In the Quiet of Everyday Life: Indian and Pakistani Diaspora Lives in the Greater Toronto Area
This website is a digital companion and complement to In the Quiet of Everyday Life: Indian and Pakistani Diaspora Lives in the Greater Toronto Area, on display at the University of Toronto Mississauga from October 9, 2025 to October 17, 2025.
In the Quiet of Everyday Life invites you to see Indian and Pakistani immigrants differently. Members of this diaspora are often stereotyped and viewed as a culturally homogeneous visible minority. But working, playing, seeing new places, connecting with others like them, praying, gardening, walking, studying, and sometimes struggling, individuals in this community are living intentional, varied and meaningful lives that we do not usually get to see.
In the Quiet of Everyday Life showcases diverse and vibrant photographic and narrative responses from 15 Indian and Pakistani immigrants in the Peel region to the prompt, “What events, experiences, people, places, objects and concerns make up your everyday life?”
Our everyday lives and our daily routines, recurrent activities and rituals—which seem inconsequential, mundane—are what we are most often and contain hidden potentialities for creation and transformation. Thus, daily life is simultaneously ordinary and extraordinarily significant. By considering the social, political, economic, cultural and technological forces that impact the lives of immigrants, In the Quiet of Everyday Life captures the profundity of everyday diasporic life.
Photo by Tayba Faatima
Navigation
What is Photovoice?
Photovoice is a research method that was developed in the late 1990s for capturing the experiences of selected community members. In Photovoice, community members/participants are actively involved in the research process alongside researchers. Participants use cameras to take photographs pertaining to a topic or concern. Photovoice often engages marginalized communities and prompts social change by presenting their lived experiences.
This Photovoice Project was the result of a partnership between a faculty member and undergraduate Research Assistants from the Department of Psychology at the University of Toronto Mississauga and 15 Indian and Pakistani community members from the Peel region of the Greater Toronto Area.
Descriptions of Categories of Photographs
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Life’s experiences are unique, diverse, and influential. Some of these experiences are new and exciting, like going on a cruise, attending a cricket match, or paddleboarding. Others exemplify the comfort and friendship that books, pets or connecting to the home country through cultural activities abroad can provide.
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Spending time with community members fosters strong bonds, creating a supportive network where we can learn from one another. By working together on initiatives aimed at improving the community, we experience the joy of shared accomplishments, building a happier, more cohesive community together.
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Culture and its unique traditions serve as a bridge to their heritage, preserving shared histories, beliefs, and practices. These customs foster a sense of belonging and strengthen intergenerational bonds, helping to sustain community and identity — whether we are near their homeland or far from it.
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Hobbies and entertainment offer a vital escape from the demands of daily life, supporting both mental and physical rejuvenation. Activities such as watching Hindi and Punjabi films, attending live performances by South Asian artists, and exploring local attractions provide much-needed relief from hectic work schedules.
These moments of leisure help lower stress, spark creativity, and bring a refreshing change of pace. By prioritizing such activities, individuals cultivate a healthier work-life balance and enhance their overall well-being.
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Cherishing family relationships is essential — they offer strength, support, and comfort, not only in times of joy but also during life’s challenges.
For younger participants, the fast pace of everyday life means that time with family is rare and often mundane. Yet, it is in these ordinary moments that stress fades and meaningful connections are formed — creating memories that last a lifetime.
Older participants described family members as the most important people in their lives. Their reflections conveyed a deep sense of responsibility and a strong, duty-bound commitment to caring for and supporting loved ones.
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Food is essential for sustenance, but its meaning runs deeper. It brings families together, offering a shared space to socialize, create new memories, and reflect on old ones. Mealtimes become moments of connection, comfort, and celebration.
For many, food is a bridge to the past — a sensory link to distant childhood memories and treasured family traditions. Older participants expressed a strong preference for healthy, fresh, home-cooked meals, lovingly prepared with quality ingredients and care.
