The development of Australia owes much to the resilience and enterprise of hawkers who arrived from the Indian Subcontinent. Among them were the ancestors of Sultana Deen, whose family story reflects a little-known chapter of Australia’s migration history. In this special conversation with SBS Urdu, Sultana Deen explores the journeys of early migrants who came to Australia, including those who arrived from Pakistan in the aftermath of the Partition of the Subcontinent.
"At a time when people of colour were not allowed entry to this nation under the While Australia policy, my great-grandfather brought his entire family, including women, to Australia," recalls Sultana Deen, a second-generation migrant from Pakistan.
Now, decades after living Down Under, Sultana still fondly carries her culture and roots.
"I am the only woman in the Islamic Council Board. I believe it is essential to carry our heritage and culture for our next generation," says the Brisbane resident in an exclusive conversation with SBS Urdu.
Sultana shares how her family balances the dual identies and preserves their Islamic identity and Pakistani cultural heritage despite over 70 years in Australia.
______________
Explore more ways to listen to the Urdu program here: Listen to SBS Urdu. Install our mobile app “SBS Audio” on Apple (iPhone) or Android devices: SBS Audio App. Download on Apple App Store, Download on Google Play. Follow us on social media: SBS Urdu on Facebook and on SBS Urdu on Instagram.
Share
