Second-generation descendants of the Indian diaspora in Canada participate in lighting diyas (clay lamps) during Diwali, a festival celebrated by many Indians. These children, removed from the cultural context of their ancestors' homeland, reflect on the meaning and significance of these traditions. Without full immersion in the cultural and historical backdrop, they are left to navigate and negotiate their own sense of cultural identity, bridging the gap between inherited customs and their present-day experiences in Canada.
For many, trauma does not stem from isolated incidents like assault or loss. Instead, it is rooted in their surroundings — social injustices, systemic racism, and environmental hazards that oppress entire communities. This form of trauma reveals not individual fragility but fundamental flaws within our societal structures.