For younger participants, food is a space of exploration and experimentation — a way to engage with new culinary experiences. At the same time, they acknowledged the health risks associated with frequent consumption of sweets and fried foods, highlighting a growing awareness around balanced eating.
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Moving to a new place tests one’s resilience. Facing unfamiliar surroundings, culture shock, and homesickness requires adaptability and a willingness to grow.
Participants described how economic instability and financial strain can heighten everyday challenges — from car theft and traffic congestion to long waits for driver’s licenses and bureaucratic processes. These stresses add to the complexity of settling into a new environment.
Older participants noted that superficial connections on social media can deepen feelings of isolation and disconnection, especially when coupled with age-related health concerns.
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Joyful moments become cherished memories — whether it's a life-changing milestone like receiving Canadian citizenship, the warmth of celebrating festivals with loved ones, or the quiet beauty of a sunset. Each experience, grand or simple, invites us to pause, reflect, and savor the richness of life.
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“Kudrat ka husn” – Nature, a divine creation, is a true marvel. Whether experienced on long, winding drives or peaceful walks, its serene beauty offers a welcome escape from the daily hustle and bustle. In the gentle act of gardening, in the tender care of homegrown vegetables, or nurturing potted plants, we engage with nature and benefit from its gifts. These living companions gift us with oxygen, grace our spaces with freshness, and remind us of life's delicate balance. It is essential to recognize the value of this natural blessing and to care for it with intention and respect.
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Places hold emotional significance, provide entertainment and shape our well-being. For some, a bank represents the nostalgia of work and finance, while others reminisce about grandchildren playing in parks with fresh air. To others, historical monuments and ancestral homes remind oneself of their culture.
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Religion and spirituality offer meaningful ways to connect with the self. Younger participants described spirituality as a source of inner strength and positivity — a quiet force that nurtures resilience in everyday life.
Older participants reflected on the role of religious practice in providing “Rooh ki Taazgi” (refreshment of the soul) and “Sukoon” (inner peace). For them, faith is not only a spiritual anchor but also a way to stay rooted in one’s cultural heritage. Many also emphasized the value of learning about different religions, noting that such knowledge deepens our understanding of the world and fosters greater empathy across communities.
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Wellbeing is holistic, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions. Nurturing each aspect builds balance and resilience, helping us navigate life’s challenges with strength and clarity. By prioritizing exercise, mental health, and spiritual fulfillment, we cultivate a healthy mindset that supports happiness, personal growth, and a more grounded sense of self.
Panel 1: Memorable Moments
“Creating beautiful memories together”
Joyful moments become cherished memories — whether it's a life-changing milestone like receiving Canadian citizenship, the warmth of celebrating festivals with loved ones, or the quiet beauty of a sunset. Each experience, grand or simple, invites us to pause, reflect, and savor the richness of life.
Sonia Malik: Illuminating!
Manav Joshi: Finally! Canada dream came true after all the hustle.
Chanchal Gupta: This is the picture during the most wonderful time of the year during a cozy evening. We love to spend our holidays, watching movies alongside the cozy fire place and the mesmerizing Christmas lights.
Chanchal Gupta: Beautiful Sunset view. In the evenings we frequently visit to the waterfront and enjoy the beautiful sunset. This is a reminder to us that endings can be beautiful too
Panel 2: Family Memories
“Family (happy moments are the ones in which we spend quality time with our families, bonded by love) + Family memories (importance of relationships and family ties)”
Cherishing family relationships is essential — they offer strength, support, and comfort, not only in times of joy but also during life’s challenges.
For younger participants, the fast pace of everyday life means that time with family is rare and often mundane. Yet, it is in these ordinary moments that stress fades and meaningful connections are formed — creating memories that last a lifetime.
Older participants described family members as the most important people in their lives. Their reflections conveyed a deep sense of responsibility and a strong, duty-bound commitment to caring for and supporting loved ones.
