In Hinduism the conch shell is a sacred emblem that symbolizes purity, brilliance and auspiciousness. The sound from the conch is the sacred sound of “Om.” In my family however, this conch shell symbolizes the hardships my family faced. My grandfather was a fisherman back in Guyana so he acquired the conch shell from working on the sea. He had to work hard to support his wife and 5 children. They ultimately faced many hardships of poverty together but the conch shell was a constant reminder that they would get through anything. At the age of 20, my mother got married and migrated to America in hopes of obtaining a better life and to support her family back home. Her father gave her the conch shell as a keepsake ornament to keep with her to remind her that whatever she was going through she would get through it. 

– Usha S.

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant