Chalo Baatein Karen (“Let’s just talk”) – The Love We Show, The Love We Don’t

Date: February 16, 2025

Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Location: Centerville Comm. Center and Park, 3355 Country Drive, Fremont, CA 94536

Contact us: info@rcoz.us

“Excellent talk, very informative and inspiring. We need more of these!” – Attendee

On February 16th, Rcoz hosted its fourth Chalo Baatein Karen™ (“Let’s just talk”) event at Centerville Community Center in Fremont. The topic—The Love We Show, The Love We Don’t—struck a deep chord with the South Asian community.

The evening began with warm chai and cookies, allowing attendees to connect before diving into a conversation led by Rcoz founder Roopali Rajvanshy and featuring Rcoz advisor, psychiatrist Dr. Seema Sehgal. She opened the discussion by shedding light on a cultural paradox—South Asian families experience love deeply, yet outward expressions are often frowned upon. Love is demonstrated through small, indirect acts rather than words, leaving many unable to openly express affection, especially with their parents.

Dr. Sehgal unpacked the emotional weight this carries into adulthood. Women, in particular, are raised with ideals of devotion, duty, and sacrifice, often putting their aspirations aside for family. Meanwhile, children growing up in Western societies face the challenge of balancing individual freedom with traditional expectations. Love, she pointed out, can also become a tool of control—parents steering their children’s choices in education and marriage, leading to deep-seated conflicts.

But there is a way forward. Dr. Sehgal urged attendees to be the person they want the other to be—to take the first step in expressing love, even if it isn’t reciprocated immediately. This sparked a flood of personal questions from the audience, making the discussion so engaging that it went 20 minutes over time!

“How important do you think touch is in expressing love? My family is open, but my husband’s isn’t, and they disapprove when I sit close to him,” one participant asked.

“As an introvert, I struggle to express emotions. Now, my teenage son is emulating me, and I’m worried. How do I break the cycle?” another parent shared.

Dr. Sehgal’s insights resonated deeply: “Our job as parents is not to clear the path so our children never fall, but to show them the pitfalls and be there when they need us.”

With open hearts and minds, attendees left with not just answers, but a newfound willingness to start conversations that matter.

Chalo, baatein karen—because talking is the first step to healing. This free event is a step toward building awareness and acceptance for better mental health in the South Asian community. Those wishing to support Rcoz, please know that every donation will have a direct impact on our programs and initiatives. To donate, [click here] .