The Psychoanalytic Center of Philadelphia

 

South Asian American Forum

 

 

 

Purpose and Objectives

 

            The South Asian-American Forum (SAAF) was established in 1995 with a mandate to devise educational, service-oriented, and cultural programs for both lay persons and professionals in the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area. Its purpose is to increase awareness of cross-cultural issues from a psychoanalytic perspective and to enhance the understanding of cultural influences on psychic life.

 

            Today, foreign-born South Asians in the United States are estimated at about 750,000 or more. When their American-born families are included, the number of South Asian-Americans rises to over 2 million. Like the many immigrants who preceded them to the U.S., the South Asian community contributes richly to the variegated tapestry of multi-cultural America.

 

            With the support of the Psychoanalytic Center of Philadelphia, SAAF seeks to contribute in meaningful ways to the enrichment of the region's understanding of South Asian psychology, culture, and the processes of immigration and acculturation. SAAF also seeks to celebrate the diversity found in our community. We collaborate with other local South Asian community and cultural organizations who often co-sponsor events.

 

            Employing a variety of formats (invited speakers, panel discussions, movies, and cultural events), SAAF presents programs addressing everyday issues that arise out of the South Asian and immigrant experiences. Topics of programs include:

 

·              Issues of identity and value conflicts that result from living in two cultures

·              Cross-cultural misunderstandings

·              Parenting issues facing first-generation South Asians

·              Marital problems arising from disagreements over roles in the new culture

·              Racial discrimination and prejudice

·              Concerns of South Asian adolescents

·              South Asian culture and arts

Past Lectures and Presentations

 

“Immigration and Identity: Turmoil, Treatment, and Transformation”

Speaker: Salman Akhtar, M.D.

 

“Inner and Outer Journeys of a South Asian Women in America (as Wife, Mother, Analyst)”

Speaker: Aisha Abbasi, M.D.

 

“The Origins of Prejudice”

Speaker: Henri Parens, M.D.

 

“Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy with South Asians in the U.S.”

Speaker: Alan Roland, Ph.D.

 

“Stories, Lives, and Identity: South Asian Women Writers”

Speakers: Beena Kamlani, author; Shankar Vedantam, journalist

 

“Youth and Parents in Conflict: Issues for Immigrant Families”

Speaker: Purnima Mehta, M.D.

 

Movies

 

Paddana — A Documentary on Indian Families

Filmed and presented by Dr. Anula Shetty

 

Pather Panchali, Charulata, and Devi

Directed by Satyajit Ray

 

Where is the Friend's Home?

Directed by Abbas Kiarostami

 

Fire

Directed by Deepa Mehta

 

Officers . . .

 

Chair

            Rao Gogineni, M.D.

 

Advisory Committee

            Salman Akhtar, M.D.

            Jennifer Bonovitz, Ph.D.

 

 

For Further Information . . .

 

Contact Rao Gogineni: 610.664.0338

 

 

 

 

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