Caste Matters

Please note – this story was originally featured as part of the Museum of Surrey’s “Being Punjabi” exhibit. My relationship with caste is complex. Anita Lal Pride. I come from a pioneer family. Our Baapuji, Maiya Ram Mahmi (Maternal Great-Grandfather) was one of the first Chamaar’s (“untouchable”) to come to Canada in 1906. My family’s … Read more

The hemisphere of caste is a multi-layered, multi-fold inter-woven tapestry which we tuck away in a filthy suitcase trying not to open in public domains as it feels like a tumor under the skin. We project the conversation of caste as a tough topic to discuss which often ends up leading into heated discussions and … Read more

As a 37 year old, I now can call myself an anti-caste advocate. Or atleast someone who is constantly assessing and reassessing how I maintain being an anti-caste advocate through the conversations I have, the work that I do, how I raise my children and how I weave my academics into these conversations. My path … Read more

My father’s blood is mine, his story beats inside me……Jayli Wolf’s song – Child of the Government https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5gqZV7OsCM&t=33s My grandfather was taken away and put in residential schools when he was a kid. He was taught to forget his native language, his heritage, his culture and even his own name. He refused to speak about … Read more