Exploring Roots and Cultures: A Journey Through India and Pakistan
Our recent trip to India and Pakistan was nothing short of a transformative experience. Our mission was multi-faceted, aiming to connect with organizations, document histories, and empower individuals with tools to preserve their rich heritage. This journey not only expanded our horizons but also deepened our understanding of the importance of documenting and preserving histories.
Meeting Amazing People
One of the highlights of our trip was the opportunity to meet and interact with amazing individuals. One 12 year old boy was excited to be in our seminar because he loved to do family history! Another was a man who spent his life serving the underserved, starting schools, helping the Dalai Lama, advising government ministers, and helping the blind. We started to ask him questions about his life and photograph his family photos. I really connected with him! Unfortunately, I was unable to follow up with him before he passed away. This experience really cemented the fact that this work is urgent! Our lives pass quickly and we all are important. Each one of us can leave a legacy and our experiences to the next generation.
Interviews and Documenting Histories
One memorable morning we documented a beautiful woman's worship at two temples. We walked with her and asked questions about her devotion. Then of course she made us breakfast and we were able to ask her more about her life. She hugged us when we left and expressed that she felt so loved and respected! Her family enjoyed getting to know her better too. Stay tuned for a future blog post about her.
Photographing Gravesites
We had a group of young adults go with us to a cemetery in New Delhi. We were able to photograph some of their relatives gravesites after they cleaned them and decorated them. We also photographed other graves. It was a great day. Some of these young adults were fascinated with he idea of documenting their past and their histories.
Empowering Through Seminars
One of the pillars of our trip was conducting seminars to empower local communities with the skills and knowledge needed to preserve their family histories. In cities like New Delhi, Lahore, Hyderabad, and Bangalore, we held seminars attended by approximately 200 people. We taught basic genealogy techniques, how to use the free website, FamilySearch, how to preserve photographs and document cultural traditions.
Building Collaborations for Record Availability
Beyond individual empowerment, we also focused on building collaborations with local organizations. Our goal is to increase record availability and accessibility in the region, ensuring that valuable historical data is not lost to time. These collaborations hold the promise of future initiatives that will further enrich the archival landscape of India and Pakistan.
Engagement at Roots Tech
Upon our return, we had the privilege of attending Roots Tech in Salt Lake City, where we engaged in three days of classes and meetings with organizations like Family Search. While there were no specific sessions focused on the subcontinent this year, we are optimistic about the potential for dedicated programming in the future. We encourage everyone to explore the online classes presented at Roots Tech, ranging from foundational genealogy to advanced archival techniques.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on our journey, we are filled with gratitude for the experiences shared and the connections made. Our work in India and Pakistan is ongoing, with plans for continued collaboration, education, and preservation efforts. We envision a future where every individual has the tools and resources to honor their roots, celebrate their heritage, and document their histories.
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