Intergenerational Trauma and the 1947 Partition with Dr. Ammara Khalid

Intergenerational Trauma and the 1947 Partition with Dr. Ammara Khalid

From Behaviour Speak with Ben Reiman by Ben Reiman

May 8, 2026 · 1h 4m · Episode 267

About this episode

Ben Reiman and Dr. Ammara Khalid discuss the intergenerational impact of the 1947 Partition of South Asia and its ongoing effects on trauma and resilience in the diaspora.

Today on Behaviour Speak, Ben sits down with Dr. Ammara Khalid for a powerful conversation on the intergenerational impact of the 1947 Partition of South Asia. Together, they explore one of the largest mass migrations in human history and the trauma, displacement, silence, and resilience that continue to shape generations across the South Asian diaspora. Drawing from her clinical work, research, and her own family’s migration story, Dr. Khalid discusses how trauma is passed through families not only through stories, but also through silence, survival patterns, cultural expectations, and the body itself. Ben and Dr. Khalid discuss: The historical and psychological impact of the Partition of India and Pakistan Intergenerational trauma and inherited survival responses Silence, stigma, and emotional suppression in South Asian families Decolonizing mental health practices The role of curiosity, compassion, storytelling, and community in healing Cultural approaches to therapy, music, movement, spirituality, and collective care Racism, migration, identity, and belonging in the diaspora Dr. Khalid’s upcoming book: The South Asian Guide to Healing: Breaking the Cycle of Trauma This…

People in this episode

Host: Ben Reiman

Guest: Dr. Ammara Khalid

Topics covered

  • intergenerational trauma
  • 1947 Partition
  • mass migration
  • cultural expectations
  • mental health
  • resilience
  • healing

Keywords

  • intergenerational trauma
  • 1947 Partition
  • South Asian diaspora
  • mental health
  • cultural expectations
  • migration
  • healing

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The South Asian Guide to Healing: Breaking the Cycle of Trauma

Places: South Asia, India, Pakistan

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