Tracing South Asian community’s influence in Manitoba

When Pamela Rebello arrived in Winnipeg from India in 1968, following a few years in Cleveland, Ohio, she forged a path led by determination and courage with the vision to contribute to the province.

Those attributes could be found among many of the individuals who made up the first South Asian diaspora in Manitoba.

“We relied on each other,” says Rebello of the small group of newcomers who adjusted to a new home and way of life. Holding on to their cultural identity and values was key to that transition as well as dealing with feelings of isolation.

Rebello, along with other community leaders, took their interest in fostering South Asian culture a step further by establishing the India School of Dance, Music & Theatre in 1980.

Her story and how she contributed to Manitoba’s multicultural fabric are featured in a book called South Asian Pioneers: The First Wave (1970-2022).

“We asked, how would we like to acknowledge the first group of people who really contributed to make anything happen … They were the stakeholders because we had no one and had to depend on each other,” says Rebello, school executive director and Order of Manitoba recipient, on how the book came to fruition.

The book, launched in June at a ceremony at the Manitoba legislature, documents personal histories of individuals who made up the province’s earliest wave of South Asians — from the hardships they faced to the resilience they displayed and the desire to be successful. The pioneers came from India, Sri Lanka, Africa, Pakistan, along with Trinidad and Guyana.

Arriving more than five decades ago, they became pillars in Manitoba’s South Asian community by contributing significantly to academia, public service, government, health care, business, arts and culture, community building and volunteerism. Following a change to Canadian immigration policy in the 1960s, many South Asians sought out Manitoba as their new home. While many came with skills and education in hand, some ventured here in pursuit of higher education and professional studies.

“The year 2022 represents a natural milestone, marking over five decades of community building while allowing sufficient historical perspective to document their stories and contributions,” says Simran Bhinder, who led the book project.

The book features more than 85 narrative-style profiles. It is not an exhaustive list, Bhinder says, but recognizes those who not only contributed to the province’s educational, economic, cultural and social landscapes, but also, through their leadership, built Manitoba’s South Asian communities into what exists today. The organizations were more than hubs for the community to stay connected through their arts, culture and heritage. They also built a broader awareness with the vision of a lasting legacy.

Rebello and Bhinder hope the perspectives can help the broader community gain better understanding of the South Asian diaspora.

The project helped Bhinder realize “how these stories can be lost if they are not intentionally documented … and that history is not only created by governments or institutions. It is also created by ordinary people who quietly build these communities …You will see in this book there is not just one sector that has been documented. People are from so many different sectors…There are a lot of different areas where people have been trailblazing.”

While some of those profiled in the book have since died or moved away, they shared a common bond of perseverance and a passion to make Manitoba better, Bhinder says.

Some of the pioneers in the book are:

● Ganga Dakshinamurti: Library professional, including educator at Red River College library technician program and information literacy and library services at University of Manitoba Libraries; co-founder and company co-ordinator of Manohar Performing Arts of Canada.

● Krishnamurti Dakshinamurti: Scientist in physiology and pharmacology, educator and mentor at University of Manitoba, founder of Mahatma Gandhi Centre of Canada, established Dakshinamurti Academy of Hindu Studies at Hindu Society of Manitoba, Order of Manitoba recipient.

● Naranjan S. Dhalla: cardiovascular researcher, educator and mentor at University of Manitoba; Director of the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences at the St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre, Winnipeg Citizens Hall of Fame Bust in Assiniboine Park, Contributor to community and cultural organizations, Order of Canada and Order of Manitoba recipient.

● Dr. Chander K. Gupta: Physician in obstetrics and gynecology, educator and advocate in women’s health care, Contributor to community organizations, Order of Manitoba recipient.

● Dr. Daya Gupta: Ophthalmologist/chief surgeon at the Gupta Eye Centre and medical director of the Ultravision Eye Laser Centre; contributor to philanthropic endeavours in support of research, education and community organizations.

A mandala design, which includes intricate patterns expanding outwards from a central point, is featured on the cover and captures the essence of the book — with Manitoba’s South Asian early pioneers serving as the nucleus from which future generations can move forward. Both Rebello and Bhinder hope the stories will inspire the next generations of the South Asian community to continue contributing to the province and share their journeys through future publications.

“When I look at the cover design and see the mandala … I see all the people at one time when we began together,” Rebello says. “I see us as advocates nurturing the other groups that will come, the other waves. You all will go and do better, bigger and greater things in Manitoba.”

For more information, contact ISDMT at indiasch@mymts.net

Romona Goomansingh is an educator, freelance writer and author in Winnipeg.