Umeed:
Stories That Inspire
Umeed
Stories That Inspire
Umeed: Stories That Inspire is a visual storytelling project that highlights stories of solidarity, empathy, and compassion between and across the diverse communities of India and the Indian diaspora and the shared humanity that binds us together. The project amplifies voices that challenge divisiveness, promote mutual understanding and respect, and inspire hope.
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Indian diaspora should raise more awareness about free speech and minority rights in India” — Siva Indupuru
I feel fortunate to have grown up in a diverse suburb of Virginia with a fairly large Indian and Indian American population. I was able to stay connected to my culture through community potlucks, where families brought dishes from different regions of India, through religious events where we supported one another, and through community spaces
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“I wish we could all unify as one that truly reflects the diversity of India” — Ani Guda
I grew up in a small town between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, in a very diverse community with strong Hispanic/Latinx, African American, Caribbean, and other American identities. I made friends across many different cultures, but the Asian and especially Indian population was very small. I rarely met other South Asians in school unless our families
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“My fellow Hindus, we bear responsibility for the violence and inequities committed in our name” — Abhyudaya Tyagi
I spent most of my childhood in New Delhi and Tashkent, Uzbekistan. My mother was a teacher at international schools and so I experienced a childhood where I was exposed to a wide range of cultures and nationalities. At the same time, my mother ensured that I never strayed too far from my culture and
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“People need to return to basics of community interaction and experience joy of living” — Sarran Vidyakumar
I grew up in the state of Tamil Nadu, dividing my time between Chennai and Salem. All of my early years, schooling, and undergraduate studies were in the city. The community I lived in played an integral role in my formative years. I saw my uncles, aunts, and cousins regularly, and as a community, we
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“Stories we teach our children today will define the India of tomorrow” — Archit Mehta
I grew up in eight cities across India owing to my dad’s service in the Indian Navy. I attended primary school in Delhi, Vizag (Andhra Pradesh), and Karanja (a naval base). From grade five onwards, I was based in Delhi until the end of high school. I completed my graduation from Vadodara and Chennai. As