Tayba Faatima: A mother’s love for flowers
Malih Siddiqui: Wujood-e-Zan se hai tasveer-e-kainat mein rang. It is the existence of woman that gives color to the universe
Paramjeet Dhami: This is an image I took of my sister outside drinking chai on the porch. This is a perfect picture for the category of people because the relationship I have with my sister is very special and close. She has been my best friend throughout my life and today, she is one of the most important people in my life.
Tayba Faatima: Intergenerational connection through water bodies
Sakina Begum: My grandsons
Manav Joshi: Here, friends and family gather every Christmas for Secret Santa. Being Indian, we are blending with Canadian culture. We went to church on Christmas Eve.
M. Aslam: Love family get together on weekends
Sandeep Singh: Children visiting the petting zoo.
Parminder Khaira: I am so blessed to have a brilliant and strong son
Gurnazz Kaur: In 2023 December my uncle had his 50th birthday and we surprised him with a grand party. We had all family members and relatives and work colleagues to surprise him. And seeing him getting old makes me feel that I am also getting old. As we have seen for years.
Parminder Khaira: Celebrating Mother’s Day
Chanchal Gupta: This is one of my favorite words. I believe that this is one of the most important things in every one's life. Definitely anything is possible if we keep this as priority. Also, the RED &PINK ROSES embedded in this sign are itself are symbol of love. I believe that one should definitely focus on this in everyday life to bring happiness and positivity in one's life.
Parminder Khaira: Celebrating Mother’s Day
Panel 3: Community Moment
“Being happy by being together”
Spending time with community members fosters strong bonds, creating a supportive network where we can learn from one another. By working together on initiatives aimed at improving the community, we experience the joy of shared accomplishments, building a happier, more cohesive community together.
Sandeep Singh: Senior citizens’ meet-up
Manav Joshi: A multi-culture work environment creates positive team spirit
Manav Joshi: Visit from firefighters
Panel 4: Beauty of Nature/Garden
“Beauty and serenity of nature”
“Kudrat ka husn” – Nature, a divine creation, is a true marvel. Whether experienced on long, winding drives or peaceful walks, its serene beauty offers a welcome escape from the daily hustle and bustle. In the gentle act of gardening, in the tender care of homegrown vegetables, or nurturing potted plants, we engage with nature and benefit from its gifts. These living companions gift us with oxygen, grace our spaces with freshness, and remind us of life's delicate balance. It is essential to recognize the value of this natural blessing and to care for it with intention and respect.
Malih Siddiqui: Baharon Phool Barsao. Shower the flowers of spring.
Joginder Singh: During the same British Columbia trip, we visited Butchart Gardens. This picture is of my daughter posing in front of the beautiful flowers.
Joginder Singh: I have planted beautiful plants at my house entrance.
Aslam Mohammad: I love going for walk with my wife in the afternoon.
Paramjeet Dhami: This image is taken of my garden in the backyard. My garden and the produce I harvest from it is an object in my life that I value very much because I really enjoy planting my own produce. This ensures that I am aware of exactly what is going into the produce that my family and I consume daily.
Panel 5: Wellbeing
“Leading a healthy lifestyle for mental and physical wellbeing”
Wellbeing is holistic, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions. Nurturing each aspect builds balance and resilience, helping us navigate life’s challenges with strength and clarity. By prioritizing exercise, mental health, and spiritual fulfillment, we cultivate a healthy mindset that supports happiness, personal growth, and a more grounded sense of self.
Sonia Malik: As a student nutritional practitioner, I am learning a lot about the benefits of probiotics; this opened up a door from my childhood memories in India, when my grandmother used to make a beetroot probiotic drink, as well as pickled carrots and turnips. So, I decided to make that recipe instead of taking supplements, and it’s beautifully done. It brings back amazing memories, while having all the necessary nutritional values found in my Indian cuisine.
Sonia Malik: Walking is a blissful in any weather!! I don’t leave my chance to get out in mother nature as it’s detoxes me physically and emotionally 😑.
