By Krishiv Shah
Old Westbury, NY — I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Sumit Dharia, a respected podiatrist, on how he balances his demanding career and the duality of his Indian American identity. Growing up in the 1980s and 90s, Dr. Dharia, who now works at The Brooklyn Hospital Center, reflected on his journey from Herricks High School to the operating rooms of New York City, and the cultural nuances that shaped his path.
Born in Flushing, New York, Dr. Dharia was raised when Indian American communities were still finding their footing in the U.S. His parents, who immigrated in the 1970s, worked hard to integrate into American society while maintaining ties to their heritage. “We didn’t have all the things people have now,” he recalls. “There were not as many Indian channels, no Diwali holidays in schools. It was a different world back then.”
Dr. Dharia thrived academically, graduating from Herricks High School in 1994. He later studied biology at Stony Brook University. His journey into medicine was influenced by the practicality of the time. “Medicine was seen as a stable, well-paying profession,” he says. Yet, he emphasizes that passion must come before economic motivation: “If you’re going into it solely for economic prosperity, you need to go into it because you want to go into work loving your job.”
As a father of two Indian American children, Dr. Dharia has witnessed significant changes in the resources available to Indian families compared to his upbringing. “Hicksville is a hub now for Indian food and culture, but back then, we had to go all the way to Columbia University to watch Indian movies,” he reminisces.
When asked about his Indian American identity and how it has shaped his career, Dr. Dharia reflects on the values instilled in him by both cultures. While he admits he’s not as familiar with aspects of Indian culture like cricket or the latest Indian news, he emphasizes the importance of shared values, such as kindness and being a good person. These values transcend race and culture; they are universal. For Dr. Dharia, the ability to socialize and connect with people from all backgrounds is key.
Back in the 80s and 90s, there was a greater emphasis on integrating into American culture, but now, the preservation of Indian culture has become a focal point for many Indian American children. This shift is something Dr. Dharia has observed as well, noting that his children and others now have more opportunities to explore and celebrate their heritage.
As an Indian American myself, I saw similarities between Dr. Dharia’s experiences and my own. Even though we know our native languages but may not always speak it, it doesn’t make us any less Indian. Both aspects of our identity are valuable, and embracing them fully is essential to navigating the duality of our culture. Dr. Dharia’s journey serves as a reminder that we can successfully balance these identities while excelling in our chosen professions.
(Krishiv Shah, the founder and submission coordinator of Kaleidoscope, is an Indian-American senior at Syosset High School with aspirations to pursue a degree in South Asian Studies and Business. For more Kaleidoscope articles visit www.thesouthasiantimes.info)
