Hundreds of people from the Vanderbilt and Nashville communities recently convened at Vanderbilt Blair School of Music’s Ingram Hall for the Interfaith Oneness Music Festival.
A joint venture between Vanderbilt University’s Office of Religious Life and Blair School of Music, the Mayor’s Office and the Tennessee Board of Regents, the festival featured an evening of musical performances, art exhibits and cuisine representative of cultures from around the world.
Sudha Singh, M.B.B.S., M.D., Associate Professor of Clinical Radiology and Radiological Sciences, was among the several Vanderbilt faculty who participated in the event. A member of the Giddha Dhammal dance group, Dr. Singh performed a Sikh village scene dance – a traditional folk dance indigenous to women in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan.
“Large educational institutions like Vanderbilt have a very important role to play in promoting diversity and intercultural exchange,” said Dr. Singh. “Participating in events such as the Interfaith Oneness Festival can help provide insight into other cultures, emphasize that all of us have more similarities than differences and bring us together to find new ways to live in harmony.”
Vanderbilt’s commitment to cultural inclusiveness, as exhibited by its engagement in cultural events such as these, attracts individuals with diverse backgrounds from around the world who are best equipped to educate trainees and care for patients.
“These events have the benefit of displaying the extraordinary talent within our academic community, while embracing our cultural diversity, broadening our perspectives and enriching our work environment,” said Stephanie Spottswood, M.D., Professor of Radiology and Radiological Sciences and Associate Vice Chair for The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “Within Vanderbilt University Medical Center, these experiences contribute greatly to our ability to deliver culturally competent medical care to our community.”
“It’s one of the many things that makes it great to work at VUMC,” added Dr. Singh.
To read about The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and their ongoing initiatives to promote diversity within the Department of Radiology, click here.
