Faraz Jan Muhammad’s Post

This South Asian Heritage Month, SIR celebrates the vibrant tapestry of cultures, traditions, and achievements that enrich our workplaces and communities. #SAHM was established to honour and celebrate South Asian history and culture. It is an opportunity for everyone to appreciate the countries in South Asia and learn new things about their heritage Share your favorite South Asian-inspired recipes, wear traditional attire if you're comfortable, or simply engage in conversations to learn more about your colleagues' heritage. Let's embrace diversity and promote inclusivity not just this month, but all year round. What does South Asian heritage mean to you? Share your stories and experiences in the comments below! #SouthAsianHeritageMonth #DiversityAndInclusion #CelebratingCulture #societyofinsuranceresearch

Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month: Free to Be Me As we commemorate South Asian Heritage Month, we reflect on our vibrant heritage and the journey to express our true selves. This year's theme, "Free to Be Me," highlights both our diverse identities and the ongoing challenges in expressing them authentically. Our South Asian heritage is a rich tapestry of colourful festivals, aromatic cuisines, and profound traditions. Celebrating this heritage is about honouring our past, embracing our present, and inspiring future generations. However, the journey to being "Free to Be Me" is often fraught with obstacles, from cultural misunderstandings to systemic racism. Here’s how society can support South Asians: • Educate and raise awareness about South Asian histories and cultures. • Amplify South Asian voices in media, politics, and other public spheres. • Challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity. • Support South Asian businesses and creatives. • Create safe spaces for South Asians to express their identities. • Practice allyship by participating in cultural events and advocating for equitable policies. At PEP, our new strategy and website launch in the coming months proudly align with "Free to Be Me." We focus on creating better representation and equitable leadership opportunities through lived experiences. Stay tuned for our brave, authentic voice! #SouthAsianHeritageMonth #FreeToBeMe #RepresentationMatters #PEPEnterpriseCIC

Today marks the beginning of South Asian Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of South Asian communities. From food, music, and art to science, literature, and business, South Asians have enriched every aspect of society. South Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity to honour the achievements and contributions of South Asians across the globe. It’s a time to reflect on the shared histories and acknowledge the struggles and triumphs that shape our communities today. Diversity is our strength. By celebrating South Asian heritage, we embrace the unique perspectives and talents that contribute to a more vibrant and inclusive society. This month, let's take the time to learn, share, and celebrate the stories that define South Asian heritage. Watch Mubeen Quadir Story below! Ways to Celebrate: Learn: Dive into the history and culture of South Asian countries. Read books, watch films, and explore music from South Asian artists. Share: Use your platform to highlight South Asian voices and stories. Share your experiences and encourage others to do the same. Support: Promote and support South Asian businesses, artists, and initiatives. Your support can make a significant impact. Reflect: Take a moment to reflect on the contributions of South Asians in your community and workplace. Acknowledge and appreciate the diverse talents and perspectives around you. Join us in celebrating South Asian Heritage Month by sharing your stories, experiences, and reflections. Together, we can create a more inclusive and understanding world. #SouthAsianHeritageMonth #Diversity #Inclusion #CelebrateCulture #SouthAsianPride

🌏 May is Asian Heritage Month! 🎉 It is a time to celebrate and honor the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of the Asian community. This month serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our society. 🤝 Let's use this opportunity to deepen our understanding and appreciation of Asian culture and heritage. By exploring the stories, art, music, food, and traditions of various Asian communities, we can learn about their unique experiences and foster a greater sense of empathy and connection. 🌍 It is also crucial to recognize and challenge biases and stereotypes that may impact the daily lives of individuals within the Asian community. Promoting inclusivity means actively engaging in conversations and actions that ensure equal opportunities and representation for everyone, irrespective of their cultural background. 👥 We can all play a part in creating a more inclusive society by celebrating the achievements and contributions of Asian individuals in various fields. Sharing their stories and accomplishments can help break down barriers and inspire future generations. 💡 Let's embrace this month as an opportunity for education and growth. Seek out books, films, and documentaries that amplify Asian voices and experiences. Explore online exhibits, workshops, and events that promote understanding and embrace the richness of Asian culture. 📚 Together, let's foster an environment of respect, appreciation, and unity. By celebrating Asian Heritage Month and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion, we take a step towards building a better and brighter future for all. #AsianHeritageMonth #DiversityandInclusion #CelebrateAsianCulture

Kicking off our South Asian Heritage Month spotlight series with Snehal Bhudia, Director of Businness Propositions and Go To Market (and my mentor!) Give it a quick read and watch this space for the next spotlight episode.

