The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) marks a significant milestone in the evolution of its South Asian Studies Institute (SASI) with the retirement of Dr. Satwinder Bains, the founding director, and the appointment of Dr. Jatinder Mann as her successor.
Dr. Satwinder Bains: Founding Visionary
Dr. Satwinder Bains has been instrumental in shaping SASI since its inception. Her journey began in the early 2000s when she, alongside community leaders, advocated for the establishment of the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies and Research, which later evolved into SASI in 2016 to encompass a broader focus. Under her visionary leadership, SASI became a dynamic hub for research, education, and community engagement, dedicated to highlighting the histories, cultures, and contemporary issues of South Asian Canadians.
Dr. Bains’s contributions extend far beyond administrative leadership. She has been a tireless advocate for cultural justice, social equity, and anti-oppression work. Her pioneering efforts to document and preserve South Asian Canadian heritage have created lasting resources that educate both academic and public audiences, fostering a deeper understanding of the community’s rich contributions to Canadian society.
She has also been a mentor and role model to countless students, faculty, and community members, inspiring new generations to engage critically with issues of identity, history, and social justice. Her legacy at UFV and within the broader South Asian diaspora community is one of passion, dedication, and transformative leadership.
Dr. Jatinder Mann: An International and Transnational Perspective
Dr. Jatinder Mann brings a wealth of international experience to his new role as SASI’s director. With a PhD from the University of Sydney and a Master of Laws from the University of Reading, Dr. Mann’s research focuses on transnational, international, and comparative history, law, and politics, with a focus on Australia, Canada, Aotearoa New Zealand, South Africa, and the British World. He is the Editor of a book series on ‘Studies in Transnationalism’ with Peter Lang Publishing, New York.
Having lived and worked in various countries, including the UK, Australia, Canada, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Hong Kong, Dr. Mann’s international and transnational perspective aligns with SASI’s mission to explore the multifaceted experiences of South Asian communities worldwide. His current research project examines the transnational identities of the global South Asian diaspora in Australia, Canada, Aotearoa New Zealand, and South Africa in the first half of the 20th century.
A Continuum of Excellence
The transition from Dr. Bains to Dr. Mann signifies a continuum of excellence at SASI. While Dr. Bains laid a strong foundation through community engagement and cultural advocacy, Dr. Mann aims to expand SASI’s reach by fostering international collaborations and securing funding for new initiatives. Both directors share a commitment to preserving and promoting the rich history and contributions of South Asian communities.
As SASI embarks on this new chapter, the institute remains dedicated to its core mission: to serve as a dynamic platform for research, education, and community engagement, reflecting the diverse and evolving narratives of South Asian Canadians.
For more insights into the leadership of Dr. Satwinder Bains and Dr. Jatinder Mann, please refer to their individual interviews (UFV Today):