Sonia Malik: This is a Tulsi plant, also called Holy Basil, which has been embraced for centuries in the Hindu Traditions. It has been used in India for 5000 years for its healing properties of the mind, body and spirit. In Ayurveda, tulsi tea is recommended for so many healing properties, and so I use it in my daily tea with ginger. During Canadian winters, it’s really hard to help tulsi grow, as it likes warm weather, but I try my best by watering it few times a week.
Sohaib Mirza: Squash is a popular game played with racquets and ball and is a fun way to get to know and interact with other individuals.
Sonia Malik: This is my son’s basketball game. My 14-year-old loves basketball, and it keeps him active during Canadian winters. I have to take him to practice 4 times a week. This weekend was especially crazy, as we spent 12 hours on Saturday, and 12 hours Sunday, outside the house due to his games. So, this is a big part of my daily routine.
Panel 6: Experiences
“Best Experiences”
Life’s experiences are unique, diverse, and influential. Some of these experiences are new and exciting, like going on a cruise, attending a cricket match, or paddleboarding. Others exemplify the comfort and friendship that books, pets or connecting to the home country through cultural activities abroad can provide.
Malih Siddiqui: Tum mere pass hote ho goya, jab koi doosra nahi hota. You are with me as if, when no one else is around
Manav Joshi: Finally! Canada dream came true after all the hustle.
Paramjit Dhami: In this image I am sitting on a paddle boat … it was completely new to me and I enjoyed being out on the water very much.
A.Mohammad: Celebrating independence day
Panel 7: Food
“Finding comfort in food and also experiencing new cuisines”; “Pait bhara so sab bhala”
Food is essential for sustenance, but its meaning runs deeper. It brings families together, offering a shared space to socialize, create new memories, and reflect on old ones. Mealtimes become moments of connection, comfort, and celebration.
For many, food is a bridge to the past — a sensory link to distant childhood memories and treasured family traditions. Older participants expressed a strong preference for healthy, fresh, home-cooked meals, lovingly prepared with quality ingredients and care.
For younger participants, food is a space of exploration and experimentation — a way to engage with new culinary experiences. At the same time, they acknowledged the health risks associated with frequent consumption of sweets and fried foods, highlighting a growing awareness around balanced eating.
Sohaib Khan: Weddings are a great event to connect with friends over some food and what better way to enjoy a wedding than with some biryani!
Sandeep: We don’t miss Indian sweets in Canada!
Sakina Begum: We used to have a mango tree back in our village in Pakistan. Mangoes are my favourite fruit. I call them the “king of fruits.” I miss the Pakistani mangoes a lot so when my family member went to Pakistan, they specifically brought back mangoes.
Manav Joshi: Flavours of Mexico in Canada.
Sakina Begum: Saag is my favorite dish. I used to eat it a lot in Pakistan and continue to make it here. I made a recipe for saag for our restaurant because I like it so much.
Chanchal Gupta: On one Sunday afternoon I made this Biryani so thought of decorating this vegetable Biryani By using the different food colours.
Salem Bibi: A car themed cake for my grandson
Gurnazz Kaur: I went to a fancy restaurant with my family and had a fancy breakfast for the first time.
Salem Bibi: A chicken roast my daughter made for the weekend. I used to cook a lot before but not anymore. I am tired and I get breathless.
Sohaib Khan: Chai and Samosa are a must-have combination to experience when enjoying time with family and friends.
Salem Bibi: Honey
Gurnazz Kaur: Nowadays prices of everything have increased due to inflation and food is the basic thing for everyone. Everyone has to eat for a living. If a person buys a basic food item the bill will be higher. The people who have been living here for a long time are saying that the food price has increased a lot not only for food but for everything.
Salem Bibi: Fresh, high-quality milk from The Plaza
Panel 8: Cultural Traditions
“Connecting with roots”
Culture and its unique traditions serve as a bridge to their heritage, preserving shared histories, beliefs, and practices. These customs foster a sense of belonging and strengthen intergenerational bonds, helping to sustain community and identity — whether we are near their homeland or far from it.
