“Embrace your cultural identity with confidence and pride”

Royal Roads University is proud to celebrate Asian Heritage Month this May. Our 2025 theme, Cultural Threads, invites us to honour the rich traditions, diverse languages and creative arts that shape and connect Asian communities. Throughout the month, we’ve invited students to share more about their Asian heritage and what this month means to them.

Shimaya Suresh, MA in Tourism Management

What does Asian Heritage Month mean to you?

Asian Heritage Month is a reminder of my roots and connects me to my heritage and cultural traditions. Although we're often grouped together as "Asians," this month celebrates what makes each of us unique, even if we're from the same country.

As an immigrant, I've had to balance my own culture along with Western cultures, adopting a new lifestyle while keeping my roots strong within me. Asian Heritage Month is a time for me to proudly celebrate my traditions and acknowledge the diversity within our communities. This celebration reminds us that, as people of color, we belong and contribute to the global community, just like any other race. It shows my capabilities, talents and the values I bring from my hometown.

By embracing my own heritage, I can also learn about and appreciate the diverse cultures and traditions of my peers, creating a sense of unity and shared experience.

What cultural traditions from your heritage have had the biggest influence on your identity?

I hail from the Southwest Coast of India, from the Kannur province. India has numerous stereotypes, but the truth is, my country is too diverse to be stereotyped. Every 25 kilometres, the cultures, language, traditions, values and heritage vary. While living abroad in Canada, I stay connected to my heritage though my language, observing festivals, eating dishes from home and through practicing my religion.

I make it a point to connect with my friends and family back home in my native Malayalam language, which is spoken in Kerala. 

During important festivals, such as Onam and Vishu, I celebrate in whatever way I can, including inviting friends over to take part. I find that food instantly connects to my soul. Dishes from home like fish moilee, puttu, pathiri, pradhaman and Kerala stew are easily preparable in Canada. 

Finally, I stay connected to the religious practices I was raised with. We worship Demi Gods like Muthappan, Guligan and Bhagavathi. Annually in the month of March, the ancient art form of Theyyam is celebrated, where every community member takes part. While this year I was not able to make it directly, my way of taking part was through video calls, though you still end up missing home.

How has language shaped your connection to your cultural roots?

Growing up in the Vaniyar community, I've been deeply influenced by the Malabar Malayalam language and dialect, which holds a special significance for me. As a member of a community where this dialect is spoken by only 2.3 million people, I feel a strong connection to my cultural roots through this language. The dialect and language are exclusive to my community, evoking a sense of belonging and connection to my heritage. 

Can you share a particular art form, craft or performance that is significant in your culture?

Muchilottu Bhagavathi Theyyam is a traditional ritual dance form in Kerala, India, where the performer embodies the goddess Muchilottu Bhagavathi. The Theyyam is a sacred art form, and its performance is considered a way to connect with the divine. 

The celebration of Muchilottu Bhagavathi Theyyam typically takes place in a temple or a sacred grove. The rituals begin with the preparation of the performer, who is considered a vessel for the goddess. The performer undergoes a series of rituals, including purification ceremonies, prayers and offerings to the goddess. The performer jumps and dances over fire, symbolizing the goddess's power and strength, and wields sacred sticks or swords known as Komarans, which are believed to possess spiritual energy. 

The performer demonstrates their spiritual connection to the goddess and showcases their physical and mental strength. The Muchilottu Bhagavathi Theyyam is a deeply spiritual experience, where the performer becomes one with the goddess. The performance is believed to bring blessings, prosperity and protection to the community. 

The Theyyam is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Kerala and the enduring power of traditional art forms. 

How do traditional clothing and textiles reflect the history and values of your culture?

Kerala's traditional clothing and textiles, such as the Kasavu saree and the Kasavu mundu, reflect the state's rich cultural heritage and history. The Kasavu saree, typically made of white or off-white cotton cloth with a golden zari border, has its origins in ancient times and was initially worn without a blouse, a practice that changed with British colonization. 

Over time, the Kasavu saree has undergone modernization, incorporating new motifs, geometric patterns, and floral patterns, with some authentic artists even hand-painting intricate designs, including mural art and mythological art, on these traditional garments. 

The designs and patterns used in traditional clothing and textiles often reflect the architecture of Kerala's temples, showcasing the connection between art and architecture. 

What advice would you give to younger generations about embracing their cultural heritage?

My advice to the younger generation is to wholeheartedly embrace your cultural heritage, traditions and values as this doesn't diminish your individuality, but rather enriches it. 

Being part of a rich cultural legacy is a privilege. Speaking your native language shouldn't be a source of embarrassment, but rather a badge of honor. Your traditional attire is a testament to the profound history and cultural significance of your country, and you should proudly wear it and share its story with others. 

When faced with criticism or negative remarks about your cultural practices, don't let them hold you down – instead, stand up for your heritage and educate others about its significance. By embracing your cultural identity with confidence and pride, you'll be able to share it with others and promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of your traditions.

How can communities work together to celebrate and share the richness of Asian arts and traditions?

I believe communities can come together as a unified group, rather than isolating themselves, to celebrate and share the richness of Asian arts and traditions. 

Involving other members of society in these efforts can help spread cultural and traditional values to those who may not be familiar with them. To achieve this, online platforms can be established to share information and resources, and language classes can be offered to immigrant children to help them stay connected to their heritage. 

Parents play a crucial role in preserving cultural traditions by encouraging their children to speak their mother tongue, engaging them in religious and cultural practices, and promoting cultural values at home. Community gatherings, such as weekly meetings that involve joint mythological book reading, storytelling, and watching cultural movies, can also help children learn about and connect with their cultural heritage. 

Additionally, hosting food-tasting festivals and encouraging children to try traditional cuisine can help reduce the stigma associated with bringing cultural food to school, particularly for immigrant children. 

By working together as a community, we can promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of Asian arts and traditions, and help children develop a strong sense of cultural identity from an early age.

Want to keep the celebrations going? Visit our Asian Heritage Month webpage for voices, videos, events, resources and more. 

To learn more about a diversity of cultures from across our campus community, join us (and Suresh) May 15 at RRU’s Global Showcase. Enjoy cultural exhibits, food, a fashion show and more. The event is free and open to the public. Learn more.