I read that it is South Asian Heritage Month, a celebration in the South Asian diaspora to celebrate the heritage of people with roots in the South Asian countries. As the firstborn daughter of parents who migrated from Kenya and India to build a better life in the 1960s, my journey to embracing my heritage has been a profound one. Growing up in a multicultural society, I often felt the pressure to conform, to downplay the vibrant tapestry of my cultural background. The pursuit of acceptance meant suppressing parts of myself, a constant balancing act between fitting in and honouring my roots. Over the years, a transformative shift occurred. I began to unravel the complexities of my identity, learning to appreciate the richness of my heritage. It was a journey of unlearning societal expectations and rediscovering the strength and beauty within me. The last decade has been particularly enlightening. Working in an environment that values diversity and inclusivity has empowered me to embrace my authentic self. I've learned that being a data-driven finance professional doesn't negate my emotional depth or intuition. In fact, these qualities complement each other, creating a unique perspective that enriches my work. South Asian Heritage Month is a reminder that our stories are integral to the fabric of our communities. It's an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of South Asians to the world and to inspire future generations to embrace their heritage with pride. Let's continue to create a world where everyone feels empowered to be their authentic selves, regardless of their background. #SouthAsianHeritageMonth #HeritageMonth #DiversityAndInclusion #PersonalGrowth #CulturalIdentity

Everyone is unique. We all have different backgrounds and stories. Embracing these differences isn’t just nice—it’s powerful. When we see and value the uniqueness in each person, amazing things happen. I love celebrating National Day, it reminds me how fortunate I am as a Singaporean with the safe, diverse and harmonious place we call home. A leader’s job is to bring out the best in people. When people feel valued and included, they shine. They share their best ideas, take bold steps, and work together seamlessly. Inclusion isn’t about fitting everyone into the same mould. It’s about celebrating our differences and using them to create something extraordinary, the best way forward. So, how do we make everyone feel they belong? 🔺 We must be intentional. 🔺 Set clear goals for diversity. 🔺 Train our teams on biases. 🔺 Create policies that ensure fairness. When people feel they belong, they give their best. Let’s embrace our unique qualities, build inclusive environments, and harness our diverse talents. Happy 59th Birthday Singapore! 🎂 #happynationalday #diversityequalityinclusion #gratitude

Do you know the origins of Hari Raya and how you can integrate cultural elements into your events to spread awareness about cultural intelligence? MY EXPERIENCE As someone who moved away from home, I realize that adapting to a new culture is a process. It's essential to be open to learning and understanding the traditions and customs of the place you now call home. Hari Raya, also known as Eid al-Fitr, is a significant celebration marking the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Integrating cultural elements into your events not only shows respect for the diverse backgrounds of your attendees but also provides an opportunity to educate and foster understanding. By celebrating and acknowledging different cultures, we can create a more inclusive and harmonious society. HOW CAN YOU START 1. 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: Research the customs and traditions associated with Hari Raya to better understand its significance 2. 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: Include traditional decorations, music, or food in your events to celebrate the occasion 3. 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬: Share information about the significance of Hari Raya with your attendees to promote cultural understanding 4. 𝐁𝐞 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥: Approach cultural adaptation with an open mind and be respectful of the traditions and customs you encounter NEXT STEPS As you navigate the process of cultural adaptation, remember to be patient with yourself. If you make mistakes, learn from them and strive to do better next time. Embrace the new experiences and opportunities that come with living in a different culture, and don't be afraid to let go of the old to make room for the new. Happy Hari Raya to all my connections who celebrate! THINGS TO THINK THROUGH ➡️ 𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞: How can you actively participate in cultural celebrations to better understand and appreciate them? ➡️ 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞: What strategies can you use to educate yourself and others about different cultural traditions? ➡️ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞: How can embracing cultural diversity enrich your personal and professional life? 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐓𝐢𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲 Use a tool like Diversity Resources Multicultural Calendar to stay informed about various public holidays and cultural celebrations throughout the year. This can help you plan events that are inclusive and respectful of different traditions. Happy celebrations🤗 Dare to Dance your Way Makeithappen The Dancing Economist 💃 #HariRaya #EidAlFitr #CulturalIntelligence #CulturalAdaptation #InclusiveEvents

What it's like to work in sports, media & entertainment as an Asian-American ⤵ In the spirit of #AANHPIHeritageMonth, I wanted to shed some light on what it's actually been like to be an Asian-American woman in the sports, media & entertainment world. Seeing as only 4% of sports employees and 1% of entertainment employees are Asian, I never had a lot of role models who looked like me. Now take that a step further and factor in that I am South Asian, coming from Indian heritage. 👉 There are way less. Over the past 10 years, here are some of the challenges I personally have faced: ✅ People assuming that I work in IT or Legal. ✅ People assuming that I am quiet and reserved. ✅ People not even trying to be friends with me because they assumed I grew up in a strict Asian household and therefore didn't have anything in common with them. ✅ No one being able to pronounce my name and some people even abbreviating it without my permission so that it's easier for them. ✅ People asking me if I know the other Indian person in the company. ✅ People asking if I am related to said person. ✅ Hiding my cultural holidays from my coworkers over fears of being different and therefore "weird". ✅ People assuming Indian food is my favorite cuisine. ✅ People asking me specific questions about India even though I've never been there. ✅ People assuming I speak Hindi and judging me when they find out I don't. ✅ Not being included in the DEI conversation because of the model minority myth, even though Asians are more underrepresented than Black and Hispanic & Latino people in this industry (while acknowledging that this is certainly not the case in all industries). It is so exhausting to spend your whole career fighting other people's assumptions of you before they even meet you. That's the lived experience of Asian Americans in this industry. Fellow #AANHPI friends, tap in 👇 #TopVoice #AANHPIMonth #AsianAmerican #SouthAsian