Post by Chandni Puri

Fourteen years ago, when I first began working with youth programmes, I often faced challenges. Sometimes the young people opened up about their struggles, and the very next moment they would disengage, not listening to advice or disappearing altogether. At that time, I was a youth myself—naive, outspoken, and still learning how to guide others while finding my own voice. Today, I am inspired by the transformation I see. Young people now step onto the stage with courage, speak openly about their lives, carry themselves with pride, and embrace their identities with confidence. They acknowledge their struggles but remain undeterred, choosing paths less traveled. Their strength makes me proud and hopeful. On 21st March—International Day of Anti-Racial Discrimination and the first anniversary of Diversity Hub, I witnessed some of the most powerful speeches by youth. Sitting in the crowd, I was mesmerized by their honesty and resilience. It was a reminder that the future truly is in good hands. Big big shoutout to Haleema sadia Siraj Edric Nazareno Nicole LeBane Reeze Anne Mendoza Ramiro Shivani Shrestha Aliba, Shurame, Alvin Diversity Hub HK We also celebrated Echoes of Home by Puja Kapai a book capturing community members’ reflections on what “home” means. As someone who grew up in India and now calls Hong Kong home, I was deeply moved. The familiar smells of lo mein, fish balls, and dim sum transport me instantly—but hearing stories that wove together culture, religion, identity, and belonging touched me even more. From bridging the journey of being an ethnic minority to becoming a local Hongkonger, to embracing oneself fully without fear—these stories made me cry, laugh, and reflect. So impressed with Aesha Ijaz Sursharan Kaur (蘇尚文) Shama Mashroor Yusuf Mohideen you guys took my breath away literally. Of course, we had Vansh Arora sharing his belonging to Hong Kong, Haleema sadia Siraj —no doubt you rock, RABIN SARKI with your deeply personal realization of your roots, and Ritu Hemnani, whose reading moved me so much that for a moment I felt I was Suraj. I feel truly fortunate in my work to witness people from diverse backgrounds bringing the real essence of inclusion and belonging into everything we do. We have indeed come a long way, and the path ahead feels hopeful, confident, and full of promise. We have indeed come a long way. The path ahead feels hopeful, confident, and full of promise. Proud to be part of this journey. 🌈