“I never truly understood what people went through until today. It opened my eyes to the mental health struggles so many silently face. Hearing expert therapists and engaging in open dialogue showed me how powerful even small conversations around mental health can be.” – Raj, Rcoz Gala attendee 

It was a picture-perfect Saturday evening—a gentle breeze whispered promise, and anticipation filled the air. The Rcoz team had transformed the Olive Hyde Art Gallery in Fremont into a warm, welcoming space, brimming with charm and connection. After months of planning, the evening unfolded with warmth and a sense of shared purpose.

As guests arrived, they were greeted by a thoughtfully curated setting—stunning silent auction pieces, a spread of appetizers and drinks, and a vibe full of heart and purpose. The Mission Room quickly filled with people ready to experience an evening where vulnerability met courage.

Founder Roopali Rajvanshy opened with a story of personal grief—losing both her parents in just two months—and how she realized, only after hearing someone else share a similar story, that she’d been avoiding her own pain. That, she said, is the power of storytelling:

“Just hearing those words from somebody else made me realize I’d been escaping, not grieving. That story gave me the vocabulary to get help.” – Roopali

She reminded us why Rcoz exists: to raise awareness and build acceptance of mental health struggles in the South Asian community through storytelling and community dialogue. “In a world leaning toward AI,” she said, “we’re intentionally leaning toward human connection.”

Next, comedian and emcee Dhaya Lakshminarayanan brought the house down with humor, vulnerability, and a moving story about her grandmother’s untreated mental illness. As she reflected on the shame and silence her family had navigated, she reminded us:

“Everyone is messed up. So instead of worrying what people will think of your mental health—look around. They’re messed up too.” –  Dhaya 

What followed was a live demonstration of Chalo Baatein Karen™ (Let’s just talk), Rcoz’s signature storytelling and dialogue series. Dr. Seema Sehgal and Dr. Apurva Bhatt tackled barriers like language gaps, spiritual mislabeling, intergenerational silence, and stigma.

“The stigma doesn’t just keep judgment out—it keeps you walled in.” – Dr. Sehgal

Dr. Bhatt offered a striking insight from her Stanford clinic:

“Not a single South Asian youth I treat came in before they were hospitalized. That’s why I’m here.”  – Dr. Bhatt

The panel reminded us that mental health exists on a spectrum, and support can take many forms. Whether it’s therapy, peer connection, spirituality, or simply being heard, healing begins when conversations feel natural, not clinical.

Among the many attendees were esteemed guests from Alameda County District 1 and District 2 offices, members of the Fremont City Council, and local business owners who have consistently supported mental health initiatives in the community. Their presence was a powerful reminder that change happens when institutions and individuals come together.

The evening didn’t end with the paddle raise. As guests made their way to dinner, they were met with the soulful sounds of Debjani and Sid Chattopadhyay. Their Hindustani fusion brought depth, rhythm, and a little magic to the night—music that made you pause, then pulled you in. 

Laughter, conversation, and connection continued long into the evening, as people stayed not just for the food or the music, but for the feeling of being part of something that mattered.