SEEMA December 2024

DECEMBER 2024

SOAR: SUPPORTING SURVIVORS SACSS: EMPOWERING IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES

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THOUGHTFUL GIFTS SUPPORTING SOUTH ASIAN BUSINESSES

ANITA BHATIA

Inspiring Change, Empowering Communities

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SEEMA ISSUE 12 | DECEMBER 2024 ™

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BE YON D L I MI T S - S E E M A

Tying Together Tradition, Triumph, and Thanks

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s the year draws to a close, we turn our focus to the spirit of giving and the transformative power of philanthropy. In this special issue of SEEMA Magazine, we celebrate individuals and organizations whose compassion and dedication are lighting the path for others.

Our cover star, Anita Bhatia, Executive Director of the Ramesh and Kalpana Bhatia Family Foundation, embodies the legacy of giving rooted in her parents’ immigrant journey. Her work addresses some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from gender-based violence to neurodiversity, seamlessly blending personal passion with professional purpose. Anita’s story is one of inspiration, resilience, and the ability to transform empathy into impactful action.

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We also spotlight Amrita Doshi, the co-founder and Executive Director of South Asian SOAR, a powerful organization committed to healing and justice for South Asian survivors of violence and trauma. Drawing from her own experiences and a profound dedication to advocacy, Amrita’s leadership has united Survivors, Organizations, and Allies in Rising—uplifting those most in need.

Additionally, we honor the South Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS), which, for almost 25 years, has provided critical support to immigrant communities in New York. From operating the first South Asian food pantry in NYC to delivering essential services to underserved individuals, SACSS exemplifies the impact of community-based care and empowerment.

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This issue is a celebration of those who give selflessly, proving that philanthropy is not just about resources— it’s about heart, vision, and the courage to make a difference. We hope these stories inspire you to reflect on the many ways we can uplift one another and create lasting change.

As we close another extraordinary year, this issue of SEEMA celebrates the bonds that tie us to our culture and one another. In this season of reflection and gratitude, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire SEEMA Network team and the incredible SEEMA

community. Your unwavering support, creativity, and passion have made this year another remarkable chapter in our journey. Together, we have created meaningful impact and celebrated the stories that define us.

Here’s to the power of community and to another year of inspiration and achievement!

• Seema Kumar, Founder, SEEMA Network •

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Contents CONTENT - SEEMA

DECEMBER 2024 • ISSUE 12

NOURISH 16 Snow, Sparkle, and Tradition 20 Winter Fashion with a Twist

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INDULGE 26 Give Back and Give Beautifully

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30 Top 3 gifting ideas this christmas

EXPERIENCE

GIVING

10 A Celebration of Indian and Diasporic Voices

34 A Collective

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40 Serving the Invisible

A Celebration of Unity and Humanity

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Force – SOAR

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COVER STORY

Championing Legacy, Philanthropy and Inclusivity

Anita Bhatia, Executive Director of the Ramesh and Kalpana Bhatia Family Foundation, combines healthcare and marketing expertise with a deep personal commitment to philanthropy. Inspired by her parents’ immigrant journey and ethos of giving, she leads transformative initiatives addressing gender-based violence and promoting neurodiversity.

FEATURES

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62 Beyond Motherhood: Books that Explore the Complexities of Motherhood

BREATHE 48 Step Into Stillness: 50 The Journey to Conscious Being

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SEEMA RECOMMENDS 66 But What Will People Say? Sahaj Kaur Kohli, MA, LGPC 68 Holiday Feasts D E C E M B E R

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Experience C E L E B R AT E • M O V I E • M U S I C

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A Celebration of Indian and Diasporic Voices

Indo-American Arts Council Presents 2024 Literary Festival

Sisters Norah Jones and Anoushka Shankar Shine with Grammy Nominations Sisters earning nominations across genres for their remarkable musical talents.

A Celebration of Unity and Humanity Showcasing unity, equality, and compassion through the Sikh tradition of Langar

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A Celebration of Indian and Diasporic Voices Indo-American Arts Council Presents 2024 Literary Festival:

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he Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC) held its 2024 Literary Festival on November 9-10, 2024, at the International House, New York, NY. This year’s festival was a vibrant celebration of Indian and diasporic voices, showcasing a diverse lineup of acclaimed authors, poets, and thought leaders from across the globe. The IAAC Literary Festival offered a rich program of book talks, panel discussions, and performances, providing a unique opportunity for audiences to explore a wide range of topics, from identity and migration to social justice, environmentalism,

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and storytelling. The event was free and open to all, making it an accessible platform for both American and Indian-American communities to engage with global Indian literature and culture.

One of the key highlights of the festival was the closing session, featuring a Poetry Panel moderated by curator and poet Ravi Shankar. The panel brought together internationally acclaimed poets Guillermo Rodríguez Martín, Anand Thakore, Krishna Ramanujan, Kashiana Singh, and Diane Mehta.

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Sisters Norah Jones and Anoushka Shankar Shine with Grammy Nominations

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orah Jones and Anoushka Shankar, two celebrated sisters in the world of music, have each earned prestigious Grammy nominations, highlighting their impressive talents across different genres.

Anoushka Shankar, a renowned sitar virtuoso, has received two Grammy nominations this year. She’s up for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album for her album Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn, a deeply introspective work that blends classical Indian music with modern influences. Additionally, she has been nominated for Best Global Music Performance for the track “A Rock Somewhere,” which features collaborators Jacob Collier and Vaijashree Venugopal.

These nominations not only recognize the sisters’ individual artistic achievements but also reflect the lasting influence of their father, Ravi Shankar, whose groundbreaking contributions to the world of Indian classical music continue to inspire and shape their careers. Their recognition at the Grammys underscores their continued relevance and impact in an ever-evolving musical landscape.

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PHOTO CONTRIBUTOR: PAOLO GIANTI / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Norah Jones has been nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for her latest project, Visions. Known for her distinctive voice and genreblending style, Jones’ nomination reflects her continued ability to captivate audiences with her soulful sound.

EXPERIENCE - SEEMA

A Celebration of Unity and Humanity

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n November 9, 2024, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) came alive with the celebration of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 555th birth anniversary.

Themed “Oneness: A Light for Humanity,” the event paid tribute to the teachings of unity, equality, and compassion that define Guru Nanak’s legacy.

Organized by the nonprofit Let’s Share a Meal, renowned for its global efforts to serve meals in homeless shelters, elderly homes, and soup kitchens since 2012, the celebration highlighted the Sikh tradition of Langar—the community kitchen—by emphasizing service to those in need. The event resonated with the spirit of humanity, bringing together people of diverse backgrounds to honor Guru Nanak’s timeless message.

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• W I N T E R FAS H I O N

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Snow, Sparkle, and Tradition

A Guide to Germany’s Unforgettable Christmas Markets

Winter Fashion with a Twist

Redefining winter fashion with the art of layering

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Snow, Sparkle, and Tradition A Guide to Germany’s Unforgettable Christmas Markets

by Rashmi Gopal Rao Decorations in Berlin Christmas Markets

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t is that time of the year when the magic of Christmas is slowly taking over. Cozy evenings, shopping sales, Christmas trees and decorations showing up in stores; well, the spirit of yuletide is slowly but surely coming alive! And no discussion of Christmas cheer is complete without the mention of the delightful Christmas markets that make an appearance each season. With twinkling lights, adorably decorated chalets, carousels, ice rinks and the quintessential gluhwein (mulled wine), Christmas markets are an experience quite like any other.

While these markets have been in existence since centuries, did you know that they actually date back as early as the 15th century? Christmas markets are widely believed to have been started in Germany with Dresden and Nuremberg hosting some of the earliest markets. Back then these markets mainly retailed meat,

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baked goodies and local handicrafts like pottery. The Industrial revolution of the early 19th century gave an impetus to these markets given the improved standard of living and the markets grew considerably in size. The number of stalls increased and there was greater focus on items like decorations, nativity scenes and even the Christmas tree. Even today, Germany is considered as the birth place of Christmas markets and if you are a fan of market hopping during the season, Germany must be on your list. With over 3000 Christmas markets in the country, it is indeed a wonderful time to visit Germany and savour this unique experience. Here are some popular markets to visit.

BERLIN: the capital city of Germany transforms into a riot of colour and celebration during the holiday season.

The city hosts as many as over 100 markets with some of the most popular ones being at Alexanderplatz,

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Berlin Christmas Markets

Gendarmenmarkt (Bebelplatz) and at Berlin City Hall.

The Alexanderplatz Christmas market is renowned for its Christmas pyramid which is adorned by over 5000 lights. With over 100 stalls selling niche goods, plenty of games and gingerbread, this one is a must visit.

Gendarmenmarkt (Bebelplatz) is known particularly for its arts and crafts and it is here that you can find decorative candles, paintings and wooden crafts. The market is also known for its culinary delights apart from the traditional sugar almonds and chestnuts. The market at Berlin city hall is not to be missed for its giant Ferris wheel, circular ice rink and stalls retailing authentic arts and crafts. It is a treat for children who can witness Santa riding his sleigh pulled by reindeer three times a day. All these markets open from 25-November this year. Further, the Winter World on Potsdamer Platz and the Medieval Christmas Market at Britz Palace are other popular places to soak in the festive vibes.

NUREMBERG: one of the most famous and well-known markets of Germany, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt

(Christmas market in German) attracts over 2 million visitors each year. Set against the historic backdrop of the town’s main market square with the Church of our Lady in the centre, the markets open this year on November 29 at 5.30 pm. With a distinctively traditional vibe, the stalls retails creative and regional goods ranging from handcrafted ornaments, handmade candles, woollens and gourmet confectionaries. Apart from music, games and wine, do not forget to sample some finely grilled sausages. Nuremberg is incidentally the second largest city of the Bavaria region and is just over 100 miles from Munich.

COLOGNE: with multiple markets, Cologne is again a city where the holiday season is much cherished. The market at the city’s main cathedral is open from 18-Nov and boasts of some bespoke handicrafts and organic gastronomical delights. There are special activities for children too with plays, face painting and games.

The icing on the cake is the fact that the market this year is ISO-certified for sustainability. At Rudolfplatz is

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Candies and Treats at Christmas Markets in Frankfurt

the Village of St. Nicholas known for its utterly magical ambience making it popular with adults and children alike. Heinzels Winter Fairytale in the centre of the old town is a highlight for it honours the legend of Cologne’s brownies apart from hosting stalls by artisans from all over Europe.

FRANKFURT: with one of the largest markets in the historic quarter of the city around Römerburg and

Paulsplatz, Frankfurt’s Christmas market stretches from Hauptwache down to the river quayside. With more than 3 million visitors, the markets are teeming with people who come with family and friends to enjoy the celebratory atmosphere. While here do not forget to sample local specialities like the white marzipan cookies called Brentenand Bettmännchen which are traditional pastries made from marzipan for Christmas. The Rosa Christmas market on Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz with its

Goods at Cologne Christmas Markets

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Christmas Artefacts at the Viktualienmarkt, Munich

signature pink theme and decorations is especially popular with the LGBTQ+ community. Most markets in Frankfurt open from 25-Nov this year.

MUNICH One of the most famous markets of Munich is the Münchner Christkindlmarkt that starts from November 25 at Marienplatz. With a 25-metrehigh Christmas tree lit up with over 3000 candles, this one is a paradise from Christmas lovers. It is also famous for its nativity scene models with stalls selling everything from lanterns, gifts of the Magi, animals and figurines of all kinds. Apart from freshly baked bread, cookies and cakes, there are also special activities and workshops for children.

Do not miss the vibrant Viktualienmarkt for fresh, delectable treats during the Christmas season. The Kripperlmarkt located close to Marienplatz has a set of stalls specializing in items you need for a genuine nativity set-up. Here you can also pick up ready sets crafted in a multitude of styles including the Alpine, Bavarian and Oriental style.

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Winter Fashion with a Twist

by April Mae Berza

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astering the Art of Layering: South Asian Women Redefine Winter Fashion.

With winter’s chill, layering is key. It keeps you warm and stylish. Layering lets us use many textures, colors, and silhouettes. It offers endless creative possibilities. For South Asian women, this art form is more than protection from the elements. It is a statement of elegance, grace, and modernity. From bohemian scarves to tailored coats, layering is a chance to express culture and trends.

To explore if winter fashion can be both functional and stylish, we spoke with South Asian women. They are redefining winter layering with sophistication and flair. Sisters Ritika and Niki Shamdasani run the popular brand Sani. They share their tips for stylish yet cozy outfits for the season. Aashna Bhagwani, a fashion influencer, shares tips on mixing modern style with timeless elegance. Finally, Bishamber Das, a style innovator, has a vision. She advocates for inclusivity in fashion.

She offers insights on making winter fashion both inclusive and culturally reflective.

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RITIKA AND NIKI SHAMDASANI: BLENDING TRADITION WITH MODERN CHIC Ritika and Niki Shamdasani grew up in Texas. They found a unique way to merge their South Asian roots with their love for fashion. With their brand Sani, they now have a reputation for a modern twist on traditional Indian and South Asian attire. Their style is both approachable and high fashion. It features oversized coats with kimonos and woolen shawls over sarees.

“Layering means using versatile pieces that can transcend seasons,” Niki says. “We love to experiment with scarves, oversized jackets, and layering sari blouses under knit sweaters.” “There’s no reason you can’t mix the traditional with the modern. It’s about balance.”

Growing up in the suburbs of Dallas, both Ritika and Niki were exposed to a blend of cultures. Their mother, from Gujarat, India, taught them to love South Asian textiles and crafts. Their work shows this influence. They often use hand-embroidered elements, intricate weaving, and luxurious silks in modern designs. “Layering is an art, and it’s about telling a story,” says Ritika. “It’s about how you

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bring together pieces that feel comfortable but also make you feel your best.”

Their style philosophy revolves around creating looks that transcend the seasonal divide. For them, winter fashion isn’t just about staying warm, it’s about showcasing your personal style. “We believe that layering should be playful and functional. “You can wear a long woolen sweater,” says Niki. “But, it’s the accessories, like a colorful scarf or a statement coat, that will elevate your look.”

Ritika and Niki are proud. Their brand inspires South Asian women to rethink fashion. They found that many customers come from diverse backgrounds. They are eager to experiment with their style. “We are most surprised by how much our customers blend Eastern and Western influences.” “It’s beautiful to see how people are using fashion to tell their own stories,” says Ritika.

AASHNA BHAGWANI: MIXING MODERN MINIMALISM WITH SOUTH ASIAN FLAIR Aashna Bhagwani is a fashion stylist and influencer.

She has built her brand on minimalism and effortless

elegance. Known for her chic, neutral-toned looks, she layers winter essentials. It keeps her minimalist ethos.

Aashna layers a simple camel coat over a turtleneck sweater or a tailored blazer over a cashmere sweater.

Her take on layering is both refined and practical.

“The key to stylish layering is keeping the base simple,” says Aashna. “Once you have the basics, it’s easy to build upon them. I love adding accessories, like chunky scarves or long boots, to make the outfit stand out.”

Born in Mumbai and raised in Dubai, Aashna grew up surrounded by a rich tapestry of cultures. Her upbringing, which blended South Asian traditions with Dubai’s cosmopolitan vibe, shows in her winter fashion. “In Mumbai, we had no cold weather. In Dubai, there’s a slight chill for a few months. So, I began experimenting with layering then,” she explains.

Her style has evolved. It now seeks a simple, stylish wardrobe. It should reflect her South Asian roots and embrace global trends. “Winter fashion, for me, is about looking effortless yet put together. You want to feel warm, but you don’t want to lose your sense of self,” she says. A

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cozy wool scarf, a classic camel coat, and high-waisted trousers can look equally chic for a formal dinner or coffee with friends.

As a stylist, Aashna has seen a rise in interest in clothes that balance practicality and cultural influences. “I’m surprised. People are using fashion to express their individualism,” she says. “More South Asian women are embracing Western styles with a twist. It might be a statement accessory or a vintage piece.” It’s not about being afraid of mixing two worlds, but about owning that mix.”

