The U of M Punjabi Students’ Association (5SA) hosted Threads of Togetherness on Nov. 27, an event designed to bring students from different cultural backgrounds together through poetry, classical singing and dialogue.

Harisharn Bahra, vice-president external for 5SA and the evening’s MC, spoke on the goal of Threads of Togetherness. “This event [was] to serve a purpose of bringing all community and cultural diasporas on campus together,” she said. “[It was] an excuse to celebrate as well.”

The event’s concept originated from last year’s event. Bahra explained that Threads of Togetherness took inspiration from last year’s event—   Oneness. However, this year’s focus was more cultural, unlike last year which was more religious.

“It’s great that we have so many cultural student associations on campus,” she stated. “Hence, these types of events can happen.”

Ravneet Kaur, 5SA vice-president advisor, stated the roots of the event reach into the Sikh and Punjabi traditions that emphasize unity. Kaur said she was especially excited for the live qawwali performance, a South Asian musical tradition in which singers sit together on the floor, singing poetic and devotional folk songs. “It’s very energizing,” she said. “I’ve never seen it in person  […] so I’m super excited.”

She encouraged students to attend future 5SA events. “U of M is a multicultural and very inclusive environment,” she emphasized. “I really urge every student [at the] U of M to participate in such events moving forward as much as they can, so that they get to know more about our culture and we get to know more about theirs.”

Prabhnoor Singh, UMSU president, attending as a guest, spoke about the event’s broader message. “The significance of this event is to spread the message of humility, kindness and love,” he explained. “And overall, just starting the dialogue about how we can build a world which is empathetic”

Dhruvi Shah, a student attendee, said she was drawn in by the event’s concept and welcoming poster. She said the night offered space for “discussions that normally are not had.”

Somia Sadiq, whose work is centered around identity and belonging, decided to be a part of the event. She said she was moved by the wisdom she heard from the young people. “I just really loved seeing so many young people feel proud of who they are,” she said. “Our world is in safe hands with these folks.”

Sadiq encouraged students to “just keep going,” she said. “The world is your place — your ideas, your energy, your excitement, all of that is incredible.”