Vancouver’s South Asian Community gathered in Vancouver on September 29, 2024 for an engagement session for the creation of a Museum / Cultural Centre.
Global BC covered the community engagement session that was hosted by India Cultural Association Of Vancouver for the Museum / Cultural Centre for Canadians of South Asian Heritages in B.C. The session was hosted with the support of the Province Of B.C. at Bridge & Enrich Lives Society, Vancouver. Please click the link below to watch the full coverage and some of the feedback / opinion shared by the community members.
Watch The Video
The session opened with a soul-stirring prayer, led by Neeraja Aptikar, a renowned vocalist and Hindustani music teacher based in Vancouver. Her melodious rendition set a positive and reflective tone for the day, fostering a sense of unity and reverence for the cultural heritage that the proposed museum aims to honor.
Then the Founder & President of ICA Vancouver, Neeraj Kumar thanked the attendees for joining, thanked the Province of B.C. for the initiative and giving the opportunity to share our diverse voices.
Attendees were enthusiastic about the opportunity to participate in shaping the vision for this new cultural landmark. Throughout the session, participants expressed their excitement about having a dedicated space where future generations can explore the diverse contributions of South Asians to Canadian society.
Many attendees highlighted the importance of ensuring that the Centre reflects not only historical narratives but also the contemporary experiences of South Asians in Canada. This dual focus would make the Centre both a repository of history and a living, evolving space for cultural expression.
One of the attendees Sonal Nagawkar, while sharing her feedback said we would like to be known more than just chai, masala dosa, butter chicken, & bhangra. The Indian & South Asian Community is so diverse and this place should reflect the true diversity.
Please visit our Facebook or Instagram page more videos & pictures of this community engagement session.
