What the Festival of Lights Means to me
Written by: Saachi Jain
Diwali, the festival of lights, holds a special place in my heart. Born to a Hindu mother and a Jain father, I find myself at the intersection of two diverse cultures. While both traditions have their unique festivals and rituals, Diwali stands out as the one that unites our family and brings us closer together. This fusion has made this time of the year particularly special for me.
Diwali is a time of joy and togetherness. The aroma of freshly made mithai fills the air, colorful fireworks light up the night sky, and the diyas light up our homes. We celebrate good over evil as we take part in the same traditions our ancestors have for generations.
However, in my family, Diwali is not just about lighting lamps and indulging in delicious food; it's also a time for reflection and setting goals for the year ahead. Each one of us makes a pledge, a commitment to improve ourselves or contribute positively to ourselves and society. It's a tradition that reinforces the importance of self-improvement and strengthening our bonds.
One of the most memorable pledges in my family came from my brother when he moved out for university. He pledged to always come home for Diwali, no matter where he was. This promise became a powerful testament to the significance of this festival in bringing us together.
As I grew, I also nurtured a passion for South Asian culture and a strong interest in healthcare. Initially, it seemed challenging to find a connection between these two seemingly unrelated aspects of my life. However, my internship with Anise Health proved to be a bridge that brought them together. It allowed me to better understand cultural competence in counseling and cultural considerations in theory.
At Anise Health, I had the opportunity to work on research focused on culturally responsive mental healthcare for the Asian community. Under the guidance of Angel, Alice, and alongside my colleague Aditi, I delved into understanding the unique mental health needs of the Asian community, especially in the context of South Asian culture.
This experience was enlightening and fulfilling, as it allowed me to combine my passion for South Asian culture with my desire to contribute to healthcare solutions. It highlighted the importance of culturally sensitive approaches in mental health, recognizing the impact of cultural backgrounds on an individual's well-being.
The Asian community's diverse needs and perspectives made me appreciate the intricacies of providing healthcare that respects cultural nuances. It was a profound experience that made me realize the power of embracing one's roots and channeling it into a meaningful career. I now have better insight into the field after working with culturally competent therapists.
In many ways, my journey into culturally responsive mental healthcare at Anise Health mirrors the essence of Diwali. Just as this festival brings together diverse traditions to celebrate the triumph of light, my internship brought together my cultural heritage and my healthcare aspirations to make a positive impact. Both Diwali and my work at Anise Health remind me of the power of unity in diversity, and the potential for change when we embrace our roots while forging a path forward.
Saachi Jain is an intern at Anise Health. She works on researching, fostering outreach and engagement, and building brand awareness.