Sohaib Khan: Dressing up in traditional clothes is something that is expected during Eid and also a great reminder to connect with your roots and take some memorable pictures!
Sandeep Singh: Teej celebration
Sonia Malik: Celebrating with Indian community in Canada 🇨🇦
Panel 9: Entertainment
“Taking out time for your hobbies from your busy schedules”
Hobbies and entertainment offer a vital escape from the demands of daily life, supporting both mental and physical rejuvenation. Activities such as watching Hindi and Punjabi films, attending live performances by South Asian artists, and exploring local attractions provide much-needed relief from hectic work schedules.
These moments of leisure help lower stress, spark creativity, and bring a refreshing change of pace. By prioritizing such activities, individuals cultivate a healthier work-life balance and enhance their overall well-being.
Chanchal Gupta: These snow-covered trees reminds me of beautiful nature. Whenever it snows, we as family always go towards the North to capture this beautiful view and it gives a serene feeling to enjoy the beauty of the nature.
Sohaib Khan: Cinemas play a variety of Hindi and Punjabi films which attract predominantly South Asian crowd and are a popular hang-out place.
Gurnazz Kaur: For the first time, I went to Niagara Falls with my best friend. She came from London, ON and we went there and went bowling. I went bowling for the first time and I lost the game because I was a beginner. And then we went to Sky Wheel and it was exciting. The last time I went on a sky wheel was in India when I was little. We saw Niagara Falls.
Gurnazz Kaur: I went to the Satinder Sartaj (Punjabi singer) Concert with my family. And the concert was Housefull. There were people of all ages. We enjoyed it a lot and I danced a lot. I love dancing and here in Canada, I get very little chance to dance as we do not have many functions to attend. And as we live with family here; whenever we get a chance to go with family outside, we go and spend time with each other as all are busy doing their work sometimes.
Manav Joshi: A break from city noise, surrounded by nature
Panel 10: Spirituality and Religion
“Connecting with our inner peace and positivity and soul refreshness”
Religion and spirituality offer meaningful ways to connect with the self. Younger participants described spirituality as a source of inner strength and positivity — a quiet force that nurtures resilience in everyday life.
Older participants reflected on the role of religious practice in providing “Rooh ki Taazgi” (refreshment of the soul) and “Sukoon” (inner peace). For them, faith is not only a spiritual anchor but also a way to stay rooted in one’s cultural heritage. Many also emphasized the value of learning about different religions, noting that such knowledge deepens our understanding of the world and fosters greater empathy across communities.
Salem Bibi: My prayer mat and fragrant tasbih (prayer beads)
Gurnazz Kaur: I went to a Hindu temple for the first time in my life with my family. We were passing by the temple and went inside to experience and do rituals by noticing other people there. And we felt good by going there. We are always taught to respect others’ religions, and we were also taught about the history of Hinduism.
Paramjeet Dhami: This image is taken of me during a presentation. I recently went back to school and enrolled in many different types of classes. One of the assignments I was given was to do a presentation on religion and its importance to me. This is when I presented on the Sikh religion to my peers. This presentation event was important to me because it built my confidence in public speaking and presenting in front of other people.
Joginder Singh: Celebrating Diwali at a gurudwara with wife and daughter.
Tayba Faatima: Balancing religion with school life
Sakina Begum: I read the Qur’an for multiple hours every day. It is very special to me and is important in my worship. It connects me with Allah (swt).
Chanchal Gupta: OM: Every morning my day starts with this divine letter OM. Chanting this words gives me lot of inner strength and positivity.
Aslam Mohammad: I go to masjid regularly for praying and jummah prayer.
Sohaib Mirza: Friday prayers are always packed with individuals who make their way to various mosques across the GTA.
