30 Years of PAA
The Punjabi Arts Association of Toronto (PAA) has been an integral part of the local community since 1992, passionately serving and engaging with audiences. Established as a not-for-profit organization in 1999, we have dedicated ourselves to addressing contemporary issues within the South Asian immigrant community, particularly in relation to the Canadian mainstream. Our commitment is reflected through historically-themed stage plays, seminars, and discussions.
Over the years, our productions have encapsulated the rich cultural tapestry, paying homage to martyrs through works like “Hind Dee Chader” (1994), “Chamkuar Dee Garhi Ton Sirhind Tak” (1995), “Aazadi De Jahaaz” (2001), and “Inqlaab Zindabaad” (2002). “Richtian Da Kee Rakhiye Na” (1997) explored the partitioning of Hind and Pak, while “Sab Kichh Hot Upaie” (1999) encouraged our audience and cast to champion justice in the spirit of our martyrs.
Since 2000, our focus has shifted towards family and immigration themes, addressing issues like drug abuse, female foeticide, generation gap, and domestic violence. Notable productions during this period include “Pinjray (Cages)” (2000), “Hoai Pardesi” (1996), “Aatish (The Spark)” (2003), “Dhukhday Kleeray” (2004), “Mera Ghar Meri Kahani” (2002), “Ik Jung Eh Vee” (2006), “Raat Chanani” (2007), “Wrong Number” (2008), “RSVP” (2009), “Mr. MLA” (2010), “Sirjana” (2010), “Me & My Story” (2011), “Aahlna (The Nest),” “Ik Supne Da Political Murder” (2013), “Kadhan Rait Dian” (2015-16), “Gallan Terian” (2018), and “Aahlna-Apnay Paraye” (2021).
Many of these productions have featured talented youth performers, aiming to inspire the next generation to pursue their dreams while steering clear of drug addiction, violence, and gang activity. Through mentorship and guidance, we strive to help young individuals unearth their hidden talents, fostering a brighter future for themselves, their community, and society at large.
Our collaborations with esteemed directors such as Dr. Pali Bhupinder, Dr. Atamjit, Nirmal Rishi, Hardip Gill from India, and others have added depth and cultural richness to our artistic endeavors. At the Punjabi Arts Association, our journey is not just about performances; it’s a commitment to cultural enrichment, social awareness, and youth empowerment.
MISSION
Punjabi Arts Association of Toronto is an independent, not-for-profit, volunteer-based organization that presents issues of relevance to the South Asian immigrant community through the performing arts. While we focus on the production of historically-themed plays and movies, the organization also hosts seminars and discussions. Our primary objective is to celebrate and explore South Asian culture, particularly in relationship to the Canadian mainstream. We are committed to creating awareness of the disastrous effect of drugs and violence on our youth and to explore issues that arise from generation gaps and family challenges.
Punjabi Arts Association of Toronto promotes positive values of the Punjabi and South East Asian cultures, and strives to explore their interaction with mainstream Canadian culture. Punjabi Arts Association supports other charitable organizations through stage plays, cultural shows and seminars that are held at cultural and fundraising events.
VISION
We believe that in order to build a bright future for Canadian society it is important to motivate our youth to reveal and develop leadership qualities. Our organization is helping to accomplish this goal by offering our younger members the opportunity to develop their skills and talents and to explore their own relationship with family, community and society.
RECOGNITION
Punjabi Arts association recognized by The Ontario Trillium Foundation, Punjabi Sath Lambra, Ramgarhia Sikh Society, Desh Bhagat Sports and Culture Society, Indo Canadian Workers Association, Gurbax Malhi M.P., Dr. Ruby Dhalla M.P., Vick Dhillon M.P.P., Dr. Kuldip Kular M.P., Avtar Kaur Aujla Councillor City of Brampton, Vicky Dhillon Councillor City of Brampton, Raminder Gill M.P.P., Baba Bhag Singh Girls College Sukha Nand, Pravasi award Toronto etc.
FILMS
Our movie production, Virsa (Heritage), was well received by our community.
FUTURE
As true reflections of our culture, these productions offer meaningful and timeless messages about the importance of balancing tradition with the challenges of contemporary societ.
