culture Archives | Punita Rice

Jyoti Chand (Mamajotes) on Fitting Indian, Growing Up, & What She Hopes for Brown Kids

June 10, 2026

Jyoti Chand (Mamajotes) opens up about growing up, sobriety, Fitting Indian, and what she hopes for the next generation of Brown kids in schools.

Be Inspired: Sujata Day, Filmmaker and Actor

October 20, 2018

Actor, filmmaker, and Insecure star Sujata Day discusses South Asian American representation in Hollywood, working with Issa Rae, creating stories beyond stereotypes, and why supporting one another — on screen…

Be Inspired: Vishal Vaidya, Broadway Actor

December 9, 2017

Broadway performer Vishal Vaidya reflects on his journey to Groundhog Day, growing up in a diverse Maryland community, building a sustainable career in the arts, and why South Asian representation…

On Apu, Representation, and the Model Minority Myth

November 20, 2017

A reflection on Apu, representation in American media, and how the model minority myth shapes South Asian American experiences.

Be Inspired: Poet Pavana Reddy

October 30, 2017

Poet and writer Pavana Reddy reflects on grief, identity, and why giving language to pain is essential for healing and connection.

Be Inspired: Recording Artist Lady Pista

October 16, 2017

Recording artist and DJ Lady Pista shares how she blends global sounds, challenges expectations in the music industry, and encourages South Asian women to pursue creative freedom.

Improving South Asian American Students’ Experiences (ISAASE)

May 1, 2017

Sharing some exciting news. For the past three years, I’ve been working on getting ISAASE, an outreach organization dedicated to improving South Asian American students’ experiences, off the ground. This past…