Tayba Faatima: 15th of Shaban. Night of forgiveness
Panel 11: Places
“Experiences of different places”
Places hold emotional significance, provide entertainment and shape our well-being. For some, a bank represents the nostalgia of work and finance, while others reminisce about grandchildren playing in parks with fresh air. To others, historical monuments and ancestral homes remind oneself of their culture.
Aslam Mohammad: Take my grandchildren to the park.
Aslam Mohammad: Keep my accounts checked and good status as before retirement I was working in a bank
Sakina Begum: On Pakistan’s Independence Day, we went out to our family restaurant and decorated it with Pakistan’s flags. I liked seeing my country all around our restaurant.
Malih Siddiqui: CNE: ek khoobsoorat raat (CNE: a beautiful night).
Paramjeet Dhami: This photo was taken when I went with my daughter to visit our old hometown of Shelburne, Ontario. My family and I lived in Shelburne for 4 plus years of our lives and visiting this place and the many changes that have been made since is something I enjoyed.
Joginder Singh: This is the entrance of the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir in New Jersey. Each side of the pillar is engraved with a statue of deity, flowers, garlands with a lot of attention to detail.
Parminder Khaira: One of the best places to visit in India is my father’s house.
Panel 12: Hardships, Hurdles and Concerns
“Embrace the chaos; the dangers/disadvantages of technology”
Moving to a new place tests one’s resilience. Facing unfamiliar surroundings, culture shock, and homesickness requires adaptability and a willingness to grow.
Participants described how economic instability and financial strain can heighten everyday challenges — from car theft and traffic congestion to long waits for driver’s licenses and bureaucratic processes. These stresses add to the complexity of settling into a new environment.
Older participants noted that superficial connections on social media can deepen feelings of isolation and disconnection, especially when coupled with age-related health concerns.
Parminder Khaira: This envelope is very special to me because it brings me memories of my father like how we exchange our thoughts, emotions through these kind of posts. But technology changed the whole era. People are having no more emotions for each other.
Joginder Singh: Breaking into cars is a very big concern around the GTA now, with lots of news daily of robbers and lack of safety for citizens when stepping out of their house to drive.
Sandeep Singh: What you see in Brampton as a way to showcase our community
Paramjeet Dhami: It reflects a large concern I have around the increasing population in Brampton and the lack of resources that are available to all its members. It also reflects the long travel times that come with highly populated cities.
Manav Joshi: Winter morning struggle which was never faced in India
Tayba Faatima: Of building a new life in a new country
Sakina Begum: I use WhatsApp to call my kids in Pakistan. I get worried if my kids in Pakistan don’t call but sometimes when they do call me I get even more worried because they tell me all of their own problems!
Manav Joshi: Waiting in long lines
Malih Siddiqui: Dard-e-sar. Headache.
Acknowledgements
COMMUNITY PARTICIPANTS
Aslam Mohammad, Chanchal Gupta, Salem Bibi, Sandeep Singh, Sohaib Mirza, Garima Panwar, Gurnazz Kaur Sonia Malik, Tayba Faatima, Paramjeet Dhami, Malih Siddiqui, Manav Joshi, Sakina Begum, Parminder Khaira, Joginder Singh
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO MISSISSAUGA
Hema Ganapathy-Coleman, PhD., Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences
Ravneet Kalsi, Eesha Aamir, Sreya Sayeed Anavi Ramakrishnan, Gurveen Dhillon, Haniya Khan, Ridah Afshal, Riya Malik, Tarjni Pandya Kinza Jat, Sachnoor Sahni, Wardah Abbasi, Irvanbir Singh Gill
COLLABORATING ARTIST AND INSTALLATION DESIGNER
Laura Honsberger
STUDENT EXHIBITION ASSISTANT
Yiqing Tang
TRANSLATOR
Harleen Singh Sandhu
SPECIAL THANKS
Oliver Husain, Deepali Dewan, Irina Mihalache, Asad Raza, Farrukh Rafiq, Alessandra Hechanova