Asian Tribune June 4, 2021

Issue 282 (4) Asian Tribune June 4, 2021
Asian
Star
Sudha Krishnan
Native village/Country, parent’s
background
My parents hail from Tripunithura, Kerala, India
which is just east of the port city of Kochi.
We are Tamil speaking. Our ancestors hail
from Thanjavur. But most of our family was
born and raised in Kerala. That is why our
mother tongue is Tamil. But we speak
Malayalam as well.
Your early education
I was educated in Montreal, Canada — from
pre-school all the way to my post-secondary
education. I went to Harold Napper Elementary
school in Brossard — a city just south of
Montreal. I moved on to Centennial Regional
High School and Champlain Regional College
— where I graduated with honors in Pure and
Applied Health Sciences. I later obtained my
Bachelor’s in Journalism degree at Concordia
University — where I received the Gordon
Fisher Prize for Journalism. That was in 1999.
When & why you came to Canada?
I was born in Canada. My parents came here
decades ago to build a better life for their
children. That is me, my sister and my brother.
Your career advancement initiatives and
present occupation
I began my career as a journalist in the mid
90’s as a freelancer while pursuing my degree
in journalism. I was writing for the school
newspaper. I had volunteered for community
access television. And a year later, I got a parttime
job hosting a show on municipal affairs
for Montreal’s English-Speaking community.
I had a passion for covering issues affecting
visible minority women. My first piece
published in the Montreal Gazette was about
a support group for teenage moms in
Montreal. The group helped young mothers,
namely from the city’s African-Canadian
community or black community cope. After
the January Ice Storm in 1998, I had interned
at CTV National news in Montreal. Later in the
summer, I became a part-time reporter for the
local Montreal affiliate — CFCF (at the time).
It is now called CTV Montreal. My career took
me across the country —working at CBC
Montreal, Global Montreal — Global in Quebec
City, Global Regina. I worked in western
Canada for about 10 years — four years as an
anchor and reporter in Saskatchewan and then
6 years in Alberta as a legislative reporter for
Citytv in Edmonton and then host of OMNI
NEWS in Alberta — the South Asian Edition.
My career later moved me to OMNI in Toronto
where I co-hosted the South Asian Edition along
with Angie Seth. It was in 2012 that my career
took me back to my hometown of Montreal —
where I currently work at the CBC — mainly as
a reporter for TV, radio and web. Since February,
2021, I have been appointed as the last night
anchor for CBC Montreal News (weeknights at
11). One of my biggest achievements, I would
have to say would be giving a voice to people
who are marginalized. I still have a leaning to
covering stories affecting visible minority women.
Your regret in life
I really don’t have any regrets in life. Life is a
journey. Mistakes may have been made. But
mistakes or failures can be seen as opportunities
for growth. Setbacks make you stronger because
they provide valuable life lessons. You just have
to look back with perspective.
Pick you’re the best achievements
I had won two journalism awards. In 2010, out
of Edmonton, there I had won a Canadian Ethnic
Media Award for my piece on Suicide in the
South Asian Community. The piece tackled the
taboo of speaking about mental health and the
challenges of support for newcomers in Alberta
amid cuts at that time.
In 2012, I won the award for Health Reporting by
the Canadian Medical Association for Diabetes
in the South Asian Community.
It can be seen as achievements because my
work was recognized.
But I would also have to add that my career as a
South Indian Classical dancer and teacher has
helped me become the journalist what I am
today. That is mainly because of my mother.
She taught hundreds of South Asian youth the
art of Bharata Natyam — and with that a sense
of understanding and pride in our culture and
heritage. My career as a dancer brought me
confidence and strength as a journalist. And I
do spend my Sundays teaching this art to young
children, namely young girls. And hopefully, they
will develop a sense of confidence, strength and
work ethic to achieve anything in life.
Were you ever discriminated?
I don’t think I was ever refused a job because of
my skin color. But yes, I among many have
been called names at school like “P———”I
don’t like to spell it because it is so derogatory.
I have been picked on at school. There wasn’t
the kind of support or kind of anti-bullying
campaign we see now in schools. But I didn’t
let it upset me. I just pursued my studies and
my schoolmates were excellent students. Also
my parents brought me up with a strong sense
of pride in who I am. They always told me that
when people insult or hurt others or call names,
it is because they have insecurities and they
are unhappy with themselves. I have to admit,
in my career, I had been told I would have it
easier in Canada as a journalist because “I am
a woman and a visible minority.” I have to admit
that comment made me uncomfortable and
offended. That’s because, I have struggled in
this career like almost everybody else. The
media industry is tough - with layoffs after
layoffs. I will not apologize for news
organizations looking to hire people to reflect
the changing face of Canada. I think that is a
good thing. And my South Asian background
brings perspective to stories just like my other
colleagues of diverse backgrounds. I have faced
sexism — namely from our South Asian
community. I have been asked whether I want
a family or a career. When women can have
both or one or the other and that is their choice.
End of story. I think our community is progressing
in terms of how they view women and girls. And
that is a good thing. But career-driven women
can still be seen as intimidating in our
community. However, I have seen changes.
What you miss in Canada?
When I am outside Canada, I generally get an
appreciation for the country Canada wants to
be. That we can call ourselves Canadian, even
when I am wearing a sari and celebrating the
Kerala festival of Onam. I know our country is
being faced with these debates about culture
and identity and accommodation. But even
then, you do appreciate the freedom in Canada
that you have, especially when you live
elsewhere. The only thing I don’t like about North
America is people live to workrather than work
to live. In Europe and even in fast-paced India,
people do take time to enjoy what is important.
Family, friends and good food provide good life
essentials.
Are you happy in Canada?
I am very happy in Canada.
Why?
This is my home. I can have the best of so
many worlds here. I can proudly get involved in
our South Asian Community and at the same
time embrace so many other cultures. That is
what sets Canada apart from so many
countries. I don’t see myself as a hyphenated
English Page
Canadian. Because being Canadian means
you don’t have to abandon your roots.
Any comments on Canada’s weather
Out west I did not like the winters. I also found
they lasted too long. I prefer the weather in
Montreal. We really have 4 seasons here.
Any comments on Canada’s culture
I think Canada’s culture is often taken for
granted. There is so much to be proud of. In
fact, the recent death of a great Canadian Icon,
Gord Downie, made me think of that. His
poetry, his music took us across this great
country of ours. We have a lot of Canadian
talent - in fact, many of whom sought fame in
the U.S. And I am liking that we are seeing
more diverse names and faces on Canadian
television and in literature and theatre.
What brought you success in Canada?
My parents as I had explained. They worked
hard so I could focus on taking advantage of
the best that Canada has to offer.
Are you willing to help new comers?
Yes.
How?
As a journalist, I would like to share their stories
to point out issues that still need to be
addressed here. Also, I am willing to put them
in touch with community organizations that can
help them.
Your message for Canadians of Asian
origin
Canada is not perfect. But this is a country
where you can be whatever you want. Hard
work does pay off here. And you can have the
best of many worlds here.
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