Event Speakers (L-R) Shailendra Pathak, Muhi Bakini, Sadhik Preet Singh, Gursahib Singh, Shivalika Pathak, Sokheng Pa, Celine Pioroda, Melissa Ly
Held at Open Space in downtown Abbotsford, the sold-out event brought together a diverse lineup of poets who shared deeply personal pieces on themes of resiliency, identity, and the power of language. Their words painted vivid pictures of struggle, strength and hope, moving the audience to smiles, laughter and even tears.
“The idea and concept of the event started off as a seed of hope,” said event organizer, Melissa Ly.
“The support of my Archway colleagues, the open-hearted attendees, and finally the courageous speakers were like the soil, the water, and the sun. From that a flower blossomed, which for many was one of collective healing. And that is all that I could have hoped for when planting the seed of this event.”
Throughout the evening, speakers engaged attendees with stories of strength, heritage and lived experiences, creating a shared atmosphere of vulnerability and celebration. Many audience members expressed gratitude for the opportunity to hear perspectives that are often underrepresented in mainstream spaces.
Gursahib Singh speaking on stage.
“The idea and concept of the event started off as a seed of hope. The support of my Archway colleagues, the open-hearted attendees, and finally the courageous speakers were like the soil, the water, and the sun.”
“It was amazing. Like people from diverse voices, I was wondering how I could relate to them that much. Every other person who came on stage felt like ‘that’s a part of me, that’s me!’ It was an amazing event,” said Gursahib Singh, who shared original work in Hindi and then translated it into English.
“It was good, I really enjoyed it. I tend to repress myself a lot, and here I’m still doing it, but I felt safe, and I think that’s important, especially in events that have art involved,” said Shivalika Pathak, one of the poets.
“Tonight was about more than just poetry—it was a lifeline. As a new immigrant, I finally felt seen, heard, and connected to a community that understands.”” shared Celine Pioroda, another one of the poets.
“I felt that everyone was listening even though it wasn’t in the same language, but they felt what I was saying,” said Sadhik Preet Singh. He shared poems from his favourite poets in Urdu and Punjabi and also translated for the audience.
Muhi Bakini, supervisor of the Archway Diversity Education program, took to the stage to read a chapter he wrote in Geographies of the Heart, a book written by 18 newcomers to Canada. He spoke on the power of perseverance after a civil war broke out in his home country and later in life, when waiting eight years to come to Canada.
Sokheng Pa spoke on the difficulties of being the decision maker for their family sharing that “we can’t blame the people who are older than us for not knowing. They don’t know everything. This is their first time being alive. We can’t control everything so we need to just do the best we can.”
The evening took an unexpected and moving turn when an audience member, inspired by the performances, asked if there was time for him to take the stage to share something as well.
“I love the audience and beautiful performances. Amazing, emotional, moving performances here,” shared Shailendra Pathak. He then delivered an original song in Hindi which included parts of while citing a poem in Punjabi by poet Bulleh Shah. This last performance reinforced the spirit of Diverse Voices, a space where every story matters, even the ones not everyone can fully understand.
As the event concluded, audience members, who had been asked to write a word or two about what they envisioned community to be were invited to place them on a board. Words such as “understanding” and “I.R.L [in real life] connection” became a recurring theme.
With overwhelming positive feedback, organizers hope to continue fostering platforms for diverse voices to be heard in future events.
“Tonight was about more than just poetry—it was a lifeline. As a new immigrant, I finally felt seen, heard, and connected to a community that understands.”
Celine Pioroda speaking on stage.
“I felt that everyone was listening even though it wasn’t in the same language, but they felt what I was saying.”
Selected Poetry Excerpts
“I left home to fit myself into a mold of disillusion. I act and talk and look like the one who reward it, my seclusion so now when visitors from my lost home come through, I’m met with confusion of origin.” – Shivalika Pathak
“Your country and I, I suspect we are soulmates ‘cause I am with you tonight in a way I would never imagine that I could be.” – Celine Pioroda
“It seems I was always meant for the city, and its waterfront. Across oceans from where my last living ancestors draw each breath, I hope they are okay and for the ones I didn’t get to say goodbye to, I dream that they are finally at peace.” – Celine Pioroda