BISHAMBER DAS: ADVOCATING FOR INCLUSIVITY THROUGH WINTER FASHION Bishamber Das, a UK fashion icon, advocates for inclusivity. She believes winter fashion should suit all body shapes and sizes. Bishamber is a style influencer and body-positive advocate. She promotes clothes that make people feel stylish and comfortable.

“Winter fashion doesn’t need to be restrictive,” Bishamber says. “It’s about finding pieces that make you feel good while keeping you warm. I’m a big fan of oversized jackets, high-waisted pants, and chunky boots—all of which can work for any body type.”

Bishamber, from a Punjabi family in London, says UK winter fashion is functional. But, it often lacks personal flair.

“My South Asian background gave me a love for bright colors and bold patterns.” “I like adding that to my winter wardrobe,” she shares. “I use bright scarves, printed tights, and vibrant coats.”

Bishamber is known for her work to promote inclusivity and body positivity in all of fashion, especially winter fashion. She urges women to embrace their bodies. They should wear clothes that celebrate, not hide, their shape.

“Layering is about finding clothes that fit and flatter your body. Don’t overload on pieces that will overwhelm you,” she explains.

She is committed to inclusivity. It includes encouraging women of all shapes and sizes to layer their clothes.

“Layering can be scary. It feels like you must look ‘perfect.’ But, fashion should be fun and boost your confidence,” she says. “I’m proud to see more South Asian women embracing body-positive fashion and being their true selves.”

THE POWER OF LAYERING WITH PURPOSE Layering isn’t just a way to stay warm. It’s a way to express yourself through fashion. For South Asian women

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like Ritika, Niki, Aashna, and Bishamber, it honors their culture and follows modern trends. These women each have a unique view on winter fashion. Their experiences show us that style can be both personal and powerful.

As the winter months roll in, don’t be afraid to embrace layering with elegance and style. You can mix traditional garments with modern pieces. Or, you can wear minimalist staples with a bold accessory. The options are endless. The key is to stay true to yourself and have fun with your winter wardrobe.

WATCH NOW S E E M A .C O M

A DV E RT I S E O N S E E M A N E T W O R K , E M A I L U S AT A DV E R T I S E @ S E E M A .C O M

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Give Back and Give Beautifully Celebrate the season with thoughtful gifts from South Asian businesses.

Top 3 gifting ideas this christmas Add sparkle to the season with these stunning jewelry picks, perfect for gifting or elevating your holiday style.

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Give Back and Give Beautifully Holiday Gifts That Support South Asian Businesses

by Bindu Gopal Rao

ARJUNA DESIGN STUDIO

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t’s not just almost the end of the year but also the start of the holiday and associated gifting season.

Gifts are a great way to celebrate the holidays and if you want to support South Asian businesses that are into thoughtful ones, this is your guide.

KOLA GOODIES This Sri Lankan brand Kola Goodies celebrates the famed Sri Lankan wellness remedies with a range of latte products. Some of the popular ones they

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retail include Sri Lankan Milk Tea, Oat Mylk Tea Latte, Super Green Latte, and Turmeric Latte. The best part is that they work directly with farmer collectives in Sri Lanka to ensure all the ingredients are fresh and nutrient rich. By working directly with these farmers, the team sources Cinnamon, Turmeric, and Moringa among other ingredients ensuring great quality for customers as well as great prices for the farmers as they eliminate middlemen. So, if you are looking to give something thoughtful check them out.

HYPERBOLE ACCESSORIES

GURUNANDA GuruNanda has a range of Ayurveda inspired body care products, oral care products and supplements.

Merging the best of Western and Ayurvedic goodness, their range of products are a great gift idea this holiday season. With ethically sourced ingredients, the products go through rigorous standards and responsible sourcing ensuring the quality is top notch. The oral care products have pulling oil, toothbrushes, flossers, and mouthwash while the essential oils include the likes of calming Lavender and invigorating Peppermint. Their dietary supplements are a nod to ancient wellness practices and the precision of Western science while their bath essentials range will give you a spa-like experience at home.

If you are looking to gift jewellery this holiday season, check out California based Hyperbole Accessories. Their pieces are a nod to the ethos of South Asian heritage meeting exquisite craftsmanship. By fusing Eastern and Western sensibilities, each of the jewellery pieces embody timeless beauty. The rings, earrings, bracelets, charms, nose pins, and necklaces are inspired by nature, Indian culture, seasonal colours, and feedback from their clients. The designs, patterns and textures are unique and the team sources the stones used in the jewellery from Khambhat, Jaipur and Santa Fe, New Mexico.

SCRUMPTIOUS WICKS Candles always make for a great gift and when

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they are vegan, handcrafted and come with scents inspired by South Asia you know they will make a perfect choice. And this is what Scrumptious Wicks comes to the forefront. Fragrances are unique think Indian Monsoon, Blooming Rose, Cinnamon Chai, and Ginger and Saffron. The best part is that they come in recyclable vessels, have a simple Modern Design and are Sustainable. Their products are made from Soy wax, that leaves no soot, burns cleaner and longer as opposed to traditional paraffin wax and is made from American farmergrown soybeans.

MYDECORIFY If you are looking for DIY kits for adult art projects and South Asian– inspired stationery, look no further than MyDecorify.

The product range includes stickers, notebooks, and art prints. All the stationary - from notebooks, pens, prints, and stickers come with South Asian inspired illustrations. The DIY Kits are carefully curated boxes for simple decor and craft projects, that come with precise materials and instructions. If you are looking for something bespoke, you can also request any custom art by filling a form on their website.

ARJUNA DESIGN STUDIO A holiday gift that doubles up as a luxury decor piece for the modern home infused with timeless South Asian elegance sounds like a match made in heaven and Arjuna Design Studio’s products are just that. With options that include art, cushion covers, linens, dining, and kitchen accessories, there is much to choose from for a new age home. This is where you can find pieces that are inspired from classic South Asian aesthetic and combine austere and ornate to create beautiful pieces that are perfect decor gifts.

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KULTURE KHAZANA There are a plethora of Indian cultural stories and sharing them through educational and play activities Kulture Khazana makes them more accessible. Started in 2018, they have affordable and accessible books, toys, games, and online story albums. The idea is to make heritage and culture accessible and shareable to all and they offer free lessons as well to learn about Indian culture. With families, public libraries, non-profits, temples, and schools using their kits, they make for unusual gifts this holiday season.

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UNIQUELY DIVERSE, BEAUTIFULLY UNITED SEEMA wishes all our diverse readers Happy Holidays! www.seema.com

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Top 3 Gifting Ideas this X’mas Make this Christmas extra special with the gift of timeless elegance. Jewelry is more than just an accessory—it’s a cherished keepsake that holds memories and meaning. Whether you’re looking to dazzle a loved one with a statement piece, find a delicate everyday treasure, or treat yourself to something extraordinary, these curated jewelry picks offer the perfect balance of luxury, craftsmanship, and style for the holiday season.

Paksha Introducing our stunning drop earrings, a harmonious fusion of elegance and artistry. Crafted with precision, these earrings feature intricate arrangements of shimmering moissanites and zircons, delicately forming captivating peacock motifs. Below, a luscious red oval gemstone hangs gracefully, adding a pop of color and sophistication to the design. These earrings are a true statement of style and craftsmanship, perfect for adding a touch of glamour to any ensemble. Elevate your look with these exquisite drops, destined to dazzle and delight.

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$154.99 https://www.paksha.com

Aqsa Moissanite and Gemstone Silver Drop Earrings

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Paksha Presenting our enchanting drop earrings, where beauty and craftsmanship intertwine.

These earrings boast a striking arrangement of moissanites and zircons meticulously crafted into a captivating peacock motif. Hanging gracefully beneath is a magnificent green drop-shaped gemstone, exuding elegance with every movement. These earrings are a true testament to artistry and style, perfect for elevating any look with their timeless allure. Add a touch of glamour to your ensemble with these stunning drops, designed to turn heads and spark conversations. $254.99 https://www.paksha.com

Ruhaan Moissanite and Gemstone Silver Drop Earrings

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Paksha Presenting our mesmerizing pendant necklace, where elegance takes center stage. Delicately crafted, it boasts a lush green gemstone nestled within a captivating floral arrangement of sparkling moissanite stones. Below, a graceful green gemstone hangs, adding a touch of sophistication. This necklace is a testament to timeless beauty and refined craftsmanship. $284.99 https://www.paksha.com

Saira Moissanites and Gemstone Pendant Necklace

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A Collective Force – SOAR

Championing collective action to advance healing and justice for South Asian survivors of violence and trauma.

Serving the Invisible

The SACSS Impact on Underserved Communities

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A Collective Force –

SOAR

by Abhijit Masih

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mrita Doshi is the co-founder and the Executive Director of South Asian SOAR, an organization dedicated to advancing healing and justice for South Asian survivors of violence and trauma. With a background rooted in both personal survivorship and professional dedication, Amrita’s journey ultimately led to the creation of South Asian SOAR, which stands for Survivors, Organizations, and Allies Rising. Her message is clear: addressing genderbased violence requires more than just survivors or organizations—it’s a collective responsibility, where allies and the entire community play a crucial role.

Your journey into advocacy began with your own experience of survivorship. How has your personal story shaped your approach to founding and leading South Asian SOAR? My personal experience has informed a lot of my lens on what’s necessary in advocacy and addressing gender based violence. One of the things that sticks out to me the most from my own experience is just the community’s response and reaction and both the ability and inability to support me. I think that shifted for me the

understanding of who needs to be educated and informed and available to support survivors. I was really young when I experienced sexual assault. I was 15, and for someone that age, your support system or the community institutions you go to your friends and family of all ages. I understood where can I go to talk about this, to access support for this? What are my resources? Who will believe me and who won’t? That’s what I mean by ability and inability. This was 15 years ago, so at that time, mental health and the conversation around that was so different. Parents today have the awareness around these topics in a way that my parents didn’t have. So that’s what I think about.

What knowledge do they have to support not just young people, but people of any generation that are coming to them? Often the places that survivors turn to first are their friends and family, their neighbors, so those are the people that need to have the knowledge and tools to be able to support someone.

What inspired you to co-found South Asian SOAR, and what are some of the core goals and values that drive the organization’s mission?

It was through this experience that I started to D E C E M B E R

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seek out organizations where I could actually go and support other survivors. I found SAKHI for South Asian survivors. I interned there as a college student and during the pandemic the executive director Kavita Mehra invited me to join a conversation between her and a couple of organizations that have existed for several decades to support South Asian survivors. Sakhi, Raksha, Daya and Manavi in New Jersey are some of the earliest organizations, and they were talking about bringing together all of these organizations.

They were really struggling with the myriad challenges and dealing with them alone. I listened to that first conversation, and thought I can help.

I can facilitate. What is it that can bring these organizations together? So that one conversation turned into six months of conversations, about providing acute moment crisis services to survivors, changing policy, changing culture and preventing violence. So we thought about what are the needs? What are the gaps? What’s the vision? And that led to South Asian SOAR. It stands for survivors, organizations and allies rising. And the message being that it actually isn’t just organizations that will solve gender based

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violence. It’s not just survivors; it’s also allies, or really anyone in the community. It’s a collective responsibility.

How does your work with survivors, organizations and allies help address gender-based violence nationwide?

We build the capacity of organizations on the ground. If they can do their work better, then we can better serve nationwide. We provide skill building to both survivors and allies. So things like storytelling, how to have intergenerational

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conversations and community organizing, and then we fold all of what we’re learning into national research and advocacy materials. These materials help us build the foundation like, what is the problem anyways? How are we talking about gender based violence? What does it look like right now? What are survivor’s biggest challenges?

That help us then identify, what are our goals for advocacy? We have a network of 40 organizations.

We have hundreds of survivors and allies who organize with us, and we’ve produced three different kind of national reports and books so far.

What unique challenges do South Asian survivors face, and how does South Asian SOAR specifically address these cultural, societal, and systemic barriers?

There is so much stigma around these issues in our community. It might be helpful to share a few statistics, just for folks to understand the level of violence and prevalence that exists right now. So research tells us that basically about half the South Asian diaspora in the US experiences violence. To be exact, 48% of both South Asian men and women experience some form of gender based violence. That includes physical abuse, which is typically what people think of, but also emotional abuse, which is very important to recognize, sexual abuse, financial abuse, and a few other forms, including in-law abuse, which is something we don’t talk about enough.

In your work, you’ve focused on youth empowerment. What are some of the strategies you’ve found effective in engaging younger generations in survivor advocacy and social justice?

There are two statistics on youth that are really important to know. One study of youth, ages 18 to 34 found that 85% experienced sexual assault. This is South Asian youth, and 41% grew up witnessing domestic violence in their homes, and this is the United States. This study is from 2022. All the studies that I’m referring to are very recent. I think their healing is so important to breaking the cycle of violence. The people that we work with are 18 to 34 years. It’s to have intergenerational conversations, how to feel brave enough to talk about bodies, about harm, about violence, about healing. Just opening up the conversation allows someone to talk about getting access to therapy, getting access to those resources or help. We talk about this with reproductive justice too. If we can’t have conversations around our bodies, then how

can we have conversations about reproductive rights? And that is such an important conversation for our community to have.

You’ve been involved in arts and community projects across NYC. How do you think arts and culture can serve as an entry point for difficult conversations, especially about trauma and healing?

I think it’s so important. I’m a dancer. So for me, dance has always been a form of expression.

It’s actually how I continued my role in this work.

It was producing arts shows, bringing together young artists, dancers, visual artists, musicians, filmmakers, who wanted to talk about gender justice, motherhood, womanhood, femininity, healing and art is a medium to do that. It allows you to create and spark conversations and culture change. It allows you to build community with young folks and community members who want to have these conversations. It allows you to express some of the most difficult conversations. I think art gives people a conduit to have them, sometimes in indirect but really meaningful ways. I also think art has such a healing power. And the last thing, especially for South Asians, much of our way of communicating and honoring our culture is through music, dance, food, clothing, and art has such an innate ability to evoke emotion, to provide healing, to become a tool for processing that I think people have really responded to it.

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What advice would you give to young South Asians or anyone passionate about survivor advocacy and social justice who want to make a meaningful impact in their communities?

I have an orientation towards really understanding your own life story and how it drives you. No one can tell you exactly what role you should play in this movement. And there are so many roles to play and serve. I think for young folks, understanding what is it that you care about? What is it in your own life that has made you think a certain way and how does that inform your own perspective? I also recommend listening and learning a lot about what is currently happening. I think there is so much incredible work across local communities to plug into, both here and internationally. There’s a way to bring in almost any skill set to bridge it to a need on the ground.

Looking ahead, what do you see as the next steps for South Asian SOAR? Are there any new initiatives or goals you’re excited to share?

Some of the things I’m really excited about are

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building more educational resources for our community that is easily accessible. I think that’s a big source so that they can be empowered, and they can be upstanders when they witness violence. Second, we’ve been doing a lot of survivor storytelling work, taking those stories into communities, facilitating group processing spaces where people can say, I witnessed that too, or I experienced that too. There’s been a lot of interest from men to also have spaces for processing their own storytelling. I think that is so important. And just really being hyper vigilant about what we can expect over the next few years and how we will need to move significant resources to organizations on the ground who are going to be facing multiple changes. SOAR as a national network of 40 organizations is going to have a really big role to play. We have a coordinated national response, so that organizations and survivors are supported. That’s one of my biggest focuses right now, in understanding how we can best support organizations, advocates and survivors on the ground over the next few years.

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Sudha Acharya, Founder and Executive Director, SACSS

Serving the Invisible The SACSS’ Impact on Underserved Communities

by Abhijit Masih

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nderserved communities are invisible to people. Be kind. Be generous. Please be aware,” says Sudha Acharya - Founder and Executive Director of SACSS.

25 Years of Service For nearly 25 years, the South Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS) has been a cornerstone for underserved immigrant communities in New York, providing critical services for those in need. SACSS is a community-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower and integrate underserved South Asians and other

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immigrants into the economic and civic life of New York. Sudha Acharya, the Founder and Executive Director of SACSS, explains the core mission of her organization. “The primary reason for the establishment of SACSS was to address the needs of underserved populations requiring essential services.” Looking back on the organization’s quarter century long journey, Sudha recalls, “One of the most significant milestones in the organization’s journey occurred when we worked with the families of direct victims of 9/11, as well as those who faced persecution and lost their businesses. This effort involved supporting 46 families over nearly five

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years. Another major milestone was the launch of the SACSS Food Pantry in 2016. This was the first time that culturally relevant food was provided specifically for South Asians. Currently, we serve nearly 1,900 families each week, which amounts to close to 8,000 individuals a week.”

Culturally Inclusive Food Pantry The SACSS’s food pantry is a testament to their organization skills and culturally palatable pantry where they pack South Asian staples as well as American groceries. The goal is to ensure food security for the diverse individuals and families in the community, who come from different regions, follow various religious beliefs, and speak a range of languages. The pantry is open to everyone every Wednesday and Thursday from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM and focuses on providing Asian food staples, fresh produce, and is staffed with multilingual workers to assist the diverse community. Sudha recalls the profound sense of satisfaction that comes from providing such a basic necessity, stating, “Providing food, a basic necessity, gives us a deep sense of satisfaction.”

Adapting to Crisis SACSS has a strong tradition of adapting to the needs of its clients and community. The

organization consistently steps up to help, designing programs to address emerging challenges. When COVID struck, many clients faced devastating losses, unable to travel back to their home countries for funerals or to find closure. In response, SACSS introduced bereavement and grief counseling. They ensured every client felt seen, heard, and supported by transitioning to virtual services while continuing to offer essential healthcare access and delivering groceries to the most vulnerable. During a ribboncutting ceremony for a new community center, elected officials praised SACSS for its resilience during the pandemic, with one remarking, “SACSS kept people alive during COVID.” Building Trust and Support The organization has a team of 22 members who are fluent in 20 languages including 12 South Asian and Mandarin, Chinese, French Creole, Spanish & Tagalog. SACSS is more than just a generous food pantry; it fosters a sense of security that supports and strengthens individuals’ mental wellbeing. Mary Archana Fernandez, Director of Family Support Services at SACSS shared that the staff members at SACSS help their clients with many challenges. “Many of SACSS’ clients are immigrants isolated in their communities due to limited English proficiency, low education levels, high poverty and

Seniors at SACSS art class

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SACSS Food pantry line goes around the block

unemployment rates,” she explains. “SACSS offers immigrant communities a safe space where they feel comfortable coming to us because we have a relationship of trust with them.”

Culturally Tailored Programs SACSS’s ability to offer culturally sensitive and effective programs is also key to its success. The organization has tailored its services to meet the unique needs of different communities. For example, women’s-only yoga class was created after women at a local mosque expressed interest in such a program. This led to the launch of the “Wednesdays for Women” program, which offers a nurturing space for self-care and emotional wellness for South Asian women. “Each session begins with yoga to improve physical and mental health,” says Mary. “This is followed by a session on emotional wellness, such as managing anxiety, body image, or relationships.”

Vibrant Seniors Program Twice a week, SACSS offers a lively space for seniors to socialize and have fun! Activities like

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Bollywood Night, Antakshari, collage-making workshops, reading groups, and more help create a vibrant senior community. Every Tuesday, there’s a yoga class, and Karaoke is a favorite pastime! Seniors can enjoy time with peers while also accessing resources to support their mental well-being. “The senior programs provide South Asian seniors with a venue to address their socioeconomic needs and improve their overall quality of life. From connecting seniors to crucial benefits, to emotional support and recreational activities – we provide multiple services under one roof,” explains Mary. Individual counseling is also available. SACSS offers psycho-educational workshops on elderly mental health, stress reduction, managing seasonal depression, and empowering mental wellness. All of these services are completely free!

Sewing for Success This unique program empowers immigrant women, including those from South Asian and AAPI communities, by teaching them sewing skills and providing work-from-home opportunities. The women in the program are even given metro cards,

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Stitch with SACSS Tharsiga Sureshkumar

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Mary Archana Fernandez Director - Family Support Services

so they can commute to SACSS. They learn to stitch South Asian outfits, baby clothes, and some western apparel too. Once the women graduate

from the program, each woman is given the sewing machine she worked on while at SACSS to start her own home-based sewing business. This helps these women not only become financially independent by equipping them with a trade skill they can use to earn income from home, but also reduce their financial anxiety.

Impact and Expansion Founder and Executive Director Sudha Acharya is excited as the organization approaches its 25th year anniversary in May 2025. Looking back on SACSS’s journey, she reflects on her proudest moments as a leader, “My proudest moment is seeing the smile on a client’s face when they are being helped by our excellent team of 22 staff members. It brings me immense satisfaction to know that we have made a positive impact on their lives. This feeling of pride has occurred many times, and it truly makes our work meaningful.” While much has been accomplished, Sudha’s commitment to expanding SACSS is unwavering. “We continue to see a significant need in the tri-state area, and there’s growing interest in New Jersey to establish a branch there,” she adds.

Plans for expansion will begin in 2025, marking a new chapter in SACSS’s ongoing mission. As organization continues to expand its reach and impact, Sudha emphasizes the ongoing mission, “Our work is not yet complete, which is what motivates all of us.”

Wednesdays for Women program at SACSS

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DID YOU KNOW ?

South Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS) served over

300,000 underserved immigrant communities this year, who are

living in the below poverty line?

Together, we are providing food security, healthcare access, public benefits, workforce development and so much more to immigrant families! Because of you we are making the difference!

Donate this giving month to SACSS!

www.sacssny.org/donate

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Step Into Stillness: The Power of Silent Walking

The Journey to Conscious Being

A transformative retreat offering wellbeing, lifelong learning, and sustainability.

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Step Into Stillness: The Power of Silent Walking

by Rashmi Gopal Rao

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ush greenery, a gentle breeze across your face, the mild rustle of leaves and the chirping of birds. Imagine walking amidst nature in harmony with these sights and sounds. A walk sans distractions or interruptions of any sorts. Sounds blissful, right?

Well, this is exactly the concept of silent walking.

AGE OLD PRACTICE A practice that has been often linked to meditation, silent walking was the norm decades agoand something many of us religiously practiced. In fact, silent walking is believed to have roots in Buddhism.

Of course, it was a time when our day to day lives

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were much simpler, uncluttered and simply not so busy. On the contrary, in today’s notification driven world, where multitasking and hectic lifestyles are the norm, the concept of walking is almost synonymous with having your headphones or ear pods on while listening to music, checking pending emails, catching up on a podcast or even attending an office call. And all while you make a feverish dash to achieve your ‘daily step count goal’.

However, silent walking has been witnessing a resurgence recently thanks to a viral TikTok trend that has been highlighting its innumerable benefits.

As a result, more and more people are embracing this concept and choosing to relax and rejuvenate

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in the lap of nature rather than in the confines of a gym or yoga studio.

BENEFITS GALORE At the outset silent walking is simply being able to disconnect from the noise and clutter all around you and unwind in the outdoors. This definitely helps one to become more aware of their internal and external environment and connect better with one’s surroundings. It is meditative in the sense it helps improve focus and concentration. Practicing it on a regular basis helps individuals become more mindful rather than being ‘mind-full’. Also, given all the focus today on mental health, more and more people are opting for traditional and age-old methods to heal themselves.a Further, there is little doubt that being amidst nature helps us to relax. Research studies have proved that sounds like the chirping of birds, murmuring of waves and even the rustle of leaves help alleviate anxiety and reduce stress. It has a calming effect which works wonders for body, soul and mind. And when you practice silent walking with no gadgets or gizmos, it automatically enables you to be more aware and mindful of these sounds of nature. You are more appreciative of the little things around you like the blooming flowers, colors of the sky or the beauty of the rising sun. Whether you choose to walk by the beach or in a park, there is no denying the positive effects.

Needless to mention, walking offers a host of benefits including improved cardiovascular health and improved blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It is known to be an effective way to reduce fat and improve overall fitness. Coupled with the digital detox that silent walking offers, it is sure to boost your physical and mental wellness. A perfect and holistic way indeed to take a break from the daily grind and the hustle and bustle of work life.

WAYS TO PRACTICE SILENT WALKING EFFECTIVELY Embracing silent walking initially can be a tad challenging considering that we are all juggling multiple roles and leading very hectic lifestyles.

Hence, it is a good idea to start small and then build on it.

Start going to a park close to your home and initially for a short period of time. Make sure to leave your phone and other gadgets behind so that you can focus completely on the walk. As time

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progresses, you can increase the duration of your walk gradually.

On weekends or off days, you could explore bigger spaces like say a nature reserve or a beach.

It could be a great idea to involve your family members on such days so that it becomes a good habit for the entire household and you can reap the benefits of silent walking together.

Ensure you choose a time which is after you complete all your high priority tasks whether they are related to your home or office. This is key as the pressure of unfinished chores playing at the back of your mind could be detrimental.

Try to follow a time when there are less people around; early mornings are always ideal.

Focus on your breathing, be aware of the sights and sounds around you and live in the moment.

If you do not have access to a park nearby, you can start walking on your terrace or in the common area of your apartment complex Make sure you are well hydrated and wear comfortable attire and footwear.

Last but not the least, have a positive outlook and practice gratitude daily.

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harana at Shillim is a retreat for Wellbeing, Learning, and Sustainability nesteled in the tranquil Sahyadri Mountain range of Maharashtra. It’s just a 3-hour drive from Mumbai, a transformative haven dedicated to wellbeing, lifelong learning, and environmental consciousness is unveiled today – Dharana at Shillim.

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DHARANA’S FIVE PATHWAYS TO CONSCIOUS BEING The state of Dharana allows one to navigate life from a place of peace. Inspired by the five

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Championing Legacy, Philanthropy and

Inclusivity Anita Bhatia, Executive Director of the Ramesh and Kalpana Bhatia Family Foundation, embodies a legacy of giving inspired by her parents’ selfless ethos and immigrant journey. From leading transformative philanthropic initiatives addressing gender-based violence to pioneering inclusivity for the neurodiverse community, Anita has seamlessly channeled her healthcare and marketing expertise into impactful change. As the mother of a neurodiverse teen, she combines personal passion with professional purpose, ensuring the foundation’s work resonates with empathy and innovation. Through her leadership, the foundation not only honors her parents’ vision but also inspires a culture of giving within the South Asian community.

• Abhijit Masih •

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Tell us a little bit about the Ramesh and making a difference in people’s lives. One of the greatest Kalpana Bhatia Family Foundation and what joys I had was connecting with families and telling their inspired your parents to actually establish it? story that again might help others. I also worked very My parents came to New York from India. We didn’t have closely with the fundraising arms of the hospitals that money. They were just trying to make it and create a good I worked at. So I really knew I had the base knowledge life for their kids. I always remember my parents saying, from a strategic planning perspective and also from a ‘We aren’t able to afford it’. But, then anybody who came fundraising perspective. I think it’s ideal if you have both to our house, they would always give our things away. sides of the coin. I mean giving away money is really fun.

My mom would say “We don’t need But asking for money is hard, and so anything to be happy.” My dad is when you’ve done the asking for money, • Punjabi and a lot of his family was I think it helps you be more strategic, from Sialkot, Pakistan. So when when you’re giving the money. the partition happened, his family had to flee and at that time his Can you share some of the immediate family was living in Bihar, innovative partnerships or India. So his family came along collaborations that have had with many refugees. And he said, the most significant societal “I just remember we were always impact? feeding everyone and I remember As I mentioned, my parents had been asking my mom, how are we going giving for quite some time, and they to eat? There’s not enough food. were primarily doing it anonymously.

And she said, ‘Helping others is the When I took over, I said, we’re not most important thing, and God will going to be anonymous anymore. I always find a way to provide for wanted to put our name out there, not all of us.’ So there’s a lot of internal for our recognition, but to encourage legacy of giving on both of their others, particularly in the South Asian parts. I’m grateful that that was community, to give. So we sort of passed on to me and my brother as came out of the gate in full force. One well. As they established their life of the first partnerships that I created and became a little more financially and that I’m really proud of is our stable, they started to do it in a larger work with SAKHI, which is a gender scale, to help people and community based violence organization for the organizations. Then finally, just from South Asian community. I think one a financial perspective, it made sense of the really core values that we have to have a family foundation if you is to create fundamental change. We want to be philanthropic. have to look at how our community is contributing to an increased rate What inspired you to in gender based violence and then transition from a career in how are we going to solve that? So I healthcare and marketing to asked the executive director, ‘What leading Ramesh and Kalpana are you doing for the kids coming in Bhatia Family Foundation? with the survivors who are obviously While I was doing marketing and experiencing trauma?’ She said they strategic planning and business don’t have funding to support them development in the healthcare individually. I said, we’re going to give industry and the reason I always you funding and we created the first worked for nonprofit hospitals intergenerational trauma survivorship or academic medical centers was program. So no one’s really ever given a because I felt that I was really gift like that to a gender based violence

“I always

remember my

parents saying, ‘We aren’t able

to afford it’. But, then anybody who came to

our house, they would always give our

things away.”

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organization in our community. That led to seed funding an organization called South Asian SOAR, which is an umbrella organization for all the South Asian gender based violence organizations in the country.

I have a 17 year old daughter and she has a rare genetic disease. So the idea of inclusivity for the neurodiverse community is really important to me and to our family.

I’m really proud of the groundbreaking work that we’ve done in that space. We have supported a housing development in Los Angeles. We have created a higher education pathway. We are working on employment inclusivity as well. So we’ve got a lot of initiatives that I’m really proud of and the work that we’ve accomplished.

your children really change your entire outlook on life. You just see things a little bit different than you did before you had them. And in my case, I had a healthy pregnancy, thought everything was fine, and when she was four weeks she started having an unusual eye blink, which led to a diagnosis of this rare genetic disease, tuberous sclerosis complex, when she was eight weeks old.

I have a healthcare background, so I do have quite a bit of medical knowledge, and I had never heard of this disease before. So that was just very scary on all levels. At the time she was born, they had found there was one medication they felt was sort of showing some promise, but it was not FDA approved.

So we had to pay cash, and get it from How has your daughter Anya’s a compounding pharmacy, which got journey shaped your personal the medicine from Canada. Thank and professional outlook?

God we had the financial means and Anyone who is a parent knows that the support to be able to do that. And

all I kept thinking, even though I was in this really dark place, was trying to figure out what my daughter’s life was going to be.

One big question I had was what do the other people do? People who don’t have money and didn’t plan for this rare genetic disease and have to get medication from Canada and pay cash for it. That stayed with me.

As my daughter has gotten older, throughout her life, I have noticed gaps in the system. There are no or very limited higher education pathways, housing options, and few employment opportunities. It’s something that I have found to be a real issue.

When you have like 85 to 90% of the neurodiverse community that is unemployed, that’s really unacceptable. Since my daughter was born, I didn’t know if she was going to walk or talk. I didn’t know what was going to happen. I just kept

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telling her you can do anything you want. But if the world is not ready to welcome her with open arms, then it’s a problem. So that’s where my passion comes from.

Are there specific programs or resources that your foundation is developing to support neurodiverse teens and adults?

We supported a project that I’m super proud of in Los Angeles. It’s a housing project called the Bhatia family village and is a 64 unit housing development.

So that’s the housing umbrella. Then there’s the education umbrella.

We have supported an organization in LA called the Friendship Foundation.

They’re creating a campus and we’re supporting the higher education pathway in that area. And then we do a lot of work with an organization called Next for Autism, which supports the umbrella of autism in the country.

We’ve worked with them to really create mentorship programs for employment. We done these panels with them to educate employers, and we’re continuing to expand that. And then, internally we’re a very small team, but one of the things we’ve talked about is creating an inclusive environment and we want to practice what we preach. So we’re making a plan to ideally bring on at least one or two neurodiverse people to our team.

What practices help you maintain resilience in the face of challenges?

I like to dance and sing. My daughter and I along with my best friend, we just do that a lot. We put on music and we’ll just make up songs, or we’ll dance. I also journal. I like writing to get my thoughts out. I sometimes write poems. I don’t share them with anyone. I take a lot of hot baths. That’s probably one of my most favorite relaxing things.

My daughter and I love animals, and we’ve got four cats and two dogs, and so I do a lot of cuddling with them.

What drew you to produce ‘To Kill a Tiger,’ and how has it successfully influenced your involvement in the South Asian cinematic landscape?

I’m not a filmmaker. I am a philanthropist. I am trying to create change in the world. Most people think philanthropy is a nonprofit requesting funds and the foundation giving the funds. That’s absolutely the case that happens every day. But another important way is storytelling.

It is vitally important to bring awareness to topics, to change people’s minds and hearts and to just show that we’re not alone, that there are other people out there who are going through things that we may not even fathom.

So I spoke at a conference that the filmmaker and director Nisha was attending. She saw my passion for creating change in the gender based violence space, and we became friends. She told me that she’d made this film and it was going through the circuit. I just believed in her ability to tell stories and in the most truthful way that I just said can I be an executive producer? And that began this new journey of me being in film, and I can’t believe that the first movie that I was an EP on got nominated for an Oscar.

Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to be in this space of storytelling and be around amazing artists and filmmakers, and I see the importance of utilizing all the tools in our toolbox to create change.

How do you envision the foundation’s legacy being preserved and carried forward for future generations?

The greatest joy of my life is being Ramesh and Kalpana Bhatia’s daughter. I just want to create a world while they’re still here and even after they’re long gone, that they can be proud of. I would like to see the South

•

“I would like to see the South Asian community be a little bit more aligned not just with each other, but also with the thought of giving.”

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ANITA BHATIA UNPLUGGED FAVORITE BOOK?

WHO RULES THE HOUSE?

I love historical fiction. One of my

This is embarrassing to say but

favorite authors is Ken Follett. I just

I have four cats, two dogs, and

got his Armor of Light.

one bird named Beyonce. The cats definitely rule the house.

IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANY HISTORICAL

IF YOU HAD A SUPERPOWER

FIGURE?

I would want super speed so I

Top of my head answer is

can do all the things I didn’t want

Michelle Obama.

to do really quickly.

YOUR COMFORT FOOD?

ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU

It’s either Mac and Cheese or

WOULD GIVE YOUR

Pizza.

YOUNGER SELF Don’t be so hard on yourself.

ONE THING THAT PEOPLE

Know that, if you have faith in

WOULD BE SURPRISED TO

yourself, things will work out

LEARN ABOUT YOU?

and it’ll be okay. You just gotta

I like playing video games.

stay strong.

FAVORITE FOOD?

MORNING PERSON OR

My mom’s food, which is Gujarati.

NIGHT OWL

My favorite thing in the entire

Night owl.

world is Vaghareli Rotli.

YOUR FAVORITE CLOTHING FAVORITE TRAVEL

TO WEAR

DESTINATION?

At home, I love sweatpants.

Italy

When I go out, I really love getting dressed up. I don’t really have a

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ARTIST THAT’S ALWAYS ON

style. But I would say the designer

YOUR PLAYLIST

that usually I wear for red carpet

Taylor Swift

events, is Oscar de la Renta.

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Asian community be a little bit more aligned not just with each other, but also with the thought of giving. There are many South Asians, just like my parents, who came to this country and have found a great deal of success, and are doing really well.

There are definitely opportunities for support in India. But I also think, as a South Asian community, we should be supporting organizations and our underserved community here.

There are many South Asians who don’t have access to food. We don’t think about that, but it’s true. We think our people are all doing these amazing things, but there are still many who are struggling.

One of the goals I’d like to accomplish one day is to create, especially in this space of neurodiversity, is to create coalitions of smaller nonprofits who can come together and raise money collectively to create a greater impact.

I’m always looking for opportunities to create greater impact.

•

“I’m always looking for opportunities to create greater impact.”

COV ER STO RY - S EEMA

•

“I have a 17-year-old daughter and

she has a rare genetic disease. So the idea of inclusivity for the neurodiverse community is really important to me and to our family.”

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Beyond Motherhood: Books that Explore the Complexities of Motherhood

By Kritika Agrawal

F

or many years, Motherhood has been regarded as the embodiment of selfabnegation–where women happily sacrifice their careers, bodies, desires, and happiness.

They say submitting yourself completely to your baby’s needs gives you an inexplicable sense of joy, where your pain, tiredness, exhaustion, and even the trauma of giving birth just go away with one glimpse of your baby’s face. Motherhood is even considered the pinnacle of femininity and womanhood and without it, women lack a fundamental aspect of their being.

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However, the narrative is slowly changing with more women writers and speakers voicing the raw and real experiences of motherhood; they are sharing the sides of motherhood which are often sidelined or are often not talked about. The words of the novelist Jacqueline Rose, ring true “There is a need for a more truer and disturbing account of motherhood.” She explains the prevailing virtuous discourse of motherhood where mothers are seen largely as protectors of the child and how the real part of the birth-giving experience, which involves messy things like bodies, mucous, shit, and viscousness is not even part

F E AT U R E - S E E M A

of the public or official discourse on mothering.

Here are some books that aim to defy the essentialist understandings of mothers, women, motherhood, womanhood, and everything in between– that is, the diverse complex nuances and experiences of motherhood; the process of becoming or unbecoming a mother; the bone-breaking physical and emotional challenges that one endures while becoming a mother; the aftermath of it; and the diverse narratives and discourse that surrounds motherhood.

BREASTS AND EGGS BY MEIKO KAWAKAMI Who is a woman? Do breasts and eggs make you a woman? Does motherhood come naturally to women? Meiko Kawakami’s Breasts and Eggs tries to ask and answer these questions. It opens up conversations around gender roles, mothering, and womanhood and represents what it is like to be a single working-class woman in the patriarchal-ridden Japanese society. Some of the lines that stayed with me are: “I never became the woman I imagined.”

“It feels like I’m trapped inside my body. It decides when I get hungry, and when I’ll get my period. From birth to death, you have to keep eating and make money just to stay alive…Life is hard enough with just one body. Why would anyone ever want to make another one?” “One can have babies without getting wrapped up in a man’s desire.”

ONE FOOT ON THE GROUND BY SHANTA GOKHALE In this autobiography, Gokhale narrates her story through the different stages of her body. She minces no words when describing her life events. The book is divided into chapters dedicated to stories associated with different parts of her body such as Menstruation; Breasts, Buttocks, and a Lisp;

Hair and Heart; Menopause, Eyes, Fibroids, and the Arts. This is one of those rare reads where a woman tells her story without any filter—a raw account of a strong-headed woman who prioritizes herself before her marriage, husband, and children.

She is so passionate about her writing and self-growth that not even a crippling marriage, familial and maternal responsibilities, or cancer could dare to shackle her.

TERRIFIC MOTHER BY LORRIE MOORE “You’d make a terrific mother!”

The protagonist of this short story often receives this as a compliment. However, this looming burden of expected motherhood has caused her to develop a fear of babies, making her seemingly awkward around them. She is 30—an age where society expects you to possess those “ basic” natural motherly skills, like holding a baby. The plot begins when she is handed a baby and, in a moment of clumsiness, accidentally falls with the infant.

This short story delves into the idea of how women are often reduced to identities such as mother, girlfriend, spouse, and wife, prompting the reader to reflect on how women are forever in a dilemma about their identities.

One quote from the protagonist stays with me: “Who was she? The opposite of a mother. The opposite of a spouse.”

THE DAYS OF ABANDONMENT BY ELENA FERRANTE This is the most naked account of motherhood and marriage– almost shocking in its honesty! “ To write truly is to speak from the depths of the maternal womb,” Olga, the protagonist, says in the book and the author delivers just that. Olga is abandoned by her husband for a young woman leaving her miserably alone with their two children. She tries to navigate her life and make sense of her situation with her writing. The protagonist’s thoughts D E C E M B E R

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lay bare the truth and the real side of motherhood and marriage– the heavy breasts, retching, whining children, self-pity, unsatisfied desires, guilt, and disgust. One quote from the book stays with me, “I was like a lump of food that my children chewed without stopping…. No matter how much I washed, that stink of motherhood remained.”

