"AHM is not only a celebration of the traditions and values I’ve inculcated in my childhood but also a testament to how far South Asians come by way of development and acceptance."
Tell us a bit about yourself (what you study, interests etc...)
I’m a penultimate year law student aspiring to become a solicitor and the Head of Marketing at QM’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Society. I’m a voracious reader, dessert enthusiast, and deeply passionate about social justice. I was born and raised in Delhi, India and I’ve come to complete my second bachelor’s degree in London!
What does AHM mean to you?
I hold my heritage closely as it has truly shaped my outlook towards global discourse. I’m from a military background and reside in a very multicultural city; both have allowed me to fully experience the diversity India has to offer. From food, languages, to clothes, there’s always something unique to each region. Heck, every street! AHM is not only a celebration of the traditions and values I’ve inculcated in my childhood but also a testament to how far South Asians come by way of development and acceptance.
Tell us a bit about what you are wearing.
Kurtis are a huge part of the Indian contemporary scene as they blend traditional motifs and embroidery with easy and wearable fabric worn with jeans, even shorts! A huge part of my summers in Delhi involve shopping for them with my mother and building a joint collection that can be passed on to future generations.
Tell us a bit about your heritage, what is something that you are proud of?
My family and I follow the tenets of Sikhism, which include truthful living, service to humanity, and devotion to a higher power. Our Gurus believe in equality across gender, class, and religion and preach the practice of kindness. I’m most proud of the concept of love-inspired service known as seva which is largely observed by acts of charity and compassion. This is commonly observed in the operation of community kitchens (langar) in our place of worship where we serve meals throughout the day free of charge to everyone regardless of their identity and we all sit together on the floor and eat! It’s a practice that allows us to share food, warmth, and rid ourselves of any discrimination.
Such practices are one of many wonderful aspects that my culture has allowed me to experience and I’m hoping I’m able to host one on campus before I graduate!