Family Environmental History
March 22, 2024 By: Navraj Randhawa
For my personal environmental history my parents immigrated to Canada in 1984 but there is more of a back story of how we came here. I will be focusing on my mother’s side and how they originated in Punjab, India and then relocated in Calcutta, West Bengal before making the decision to come to Ontario, Canada. I have lived with my grandmother for most of my life and know the story, for why there was a transition of where they were settled. My grandmother was born in 1941 in a small village in Punjab, India. Here the community in the state of Punjab, India, has historically sustained itself through a judicious utilization of natural resources. Agriculture is the cornerstone of Punjab’s economy, and its success relies heavily on the region’s natural assets. The fertile alluvial soil, primarily deposited by the Indus River, has enabled the cultivation of a wide variety of crops, with wheat and rice being the staples. Punjab has harnessed its water resources through an extensive canal system, primarily sourced from the Indus River, ensuring reliable irrigation for its crops. Punjab’s people have preserved their traditional knowledge of water conservation and management, utilizing age-old techniques like rainwater harvesting and community wells to mitigate water scarcity.
At the age of 16 it was customary in Punjabi tradition to have an arranged marriage. She married my grandfather who was a successful businessman but was relocated in Calcutta, West Bengal as there was more opportunity in a bigger city compared to the small villages in Punjab. My grandmother moved across the country in India to begin their lives in Calcutta in the year of 1958.
Here, from my grandmother’s perspective there was a great lifestyle change from moving to Calcutta in India. Here there was more of a exotic influence. The British colonial presence in Calcutta, now known as Kolkata, had a profound and lasting impact on the city’s environment. When the British East India Company established Calcutta as its trading hub in the late 17th century, they embarked on a transformative agenda that altered the city’s landscape significantly. One of the most visible changes was the construction of a modern urban infrastructure, including wide streets, grand government buildings, and the introduction of British-style gardens and parks. This urban planning not only redefined the city’s aesthetics but also influenced subsequent urban development in India. However, these changes came at a cost to the environment. The British introduced industrialization, setting up factories, and promoting manufacturing, which led to increased pollution of air and water. The once-pristine Hooghly River faced pollution from industrial effluents, affecting aquatic life and public health. Moreover, the rapid urbanization and deforestation for construction led to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity. The British transformation of Calcutta had both positive and negative consequences for the environment. While it brought about modernization and urban planning, it also resulted in environmental degradation due to industrialization and urban expansion.
My family adapted to this environment by seamlessly integrating the traditional techniques passed down from our ancestral village into our new urban environment, which brought both opportunities and obstacles. We found ourselves at the heart of Calcutta, a bustling port city, where the urbanization and trade activities opened doors to an abundance of goods. My grandmother fondly recalls the extensive array of products available during that time, but at higher price points. However, residing in the city presented its own set of challenges, primarily the scarcity of land for cultivating crops and sourcing natural foods for our growing family.
In response to this predicament, our family devised innovative solutions. We embraced the new culture of street food, these affordable and convenient street food options have become a cornerstone of local urban existence, ensuring that families like ours continue to have access to nourishing meals amidst the bustling cityscape. This blend of traditional wisdom and urban adaptation had helped sustain us during a transitional time for my family.
Our family class heritage played a role in our valued environment. In Punjab, India there is a class system which in a way ranks your family name based on their profession. My family comes from a caste known as Jatt that holds a significant role in Punjabi culture, and its influence extends to shaping the valued environment in Punjab. Historically, the Jatts have been associated with agriculture, being the backbone of Punjab’s agrarian economy. Their deep connection to the land and farming practices has not only contributed to the state’s agricultural prosperity but has also instilled a sense of reverence for the environment. The Jatt community’s strong bond with nature and their traditional farming methods often prioritize sustainable and eco-friendly practices, ensuring the long-term health of the land. Moreover, their cultural values, such as community solidarity and resilience, play a pivotal role in preserving Punjab’s rich heritage and promoting environmental conservation efforts. The Jatt caste, through its deep-rooted traditions and agricultural prowess, continues to play an integral role in fostering a valued environment in Punjab that respects and sustains the land for future generations.
The environment I have been raised in Canada, I’ve observed a noticeable disconnection from nature compared to the generations of my grandparents and parents in Punjabi, India. Back in India, the cornerstone of sustenance for families lay in the cultivation of crops on family-owned farms. In stark contrast, my family’s lifestyle here revolves around regular visits to supermarkets for our food supplies. This shift in our food procurement habits has left me feeling somewhat removed from the profound connection to the Earth and the natural environment that my ancestors enjoyed. The act of cultivating and consuming one’s own food fosters a deep-rooted bond with the land and the surrounding environment, heightening awareness of the beauty and intricacies of our natural surroundings. This shift from self-sufficiency to supermarket convenience has undeniably altered our relationship with the Earth, emphasizing the need for a more conscious effort to reconnect with and appreciate the wonders of the environment around us.