Community has always been an important aspect of my upbringing. As a member of the South Asian community, from a very young age you could find me participating in cultural events and festivities, hosting and being the master of ceremonies, and eventually organizing and executing events. I understand and value the importance of community – I understand the essence of having a place that is welcoming and resourceful to all.
Some ways I have been involved and given back:
TD South Asian Festival
I played an integral role in organizing and executing this festival. From starting as a Public Relations role to an Advisor role, I understand the intricacies of establishing community partnerships and relationships.
Viveka Foundation – We Are Your Sisters (WAYS)
Advocating for women’s rights is another pillar of what I stand for. I have always been a proponent of equality and after the incident in Delhi in 2016 I felt that I needed to do more. After organizing a couple of vigils in Ottawa, it was decided that a dedicated organization was needed. I co-founded the Viveka Foundation and from that the WAYS campaign started. As the Ottawa chapter rep, we organized Yogathons for 4 years as a way to raise awareness and funds to rehabilitate women who had been affected by sexual assault and domestic violence. Funds were sent to the Pragwala Foundation in India. Although we had to take a break from moving forward with this organization, my efforts are still to continue this area of work through other means.
The Lotus Movement
My mental health journey has been integral to my growth. I recognized that within the Ottawa community there was no organization focused on speaking about and ending the stigma on mental health within the South Asian community. I founded The Lotus Movement in hopes of bringing awareness to this topic. There is an amazing team working on so many resources and events for the community. You can check out our website here.
Let’s Shine – Elevating Ottawa’s South Asian Womxn
Again, showcasing the powerful Womxn in Ottawa from the South Asian diaspora – we have to elevate and uplift one another to influence mindsets.
