Moving from your place of cultural origin can be emotionally disconnecting; for me, this happened when I left my home country in the pursuit of education. I remember how tormenting it was for me to leave my hometown and pack my entire identity into two suitcases. I had a little idea of Canada’s multicultural community, but nothing could truly prepare me for the reality of living so far from home. I expected to feel lonely and struggle emotionally, to miss the vibrant festivals and the presence of my family, and I did. In addition to this, I thought I would eventually lose the connection to my cultural roots, but what I did not expect was how deeply I would reconnect with my culture in unexpected ways once in Canada — and the distance from my homeland would make me cherish my roots even more.
On my first day in Abbotsford, my excitement for exploring the city was dampened by the rainy weather. As a result of this, I chose to stay inside my room. The next day I explored the city, and I found myself in the quiet streets of Abbotsford. To me they felt completely opposite to the streets of my hometown, which were filled with people talking with each other and children playing. The contrast between my old life and new reality felt immense.
While wandering the city, I discovered the local Gurdwara. I heard the religious hymns and they gave me a new level of calm I hadn’t felt since arriving; the people at the Gurdwara welcomed me with open arms, and at that moment, I thought of volunteering in the kitchen. People were chanting religious songs while preparing food and this gave me a sense of being at home.Â
While volunteering, I met people of nice character, and learned how to wear a turban. I did not know how to wear a turban back home in India, but when I came here, I started feeling more connected to my religious rituals. The Gurdwara was the place that helped me the most in gravitating toward my culture.Â
Then came the Nagar Kirtan — a form of devotional singing — and I participated in the preparations and execution of the whole ceremony. There I met people who told me religious stories, strengthening my knowledge of my religious roots. Having heard these historical tales, I was able to then share them with my classmates. These events and places have brought me closer to my culture even though I am standing on foreign soil.Â
Living abroad does not come without its struggles. Sometimes I feel alienated, and at other times I get tired of explaining my identity to my curious classmates. But what I learnt by leaving India is that culture isn’t confined to a place: it is carried in the heart through practice and storytelling. British Columbia gave me the space to rediscover my roots in ways I never imagined, thanks to its diversity and openness. Reflecting on my past, I realize that my journey was not about leaving my country behind, but instead about learning how to carry it with me wherever I go.
