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

Descriptions of Categories of Photographs

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.

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 and 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

Tayba Faatima: Intergenerational connection through water bodies

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.

Sandeep Singh: Children visiting the petting zoo.

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.

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.

Malih Siddiqui: Wujood-e-Zan se hai tasveer-e-kainat mein rang.
It is the existence of woman that gives color to the universe — Malih Siddiqui: Wujood-e-Zan se hai tasveer-e-kainat mein rang. It is the existence of woman that gives color to the universe

M. Aslam: Love family get together on weekends

Parminder Khaira: I am so blessed to have a brilliant and strong son

Parminder Khaira: Celebrating Mother’s Day

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.

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.