The concept of the DSK Project has been ongoing since my childhood. I’ve always wanted to document the stories that I would hear about my great-grandfather. The biggest appeal that these stories had to me was that they were always about one person that not only drastically changed his own life, but also many others, against all odds. It was for this reason alone that I felt compelled to make this project happen.
Growing up I always knew my heritage originated in the Indian subcontinent, but throughout my childhood I had already heard so much about both Asia and Africa. As I got older, I found interest in the vast influence of Indian culture around different countries across the world. The Indian diaspora led people of Indian origin to countries such as Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Fiji, Mauritius, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, as well as many others. I became more and more intrigued by the dispersion on a global scale as well as my own family’s migration to the West.
By my early teen years I had already heard incredible stories about Pitaji that spanned across continents. While fictional stories provided me with the heroics and even impressive feats, these were stories that I could hear directly from first hand accounts: my family. A man that was able to overcome so much, all while being so humble and so ahead of his time, definitely will be remembered in history.
The purpose of the DSK Project is to commemorate the life of my Great-Grandfather, whom without him, no further branches of this family would now exist. I think that it is equally important to keep the family’s legacy and history known throughout future generations. Especially in a time when accessibility to photos and videos is so prevelant with mediums such as the Internet.
The daunting task of trying to compile various data sources and confirm accuracy has been exactly that, daunting. But despite that, there has been incredible support from everyone that I’ve contacted along the way. While I might have decided to start this project, it is by no means my creation. This web site is dedicated to the entire family and I encourage others to post their stories, photos and videos.
– Aman Virdy
I am amazed at the project.It’s very detailed and what a wonderful memory.My mother who is ninty was talking to me about her marriage in Mbale to my dad in 1941 which was the first Hindu marriage in Mbale. I asked her if she had any pictures taken at that time.She said that my dad Mr RambHai Amin had a good friend Mr Dayal Singh Kalsi who took pictures of her marriage and never got any copies. She loved the company of Mr Kalsi and family and we’re good friends till my family moved to Jinja in 1954.My mom still remembers how nice Kalsi family was so I thought I will Google and see if there is anything I can find.And the magic of Google I came across this website.My mom was so happy to see his family picture.We came to Vancouver in 1972 from Uganda.Thank you for the memories.