Diversity and cultural inclusion - a step in right direction

Years ago, when we moved to Franklin, I was a mom of two boys, happy, full of energy, young. The wound of 9/11 was still very fresh so building a secular world for our kids was the dream. I did whatever I could as a mom. Raised kids to be good human being. Religion and race were topics of discussion and question, never dictated our life. I still remember my new comer days in Franklin and how difficult it was for me. The town wasn’t “friendly” to me but soon I found my people and soon franklin became “Home”.  Over the years many more Indian families moved in but I still felt the town wasn’t ready and it still made me feel “outsider” sometimes. I have been lucky to have wonderful people in my life. With Ajey and Anand both I have been lucky to encounter some wonderful educators in franklin. The education journey started with Mrs Roberts and Mrs. Y in first and second grade. Mrs Roberts made that “the Brown kid”in the whole white school feels he belongs there. And his mother could be part of that journey in various ways. Mrs. Y taught him everything about making his own place in the world, she encouraged his love for geography and math and help him combine his Asian values and American upbringing to a perfect blend.

Ajey’s 4th grade teacher, Ann Williams, was the one who took the cultural education in his elementary school to a different level . I was a book mom in that class and soon we both shared a wonderful friendship. We both learnt a great deal from each other. I wore saree for her class and she learnt and taught her students about India. She is the one who started “no homework on Diwali”. For me she will always remain a champion of cultural diversity. Ajey's middle school teacher Mr Vacca is one of those people who have their own take on teaching the right way and right thing. My son knew more about religious diversity because of him. I can never thank him enough for changing my son’s take on religion and its place in everyone’s life.

Franklin grew since then, there are more Asian and Indians now than ever but I still don’t see the cultural diversity awareness. So, when I got a chance I didn’t miss it and initiated the conversation about diversity and cultural inclusion, and I did raise the topic with school committee. I get disappointed when Diwali goes unnoticed in school newsletter or announcements. I have been talking during school meetings and finally this was a topic on tonight’s meeting. I walked in beautiful Franklin library with my saree draped with pride and couldn’t have been happier. In that meeting, we talked about the importance of cultural diversity, education and how important it is for our kids. I realize we all want the same thing for our kids – a better world. I couldn’t be any prouder of my fellow town and committee members. Looks like we are off to a good start. A belief reaffirmed- keep doing if you believe in something whole heartedly. It will change things, slowly may be.. but it sure will.

Time to break many more ceilings.

I have been there before, have shared my stories on numerous occasion but this time it was different. It was not my usual crowd, they are what I was last year. This group changed things for me, my idea of social activism and being a participant in local politics. Yesterday I went to address the class of 2018 MFOFC (read here) about my experience. And It was interesting to explain and see what being a part of MFOFC did to me. The first class was all about history of MFOFC. I was in awe when I heard about parents who paved the way for future parents and was very inspired. I could share my story and suggest them what I could do better. I hope I could prove my point that we all are tiny part of a big system but together we are the agent of change. Being there reminded me all over again that change is inevitable in life. While growing up I hated politics and politicians but now I believe in power of “us”. I sure believe in doing our part, being an advocate of change and not wait for someone else to do that for us. It was my way of giving back to my community that I have been very proud part of.

MFOFC provides an amazing platform to educate parents about their social rights and awareness about political involvement.

At the same time, I couldn’t stop wondering about my own journey, how far I have come. I grew up in one of the most politically corrupt countries on earth. That made me deter from the political process and soon I lost any hope in democracy at all for that matter. That could have been one of the major factor in us moving from India too, the struggle with day-to-day life and corruption being part of each and everything. It may not be the perfect solution and doesn’t do any good. Last year’s election changed many things in our life and as my older son said it created a whole new generation of social activist. Little he knew that his mom was one of them. Those last two months of 2016 were of introspection and sure being a special mom fueled that big time. the changes in government policies and the fear around it made me think differently. And when I heard of MFOFC it just struck the right cord. I was sold that every parent should be part of political process because it is the future of our kids. I joined MFOFC session not knowing anything and I came out having a burning desire to make this world a better place for our kids. I think I did my share are you ready to do yours?

Below is my picture with Ms. Spicer. my Facebook status read that night.

Last election America couldn't break the glass ceiling. Framingham made history. The City chose its first mayor..a female colored woman.. Yvonne Spicer.. 
Oprah was right in when she said some one is watching somewhere and getting inspired.. I am sure the first Mayor of Framingham sure inspired many. I sure am one of them.