In November 2012, the lives of two elderly sisters, Shireen and Amy, were documented in Lahore for a history preservation project. Shireen, a Zoroastrian woman with roots in India, and Amy, her Pakistani sister, reflected on their experiences during the partition of British India in 1947. Despite being divided by nationality, they shared a rich cultural heritage shaped by their Zoroastrian identity.
Throughout their lives, Shireen and Amy navigated the complexities of being part of a dwindling community in Lahore. Partition had profound social, political, and economic consequences for religious minorities like the Parsi community, leading to population decline and migration overseas.
Shireen, who grew up in Lahore but maintained ties to her maternal home in Bombay, struggled to reconcile the emotional ties between the two cities post-partition. Despite the challenges, she remained resilient, focusing on her education and love for music.
The sisters’ story highlights the enduring impact of political events on personal lives and the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the face of adversity. Through their resilience and commitment to their community, Shireen and Amy represent the resilience of individuals caught in the midst of history. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the shared history and diverse identities that make up the fabric of South Asia.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
