centre).
Producer: South Asian Studies Institute
Composer: @gurdasmaanjeeyo
Writer: Panjabi folk song
Singer: @gurmukh_singh_music
Interviewer: @_sadhik.__
Videography: Thamilini Jothilingam
Sound Recording: Aaron Levy
Studio: CIVL Radio, University of the Fraser Valley
Video editing: @_sadhik.__
Translation: @_sadhik.__

Instagram post 17893395225072391

Instagram post 17893395225072391

All of us at the South Asian Studies Institute (SA

All of us at the South Asian Studies Institute (SASI) at the University of the Fraser Valley, are so proud that our Director, colleague, and friend Dr. Satwinder Kaur Bains was presented the King Charles III Coronation Medal by Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin and Premier of British Columbia David Eby in Vancouver today!
Satwinder is being celebrated and recognized for her significant contributions and outstanding achievements. Her dedication to service and impressive accomplishments have earned our respect and that of our community and country. The award recognizes Canadians like Satwinder who have had a positive impact particularly in the areas of diversity, sustainability, and the environment.
@goufv @ufv @ufvresearch @joannemaclean.ufvpresident @ufvarts @governmentofbc @musecdn @thecityofabbotsford @ufvenglish @fvcurrent
#canadianhistory #southasiancanadian #bchistory #SouthAsianDiaspora

The 5th Annual Bajwa Dhami Building Bridges Commun

The 5th Annual Bajwa Dhami Building Bridges Community Golf Day is here!
See you on the golf course tomorrow for a day full of camaraderie, golf, and making a difference!
@joannemaclean.ufvpresident
#golf #fundraising #southasiandiaspora #event

(1/2) We are very thankful to our sponsors for 202

(1/2) We are very thankful to our sponsors for 2024 Annual Bajwa Dhami Community Golf Day fundraising event.
Their generous and valuable support will help us raise funds to undertake important research initiatives at the South Asian Studies Institute.
#golf #fundraising #fundraisingevent #southasiancanadian #research

As we commemorate the 78th independence of India a

As we commemorate the 78th independence of India and Pakistan, the recent victories at the Paris Olympics offer a beautiful reminder of our shared humanity. Arshad Nadeem’s gold and Neeraj Chopra’s silver brought immense pride to their respective nations. But perhaps the most touching moment was the words from their mothers, crossing the borders of rivalry and competition. Neeraj’s mother lovingly said that Arshad is like a son to her, and Arshad’s mother echoed this sentiment, expressing that Arshad is like her own child. This heartfelt exchange reminds us that beyond the boundaries drawn by history, there is a deeper bond that unites us as people.
This bond was tested during the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, a time of great chaos and pain. As the British rule in the subcontinent ended, a line was drawn that divided families, friends, and entire communities. The partition led to one of the largest mass migrations in human history, with millions displaced and countless lives lost. Despite the tumultuous beginnings, both nations have progressed and evolved over the years, each forging its own path while remaining linked by a shared history and culture.
The second photograph is from Hari Sharma Archives at the Simon Fraser University and marks the coming together of various South Asian communities of B.C in 1997 for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Independence.
#independenceday #arshadnadeem #neerajchopra #14thaugust #15thaugust

We are very pleased to announce SASI director, Dr.

We are very pleased to announce SASI director, Dr. Satwinder Bains, has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal by B.C Premier, David Eby. This medal celebrates and recognizes 30,000 Canadians who have had a positive impact on their communities and country. This award is a testament to Dr. Bains’ lifelong contributions and services to the South Asian communities of Abbotsford, B.C and beyond. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Bains for this outstanding achievement.
#kingcharlescoronation
@goufv @ufvresearch @sacda.sasi

“Rails, Jails and Trolleys” (August 2022), mad

“Rails, Jails and Trolleys” (August 2022), made by Henna Mann, and produced by the South Asian Studies Institute presents the history and present-day events on the decline of agriculture in India.
The documentary analyzes responses to three agricultural bills passed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2020. The response to these bills became the ‘largest farmer’s protest in human history.’
Watch the full documentary through the link in our bio or visit our YouTube channel.
Produced by: Dr. Satwinder Kaur Bains, the director of The South Asian Studies Institute at the University of the Fraser Valley
Written, Directed and Edited by: Henna Mann
Interviews Featuring: Bal Dhillon, Bhupinder Hundal, Harbhajan Singh Athwal, Harneet Chahal, Jagdeesh Mann, Jaskaran Sandhu, Jesse Sanghera, Katie Ward, Kisaan Sleepout Organization, Mo Dhaliwal, Naveen Kumar, Navkiran Natt, Raji Kaur Aujla, Rakesh Tikait, Ravina Kaur Toor, Sanskriti Talwar, Surinder Singh Jodhka, Yogendra Yadav and Zoe Harveen Sihota
Cinematography in BC, Canada by Henna Mann
Cinematography in Delhi, India provided in partnership with Naveen Kumar, Himanshu Dua, Jaskaran Singh, Gurdeep Dhaliwal and Jasveer Singh
#farmersprotest #punjabifarmers #punjab #nofarmersnofood #nofarmersnofoodnofuture #documentary #punjabiincanada #protest

