by Dr Mediah Ahmed
In 2016, while writing a monologue for a project called ‘Come to Where I’m From’, I embarked on a journey that would forever change my understanding of my heritage. Through this project, I discovered profound parallels with my great grandfather, Molvi Abdul Majid Malang, whose life had been documented in a couple of biographies I had the fortune to come across. These books shed light on a remarkable man whose legacy I felt a deep connection to.
This exploration of my family history was further enriched during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the UKPHA book club and South Asian Heritage Month lectures, I delved deep into Punjabi Colonial History. This journey made me question why such significant aspects of our history were not part of our school curriculum. We learned about the Tudors, the Stuarts, and the World Wars, yet the contributions and stories of our ancestors, predating the mass migrations from the Indian subcontinent in the 60s and 70s, were glaringly absent.
Documenting and preserving the stories of our elders and ancestors is vital. It ensures that younger generations have access to their own histories, enabling them to understand and appreciate their roots. I believe it is our responsibility to share stories about our heritage, ensuring that the legacy of our communities is not forgotten.
As the African proverb wisely states, “Until the lion tells the story, the hunter will always be the hero.” This sentiment drives the mission of The Apna Heritage Archive website, which aims to change this narrative by sharing our stories.
I would like to conclude with the beautiful words of Baba Bulleh Shah, which resonate deeply with this journey of self-discovery and historical exploration:
پڑھ پڑھ علم ہزار کتاباں
کدے اپنے آپ نوں پڑھیا نئیں
جاں جاں وَڑدے مندر مسیتی
کدے مَن اپنے وچ وَڑیا نئیں
paṛh paṛh ilm hazār kitābañ
kadey apney āp nūñ paṛhya naiñ
jā jā vaṛdey mandir maseeti
kadey man apney vich vaṛya naiñ
‘You read and read a thousand books
but never read your own self.
You run to enter temples and mosques
but you never entered your own heart.’
This profound message reminds us of the importance of looking within and understanding our own identities and histories. Through this journey, I have come to appreciate the rich tapestry of my ancestry and the stories that shape who I am today.
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