Aapni Paichaan (Our Identity)

We, as first/second generation Punjabi in America, have noticed a growing divide between our parents and our own generation. Many of us are not as fluent or as knowledgeable about Punjab, the home of our parents and our culture, as we would like to be. In addition, there is a lack in the number of modes in which we can express ourselves and our split identities between being an American and of our Punjabi cultural upbringing. In order to address this divide and express our stories and interactions as Punjabis, we are hosting a poetry competition to foster creativity and self-reflection. The mission of the poetry competition is to raise awareness of our unique identities while preserving our Punjabi heritage. By creating this competition, we plan to create a safe environment for individuals to voice their opinions and feelings. Through the creation of a safe environment which serves as an outlet for first/second generation Punjabis within America, we hope to set an example for others who will then lead their own initiatives for self-expression and creativity.

Project mission:

We are hosting a competition of Punjabi poems, or kavitas. This competition is open to young Punjabi adults who can speak or write the language and are of the Punjabi culture. There will be monetary prizes for the first, second and third place winners, which will spark some healthy competition. We plan to have a Punjabi and English translation of every kavita submitted; we will translate from one language to the other, but would prefer to have the kavitas written in Punjabi. After the contest, the poems will be published in a book.

Potential impact:

Our short term goal is to distribute the books to major libraries and gurudwaras within California and the United States, in order to show the preservation of Punjabi culture by the youth born or raised here.

Our long term is to publish and start selling these student-made books to the general population. All proceeds of will go to paying for printing expenses. The remainder of the profits will go to a mutually decided social change project.