Hushed breaths, laser focus, tears, and thunderous applause, all in one unforgettable evening at the Rcoz Gala on May 30.
The night opened with Roopali Rajvanshy grounding us in what Rcoz has built and why it matters.
"In the past year, we educated 250 youth, launched support groups, and took part in 33 programs, all to create spaces where mental health can finally be spoken about."
Dr. Seema Sehgal reminded us how silence becomes inheritance.
"The family silence teaches suffering must be hidden and carried alone, leading many to wear pain like an armor.”
Dr. Hari Nair brought us into the everyday reality of clinical practice, where language itself is often missing.
"Every week in my practice, I see teenagers carrying anxiety they cannot name because the language for emotional pain was never spoken at home."
Dr. Apurva Bhatt underscored the urgency of delayed care and missed intervention.
"By the time I see most South Asian teens, they are already in crisis. Fewer than 10% come to me before that point."
We also heard from Rcoz Youth Ambassador Shreyas, who reflected on transformation through lived learning.
"The High School Changemaker Program altered the trajectory of my high school life. It gave me practical skills I still use today, but more importantly, it changed how I understand mental health, through a South Asian lens for the very first time."
Beyond the words, the room was alive, guided by David Aahl, whose humor and energy as auctioneer kept the evening light, generous, and joyful. Guests bid enthusiastically on exceptional offerings, and came together over an incredible meal catered by Jalsa.
We were honored by the presence of Alameda County officials, and deeply grateful for our sponsors—Webscale, Fremont Bank and Washington Hospital. And above all, gratitude to our volunteers for their dedication.
The urgency of the Rcoz mission was felt by all the attendees.
