Shahi, Dulay, Legha, Saprai; the surnames which have woven into the creation of me as a human being. From profoundly within, one twisted yet graceful branch has rooted from thousands of years back. One reflects upon history and uncovers an ever so gradual evolution which has lead mankind to its present state. Janeva, derived from Janav of Sanskrit origin, is a name of significance to my ethnic community. Growing up in Richmond, British Columbia, I struggled to understand what made me stand out among my peers. I identified as a “person,” just as I thought everyone was. Years later, the concept which I, well after my fellow peers, came to realize was race. I was shocked to discover that the colour of one’s skin can make or break them, both mentally and physically. As a third generation Indo-Canadian, race and ethnicity play key roles in my identity, which further differentiate me from my peers. I grew up just as everyone else did in my community, though my differences sparked me to seek the true meaning of my heritage, which paved the path to who I am today. Last year, I travelled to northern India where I completed a volunteer based internship as an elective student at Christian Medical College in Punjab. The research portion of my internship allowed me to focus on my chosen subject of inquiry, which dealt with the effect of air pollution on respiratory diseases in India, such as typhoid and tuberculosis, in comparison with cases of similar grades of respiratory diseases in Canada. While in the department, I designated my time to practical work, case studies, medical research, and patient care. This experience provided me with the opportunity to pursue my career field of interest while gaining practical experience, as an honorary medical student, all while giving back to my ancestral community. My family is quite widely spread across the globe; this has been a barrier to my familial relationships, however, there is one family member in particular who has always been there to support me. When I think of family, Jarnel, my maternal uncle, comes to mind. He has consistently been physically present and has made the largest emotional impact on my life, among all others. Jarnel, a compassionate and intuitive man, was born with epilepsy, and grew up mentally challenged. The progression of his condition has caused him to develop difficulties with verbal communication and physical movement, though his cognitive abilities are yet far from diminishing. Jarnel comprehends his surroundings and communicates with modified language: a blend of basic English and Punjabi, as well as sign language. At moments of joy, he has embraced his smile, and at times of sorrow, he has empathized by example. Jarnel Singh Dulay is my role model; my influence to make a change in our vast world. The person I had grown to be and the qualities that I had developed sparked a moment of illumination for myself, one which would determine my future. Halfway through my internship at Christian Medical College and Hospital, I met Golu, a four year old boy who had been admitted to the pediatric ward ward with high fever, a hemoglobin level of 1, and signs of anemia. Golu was in the lab being prepped for his blood sampling test to determine his bone marrow levels. He was accompanied by his illiterate mother, along with his infant brother, to whom he was extremely attached. Upon being separated from his family prior to the procedure, Golu induced a state of panic. I attempted to hush the child, then rock him side to side, and finally sing. Sing. In a desperate attempt to calm and comfort the child, I pulled out my cell phone and played “The Wheels On The Bus,” a childhood favourite, positioning the device towards him. I began singing the song and mimicking the actions of the characters; gradually, the child deepened his breaths, and his cries became soft. His face began to lift, and he slowly grinned. The doctors laughed; mimicking their actions was Golu. He smiled back at me and began to laugh harder. I volunteered my time to make a greater impact on children like Golu, because I KNOW him. My uncle, who spent the entirety of his childhood in a hospital, motivated me to give back to my ancestral community and make a difference in the lives of patients undergoing health challenges. To be there for children the same way he has always been for me. A legacy.
The surnames which crafted the very me, have my blood and body. Migration, colonization, partition, immigration. My history lies in thy history. My heritage is sought to be from generations before me who devoted their lives to a better day. Janeva S
6 Comments
Emma O'Halloran
11/19/2019 02:07:43 pm
What an amazing blog! Really moving to hear about your personal experience on discovering your legacy and really makes me look back and think about what I want my legacy to be! So inspiring!!
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Lukas
12/2/2019 10:52:33 am
What a story, I love history and knowing your own ancestory is a very cool feeling. Knowing where you came from and why you are the person you are in the present moment is valuable information. I really enjoyed reading and learning a bit more about you Janeva, Nice blog post.
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Nevada Johnson
12/2/2019 10:55:29 am
This was so inspiring. This blog was really personal and it progressed really well. I enjoyed reading it. That story of Golu was adorable and I think the connection you made with him and how it impacted you is really special. Congratulations on the internship!
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Matthew
12/2/2019 10:56:39 am
wow, that is truly an amazing story. I think that's its great that you were able to go and do such a thing, for yourself to learn and grow and of course to give back.
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Olivia Kwiatkowski
12/2/2019 11:03:33 am
This was an amazing read Janeva! This really opened my eyes to new perspectives and the importantce of heritage, especially on a personal level. I loved the different aspects of heritage and legacy that you weaved together! You have had some amazing experiences, which I'm sure were tough but life-changing. Thank you for reminding me of our individual importance in the world and that we are all connected.
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aleyna
9/16/2022 02:39:38 pm
wow, this is so relatable. thank you for putting the experience of so many kids with diverse ethnic backgrounds that grow up in not so diverse areas into words. this really reminded me of myself and whats important to me as a person.
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