SMALL FIRES, AN EPIC IN THE KITCHEN BY REBECCA MAY JOHNSON In many cultures, particularly in South Asia, food is intimately connected to women and mothers, with cooking, cleaning, and feeding often regarded as acts of love. These tasks have been trivialized as unproductive. However, in this

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book, the author challenges this notion, arguing that cooking is akin to thinking. She urges us to view the kitchen as “a space of serious knowledge” rather than just “a site of love.” This book is an amalgamation of feminist thought, theories, personal narratives, critical analyses, and so much more. Although it doesn’t directly discuss motherhood, it prompts us to rethink the role of mothers in cooking, recognizing the depth, complexity, and intellectual engagement involved in their work; that the recipes, food, and cooking embody serious knowledge and skill, far beyond mere acts of self-sacrifice and nurturing.

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BOO K CLU B - S EEMA

But What Will People Say? Sahaj Kaur Kohli, MA, LGPC

A

deeply personal, paradigmshifting book from therapist, writer, and founder of @browngirltherapy that rethinks traditional therapy and self-care models, creating much-needed space for those left out of the narrative.

About the Author - Sahaj Kaur Kohli, MA.Ed&HD, LGPC, NCC is a practicing therapist, writer, and speaker on a mission to make mental health care more diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive. As the first in her family to do a lot of things — be born in the West, go to therapy, and marry outside of her religion/race/ culture — Sahaj understands the unique struggles of children of immigrants, and she uses her personal experience to create original resources and content for this underserved population.

SEEMA’S VIEW: Sahaj Kaur Kohli’s writing is insightful, clear, and filled with warmth. Drawing on her work as a therapist, Kohli challenges the narratives we’ve been taught to seek acceptance. An essential read on cross cultural identity and mental health.

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“ Early detection allowed us to take control of the situation and make a plan together.”

If you’re noticing changes, it could be Alzheimer’s.

Talk about visiting a doctor together.

ALZ.org/TimeToTalk

F O O D - S E E MA RE COM ME N D S

HOLIDAY FEASTS

As we gear up for the best time of the year and welcome the holiday season once again, do it with some fun fusion recipes.

• Bindu Gopal Rao •

December is here which means it’s the official start of the most loved time of the year – the holidays. And what is a holiday without good food? Whether you are entertaining or simply enjoying time with family, these recipes are bound to keep you in good cheer.

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F O O D - S E E MA RE COM ME N D S

Coorg Prawn Pepper Fry with Coastal Spices courtesy Arokiya Doss, Head Chef - The Malabar Coast, Noida As winter sets in, warming, hearty dishes with a depth of flavor become the highlight of any meal. Coorg Prawn Pepper Fry is a perfect choice for cold days, bringing together the warmth of black pepper and the savory richness of coastal flavors.

The combination of pepper, green chilies, and tangy Kachampuli vinegar, a Coorg specialty, enhances circulation and provides essential warmth to the body. The prawns not only offer protein but also contain beneficial fats, supporting immunity and adding energy—just what’s needed in winter. This dish is a warm, inviting treat for family and friends, ideal for cosy gatherings.

INGREDIENTS

•

grams fresh prawns, cleaned • 200 and deveined onion, thinly sliced • 12large green chilies, slit • 1 tablespoon • black pepper, • coarsely ground to taste • Salt 1 tablespoon oil • 1 tablespoon Kachampuli • • (Coorg vinegar) METHOD the Prawns: Season • Prepare the cleaned prawns lightly with

salt and let them rest for a few minutes. This step enhances their flavor and texture.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a pan, heat the oil on medium heat. Add the sliced onions and green chilies, sautéing until the onions are soft and golden brown, releasing their sweetness.

Add the Prawns: Increase the heat slightly and add the prawns to the pan. Stir-fry gently for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.

Incorporate the Black Pepper: Sprinkle the ground black pepper over the prawns, stirring to coat them evenly. The pepper’s warm aroma will infuse the dish beautifully as it cooks for another 2-3 minutes.

with Kachampuli: Lower • Finish the heat, drizzle the Kachampuli

vinegar over the prawns, and give it a final toss. Let the prawns cook for another minute as the vinegar’s tangy notes meld with the spices.

SERVE Serve the Coorg Prawn Pepper Fry hot. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Coorg’s coast, perfect for a winter meal.

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F O O D - S E E MA RE COM ME N D S

Corn Cheeseling Bhel courtesy SodaBottleOpenerWala

This delightful Cheeseling Bhel, starts with a crispy base of Cheeselings, Chana Jor Garam, Papdi, and roasted peanuts. Add layers of flavor with freshly prepared mint chutney, tangy tamarind chutney, finely chopped onions, tomatoes, and fresh coriander leaves. For added texture and burst of color, top it with crispy corn, juicy pomegranate seeds, and a generous sprinkle of sev for garnish. This vibrant and flavorful Corn Cheeseling

Bhel brings together a perfect medley of textures and tastes that are bound to add a joyful twist to any holiday celebration. It is a perfect balance of crunch, tang, and spice, making it the ideal dish for serving during the holiday season. Easy to share, fun to eat, and offers that comforting touch of familiar flavors with a twist that your guests will surely love.

FOR THE CORN CHEESELING BHEL

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INGREDIENTS

FOR THE GARNISH

METHOD

Small, diced onion 30 grams • Small, diced tomato 30 grams • Chopped green chili 2 grams • Diced boiled potato 50 grams • Chopped coriander • Chaat masala 1 gram5 grams • Green chutney 30 grams • Tamarind chutney - 30 grams •

Sev 20 grams • Nylon Pomegranate • Papdi 1 gram Seeds 20 grams •

all the ingredients in a • Combine bowl, tossing them together until

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•

well mixed.

Transfer to a serving dish and add a garnish on top for the finishing touch. Enjoy!

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Suriyani style Roast Turkey courtesy Vineeth Jayan, Executive Chef, Den Hotel.

A twist to the Thanksgiving style Roast Turkey by incorporating traditional Kerala style masala and marination found in the homes of Syrian Christians of Kottayam and Pala districts of Kerala. As opposed to FOR THE TURKEY MARINADE INGREDIENTS Chilli powder 30 grams Ginger garlic paste 150 grams Lemon juice 50 ml Butter 500 grams Black pepper 10 grams Turmeric powder 5 grams

• • • • • •

FOR THE MASALA Coconut Oil 100 ml Green chilli 10 grams Curry leaves 15 grams Mustard seeds 5 grams Cardamom 5 grams Fennel 10 grams Dry ginger powder 5 grams Ginger julienne 10 grams Garlic chopped 10 grams Black pepper 5 grams Salt 10 grams

• • • • • • • • • • •

a traditional roast turkey this fusion of Western style cooking with a South Indian roast masala adds a unique perspective and flavour profile. This compliments both Western and Indian palate.

OTHER INGREDIENTS Turkey (4.5 kg bird) 1 No Celery 100 grams Leeks 100 grams Carrots 200 grams Shallots 200 grams

• • • • •

METHOD Mix all the marinade ingredients and apply evenly on a brined turkey and ensure the butter is smeared below the skin of the bird. Set aside for two hours in a cooler.

For the masala, heat oil in a cast iron skillet and crackle the curry leaves, mustard seeds ginger garlic green chillies and the dry spices. Mix all the ingredients on a low flame and cook for five minutes. Set aside.

Remove the marinated turkey

•

• •

• •

and add the celery, leeks, carrots,and shallots into the cavity and seal the same using a kitchen twine and truss the bird.

Baste the bird with melted butter and rub the roast masala all over evenly and on a bed of the mirepoix of carrot celery leeks and shallots roast the turkey in a preheated oven at 165 degrees for four hours basting every 30 minutes.

Once done, transfer the turkey to a carving board and deglaze the roasting tray using wine or apple cider vinegar and use that to make a roast jus with curry leaf, fennel, and black pepper tempering.

Serve hot with appam, ghee rice or malabar paratha.

•

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