Bio:

The South Asian Studies Institute (the Institute) at the University of the Fraser Valley brings together South Asian Studies research scholars and students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines to create a nexus point for programs and activities that support our vision. The Institute fosters inter-disciplinary scholarly research and community and public engagement on issues related to South Asia and the South Asian Canadian Diaspora. The Institute initiates, directs and implements the development, maintenance and enhancement of scholarship, research and engagement in collaboration with faculty, students and community. The Institute takes direction from UFV’s strategic goals to be a leader of social, cultural, economic and environmentally responsible development in the Fraser Valley. The Institute is an important repository of the settler history of the South Asian Canadian Diaspora. It also undertakes much needed and urgent contemporary research that benefits members of the community, government, organizations and agencies as well as the many facets of academia. The Institute undertakes to provide research and curatorial support to the National Historic Site Gur Sikh Temple's Sikh Heritage Museum, Abbotsford BC which is managed by the Khalsa Diwan Society, Abbotsford BC.