ਸਾਡੀਆਂ ਯਾਦਾਂ: Our Memories
Mural and Literary Anthology, Vancouver Park Board, 2021
What is the ਸਾਡੀਆਂ ਯਾਦਾਂ: Our Memories mural based on?
The ਸਾਡੀਆਂ ਯਾਦਾਂ: Our Memories ground mural, designed by muralist Sandeep Johal, reflects the written and oral stories shared by ten storytellers—Darshan Sangha, Harjinder Grewal, Harvinder Aulakh, Kanta Kalia, Kulwant Shoker, Manjit Jugpal, Paramjit Kalkat, Ravinder Hundal, Shanti Devi Toor, and Suminder Gill—as part of creative writing and storytelling circles led by artist Alyssa Martens through Arts & Health: Healthy Aging Through the Arts.
The mural’s first frame depicts a water buffalo (ਮੱਝ), referencing childhood stories about village life in India. Two dancing girls, their hair flowing, signify carefree youth. These lead into stories of migration to Canada—the hearts trailing behind the plane symbolizing all that was left behind. Cooking scenes celebrate the importance of food in Indian culture, the love and relationships that grow through shared meals. Birds in the tree reflect the legacy left behind by the storytellers—their children and grandchildren. Lastly, there is a flashback, a treasured memory of cooking over a camp-style open fire (ਚੁਲਾ).
“I’ve learned yet again that we women are strong individually and also when we unite forces.
Listening to each other’s writings or life events and experiences has led me to reflect on my past and present. I could attest to some familiar scenarios and having shown resourcefulness and strength of character in managing my own life situations.
Reviewing things in my mind over the weeks and looking at East-West cultures and insights through others’ lives helped my understanding and acceptance of events in my own life. Over the course, I delved deeper and deeper as I connected past life experiences and past people and came to renewed perspectives. I’ve learned that sitting with a situation in quiet reflection leads to deeper understanding and new solutions.
These sessions also provided an opportunity for revisiting and reliving happier times. Listening to others’ work sometimes ignited a little spark of a distant memory and brought it back to life. We had many similarities in culture, language, lifestyle and life events. We shared similar events and milestones. Although we have known each other for two to three years through other in-person Arts & Health programs, these phone conferencing sessions brought new knowledge and intimacy to our friendships. The written stories and discussions went beyond the rudimentary discourse in day-to-day encounters.”
—Paramjit Kalkat, Participant