MIS Statement of Solidarity
Meenu Tewari, September 1, 2023
From the desk of Prof. Meenu Tewari, faculty director of Modern Indian Studies at UNC and Professor in the Department of City and Regional Planning
Dear colleagues and friends of Modern Indian Studies at UNC,
This week we have lived through times none of us imagined we would experience. It is hard to even begin to fathom the myriad ways in which our community has been impacted and is trying to process the events of Monday. At this time, MIS stands in care and solidarity with everyone in our community, and we stand together as we heal and move forward.
In response to this moment, my colleagues at Mindful UNC and I co-wrote this statement that I’d like to share with you.
Take good care,
Meenu Tewari
Dear Mindful UNC,
We are thinking of everyone in our community today as we process the traumatic and distressing events of yesterday. When the safety we take for granted is disrupted in such a violent way, it can leave us feeling confused and insecure and uncertain. This can be an important time to lean into our mindfulness practice and give ourselves time to just breathe and be with whatever arises. Remembering that here and now, we are safe.
Part of the power of being in community are the connections we have. We are in this together and are here for each other. Please know that we can reach out for support if we need it. The University has shared some wonderful resources, these two might be especially helpful here at UNC: Employee Assistance Program and the Heels Care Network.
Stay safe and take good care,
Mindful UNC Steering Committee
Suzanne Kennedy, Administrative Director Children’s Research Institute, Dept. of Pediatrics
Desiree Murray, Senior Research Scientist, UNC Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Robin Sansing, Assistant Professor and Director of Wellness, School of Social Work
Millie Tan, Undergraduate Coordinator, Dept. of Political Science
Meenu Tewari, Professor, City and Regional Planning, Director, Modern Indian Studies
