Next year marks the 10-year anniversary of The Culture Tree, and it’s a moment of deep reflection, celebration, and renewed purpose. When we founded this organization in 2016, our vision was simple yet bold: to build inclusive platforms that amplify South Asian voices through culture, education, language, and community. A decade later, our mission remains the same — but our reach, impact, and urgency have grown tremendously.

Our Mission & Evolution

At The Culture Tree, we believe representation is not just about being seen — it is about belonging, about taking part and being heard. We focus on key pillars: cultural programming, language classes, community gatherings, and critical conversations around identity, heritage, food, women’s health, and festivals. Our aim has always been to build a South Asian community in America that feels stronger, prouder and more visible.

Over the past ten years we have partnered with museums, schools, libraries, cultural institutions, and communities across the United States. We’ve launched bilingual language programs, curated festival celebrations, created mentorship series, and spotlighted South Asian business owners and changemakers.

We have worked with South Asian trailblazers from corporate boards, creative industries, culinary arts, and civic leadership — people whose stories not only inspire, but reshape narratives.

Impact Highlights

• Language programs: hundreds of children and families engaged in bilingual learning, strengthening heritage fluency and cultural confidence.
• Festival celebrations: tens of thousands of attendees across public events that highlight the diversity of South Asia, including Diwali, Holi, Navratri, Eid, Vaisakhi, Gandhi/Buddha Jayanti and many more, creating joyful cultural belonging and acceptance in public-space settings.
• Community dialogues: conversations on women’s health, food, leaders across industries, that spark dialogue around identity, and representation featuring voices from South Asia and the US.
• Small business support: spotlighting South Asian-led enterprises and enabling community commerce through our platforms.
• Each year we refine, amplify, and broaden our work — and next year’s anniversary will bring a new wave of programs to deepen that impact.

Focus on Women’s Health – The HOT SPOT Series

One of our signature initiatives is the HOT SPOT: South Asian Women’s Health & Wellness through Menopause series. HOT SPOT addresses the unique health challenges South Asian women face — from early-onset osteoporosis to cardiovascular risk, the cultural taboos around menopause, mental health, dietary transitions, and the intersections of immigrant stress and generational health.

These events bring together experts in women’s health, cultural wellness practitioners, and community members to build awareness and tools for a demographic often under-served in mainstream wellness discourse. Through panels, workshops, and storytelling, we create an open space for South Asian women to ask questions, feel seen, and act proactively.

Why the Focus Matters

South Asian women in America carry a distinct health burden. Studies show that, compared to non-South Asian populations, they face higher risks of metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes, early menopause, thyroid disorders, and bone-density loss — often compounded by cultural stigma, diet shifts, and delayed wellness discussions.

Traditional wellness programming often overlooks cultural nuances, heritage food patterns, or migration-related stressors. Our work fills that gap.

By centering culture in wellness and drawing on our community’s experiences — from the kitchen to the family narrative, from ancestral habits to the American health system — we create relevant, effective support. That is the heart of HOT SPOT.

Looking Ahead to Year 10

As we approach our 10-year milestone, we are renewing our commitment to reach broader audiences, deepen our programs, and strengthen partnerships. This includes launching a major fundraising platform to scale our public-program work, particularly for children and families in New York City’s libraries and schools. 

We’ll focus on ten new programs next year — aimed at cultivating South Asian cultural literacy through festivals, art, storytelling, and community engagement. With your support, thousands of children will learn to celebrate their heritage with pride and understanding.

A Call to the Community

South Asian cultures are vibrant, evolving, and deeply rooted in values of resilience, connection, and service. Yet too often our public presence lags behind our vibrant private lives. The Culture Tree exists to change that.

We invite individuals, institutions, families, and partners to join us — whether as participants, supporters, collaborators or advocates. Because when South Asian voices are visible, celebrated and active, we all benefit: our children, our families, our communities, and our democracy.

Thank you for being a part of our journey. Here’s to the next decade of storytelling, celebration, and impact.

Disclaimer: The opinions and views expressed in this article/column are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of South Asian Herald.

Related posts:

Celebrating Hindi Diwas: Delhi Public School Rohini Echoes Hindi’s Timeless Spirit USISPF Diwali Celebration Highlights Strength of Indian American Community and Growing US-India Ties International Women’s Day 2025: Leading Experts on Maximizing Women’s Health and Rights Australia Celebrates 11th International Day of Yoga with Over 55 Events Nationwide