Interview with Satwinder Bains

Interview with Mrs. Satwinder Bains. Mrs. Satwinder Bains came to Canada on 16th November 1975. Migrating to Canada was a decision taken by her parents. When they travelled to Canada, Satwinder and her family did not bring anything except clothes and quilts. She was 19 when she moved to Canada. She cried while leaving India as her friends and family were there but, she was also excited to explore new places and experience new adventures. While traveling on a plane with the other Indians, she and her father were the only ones who spoke English and helped to guide everyone through the whole flight. Satwinder Bains recalls how in Canada, she was discriminated against for her race, was frequently asked if she could speak English, and had her academic credentials not recognized. It took some time before she was comfortable in Canada. She wanted her children to know where their parents came from so she and her husband took them to India for a year, but the kids could not settle there. This is a full length interview which was conducted on 7th August 1996 by Nirakshik Chand.