Lifelong Learning Lectures
|
Diwali, diaspora and the celebration of community
As of 2023, Diwali is now the 12th federally recognized holiday in the US. Despite India being a land of a thousand celebrations, Diwali continues to feature as that quintessential “Indian” festival across television shows and films from India; it is also considered the most secular celebration across India. Join Dr. Ruma Sen as she traces the growth of the Indian community in the US, specifically in the NY-NJ metropolitan area. She will discuss the central role of Diwali in shaping the Indian-American identity, the role of the Indian diaspora in the larger NY/NJ metropolitan area, and explore the ways in which the Indian ethos is increasingly inserting itself into the public discourse. There will be time for a Q&A. Dr. Ruma Sen is a Professor of Global Communication and Media Studies at Ramapo College of New Jersey. Her areas of scholarship include decolonization of migration narratives and transnational flows of neoliberalism. Recent publications include essays on the transnational iconicity of Priyanka Chopra and on mediated narratives of Muslims and the politics of exclusion in India. Dr. Sen teaches courses in intercultural communication, race, gender, and media studies and communication for social change. She has given lectures at universities in India, Turkey, Fiji and the UK, and led a study abroad program in India. |
|
Happiness and Well-Being through Community Engagement
Community engagement allows us to deepen connections with others, improve our mental health, and flourish across the lifespan. This presentation will explore the critical role that community plays in human well-being, happiness and flourishing. Drawing from the latest research in psychology, neuroscience, and sociology, we will highlight the profound impact that strong social connections and a sense of belonging have on mental health, life satisfaction, and overall human development. We will discuss how being part of a supportive community can buffer against stress, provide a sense of purpose, and foster feelings of security and self-worth. We will briefly examine the negative consequences of social isolation and loneliness, which have been linked to a range of physical and mental health issues. Practical strategies for cultivating a stronger sense of community in one's life will be discussed. Dr. Lysandra Perez-Strumolo is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Ramapo College, where she teaches undergraduate courses in the psychology program. Dr. Perez-Strumolo leads the Ramapo Wellness Lab in psychology, which engages undergraduate students in studying wellness. At Ramapo, she has also served as Director of Faculty Development. Dr. Perez-Strumolo is a NJ licensed clinical psychologist and she provides psychological services to children, adolescents, and adults in northern New Jersey. Her scholarship is focused on the application of positive psychology research in the treatment of trauma and related disorders. |