Two University of Manitoba student organizations held Independence Day celebrations in mid August. The Pakistani Stu- dents’ Association (PSA) celebrated Pakistani Independence Day on Aug. 12 and 14, while U of M student organization Laksh honoured Indian Independence Day on Aug. 15.

PSA president Saud Chaudhary said that with help from the Canada Pakistan Trade and Cultural Association (CPTCA) of Manitoba, the event was a huge success. The festivities kicked off with a formal flag hoisting on Aug. 12. City councillor Janice Lukes, Pakistani-Canadian Progressive Conservative MLA Obby Khan and Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration Jon Reyes were all in attendance.

Two days later, another celebration was held at Crescent Drive Park. Traditional songs and dances were performed. Pakistani street food was served as well.

Chaudhary said that he has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the event attendees. He added that the PSA looks forward to hosting more events for the Pakistani com- munity in the future.

For many international students, it can be quite difficult to live in a foreign country. Chaudhary explained that taking part in cultural events like Independence Day can help students experiencing isolation reconnect with their community.

“Whenever [students] leave their home country and come to Canada, they’re disconnected [from] their culture,” he said.

“It is very important to celebrate these types of days so that you remember where you are from.”

The day after the PSA event, Laksh, a U of M student organization for those interested in South Asian culture, held an Indian Independence Day party at the Richmond South Winnipeg Community Centre.

Similar to the PSA celebration, a flag hoisting, traditional music, dancing and food were all part of the festivities.

Laksh VP external Rushil Nain said that one of the celebration’s highlights was being able to showcase the different cultures within India. He said that the group hopes to hold similar events in the future, not only for Indian students but for other South Asian communities as well.

“It was really brilliant,” Nain said.

“I have many friends at the University of Manitoba and all over Winnipeg who have been here for the past eight, nine years, and they really haven’t participated in or seen any Indian Independence Day celebration,” he continued. “So, we thought of it.”

UMSU international community representative Kunal Rajpal attended both the PSA and Laksh Independence Day events. He was happy to report that each event ran well, and that he ran into many old friends he had not seen for some time.

Rajpal was grateful to be able to celebrate his own Indian heritage, as well as experience his fellow classmates’ Pakistani culture. He said that these cultural gatherings are an important part of a strong student community.

“All the family I have here are the people from my community,” Rajpal said.

“I have met such amazing people, both from my community and outside of my community, who have taught me so many things and made me a better person.

“That’s what happens here if we have events like this, where we are celebrating ourselves with the community. It strengthens that bond, and that’s what we need the most right now.”

Image provided by Laksh