Dear Community Champions, Get ready to tee off for

Dear Community Champions,
Get ready to tee off for a day of camaraderie, golf, and making a difference! The 5th Annual Bajwa Dhami Building Bridges Community Golf Day is fast approaching, scheduled for August 24, 2024. It's an event you won't want to miss!
Your generous support is invaluable in making this event a success and directly contributes to the important work of the SASI Research Fellowship Program.
Register now through link in our bio, gather your golfing buddies, and join us for a day of purpose, community, and a whole lot of fun.
Interested in sponsoring us? See the sponsorship packages through link in our bio.
We're immensely grateful for your continued support, and we can't wait to welcome you on August 24, 2024, at Ledgeview Golf Course
#golf #communityevent #golfswing #golfbc

26 June is the birth date of Dr. Durai Pal Pandia

26 June is the birth date of Dr. Durai Pal Pandia (1906 – 1999)
Born and raised in a small village of Madras, India, called Tirunelveli, Dr. Pandia studied law at the Inner Temple, U.K.
After moving to Canada, Dr. Pandia started facilitating the immigration status of his fellow South Asian community members. In 1939, he filed a successful petition in the Canadian parliament to halt the deportation of over 250 South Asian immigrants. Later on, he assisted South Asian immigrants facing similar problems of deportation in California as well.
Dr. Pandia was also actively involved in the enfranchisement of South Asian communities in Canada.
Click on our Research Projects website (link in bio)>>>“The Vote 1907-1947” to learn more about the South Asian enfranchisement movement in Canada and the role Dr. Pandia played in it.
Check @sacda.sasi’s webpage for a dedicated collection of Dr. Pandia’s images, interviews, and letters.
#archive #southasiansincanada #history #legislativeassemblyofontario
@sacda.sasi @cvmuseum @cvmuseumarchives @bclegislature @vanarchives @bcheritagefairs

The archive of Punjabi newspaper, Canada Darpan, i

The archive of Punjabi newspaper, Canada Darpan, is now available online at:
https://canadadarpan.wordpress.com/
Edited by Darshan Gill (1943-2011), the newspaper was published in Vancouver/Surrey from November 1982 to February 1989 and captured the social history of the Punjabi/Indian community of Canada at that time.
During the launch event of these archives in Surrey Public Library on May 26, 2024, a number of community members shared their memories of working with Canada Darpan, and Darshan Gill.
We are very thankful to Sukhwant Hundal for all his efforts in preserving this invaluable history.
#southasianhistory #southasianarchives #punjabihistory #punjabiarchives

SASI wishes a happy Eid-ul-Adha/ Eid-ul-Azha to al

SASI wishes a happy Eid-ul-Adha/ Eid-ul-Azha to all our Muslim community members.
This Eid honors Abraham/ Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael/ Ismail, as an act of obedience to God/ Allah.
Swipe Right to see some of SACDA's archival photo collections of Eid celebrations in Burnaby City Hall, 2008.
Archival images source:
Chandra Bodalia Fonds
#archive #eidmubarak #bchistory

SASI acquires a rare print of Emily Eden’s "Port

SASI acquires a rare print of Emily Eden’s "Portraits of Princes and People of India" (1844)
Most of Emily Eden’s sketches are portraits of prominent Sikh rulers, while others portray remarkable figures of fakeers (religious devotees), jemadars (headmen), Akalis (Sikh religious devotees/ soldiers), horseman, dwarfs, Shitr Sawar (camel riders carrying dispatches), Tartar traders from Tibet, wrestlers, and Zamindars (landowners) of that era..
Read more about this on our blog website linked in our bio
#punjabi #history #archive #southasia #museums

From April 25th-28th, The Crossing Fonds Digital A

From April 25th-28th, The Crossing Fonds Digital Archives Symposium was held in Metro Vancouver at Simon Fraser University.
Research Assistants, Kiara Dabreo and Raaynaa Madaan presented archival projects they've been working on at the South Asian Studies Institute for the South Asian Canadian Digital Archive (SACDA).
We are very proud of Kiara and Raaynaa for their excellent presentation and continued contributions to SACDA.
@crossingfonds

Happy Asian Heritage Month! The month of May offer

Happy Asian Heritage Month! The month of May offers an opportunity for Canadians to celebrate the diverse culture, history and heritage of Asian communities in Canada. Together, let's reflect on and learn about the many achievements and contributions that Canadians of Asian heritage have made and continue to make across Canada!

Calling all South Asian Folk Singers! Please cont

Calling all South Asian Folk Singers!
Please contact us via DM or email if you are interested in being featured in our upcoming collection.

April 14th marks the first day of the official cal

April 14th marks the first day of the official calendar of Bangladesh. This special day is celebrated with much joy among the Bengali communities across the world. Happy Pohela Boishakh or Bengali New Year!

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