In a community as diversified as yet remarkably similar, three South Asian-American women come together for the Saheliyaan Teen Show every Monday for lighthearted conversation about relevant topics affecting South Asian communities.
Minnie together with her two close friends Sadiqa and Shama all come from different backgrounds which present diversified views on interesting topics and conversation lines. The three women hail from different Asian countries and different religious backgrounds, but all find something in common bringing up controversial topics such as female infanticide, crimes against women, and the problems South Asians still have in their common family system. Minnie and crew aren’t afraid to bring up topics that are not normally discussed outside of the family circle.
The one-hour show airs live every Monday on New Jersey’s EBC Radio 1170 AM and quickly attracts a growing audience as NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) “speak the town”. Minnie Sethi, producer and founding father of Teen Saheliyaan said, “We always wanted to do a show about South Asian women; entertainment, education and their emancipation which gives them a better position in today’s society.” The one-hour show starts with a discussion on a subject that’s relevant in society. After that, they open a channel for callers to share their views and opinions. The show, even though hosted by women, has a diversified audience including men who call in regularly to voice their opinions on topics women affect their families & communities. “Both men and women listened to the show and that’s a great indication of a successful show because there’s no male bashing here.” says Sadiq, the co-host.
Minnie keeps the show running smoothly with her bold yet bubbly personality and entrepreneurial spirit. Her shining personality captivates the audience throughout the show while Sadiqa, an event planner, is calm, collected and very clever. Shama, the fashionista of this group brings out the makings of a lover of life and fashion. He made the event fun with his playful attitude. Kulraj Anand, programming director of Radio EBC 1170 AM runs “behind the scenes” and has played a really integral role by giving Saheliyaan Youth a platform to voice their opinions.
The show brought new insights as it was the first show presented by Asian-South American women for the South Asian community. “We are very proud to be capable to voice a subject that’s on every South Asian woman’s mind, but she cannot discuss it openly as a result of cultural pressures. We are here to comfort, educate and liberate South Asian women and educate their families that their daughters are just as important as their sons. Just wanted to give them the same rights as men while celebrating their differences and respecting one another,” said Minnie.
For more information, please visit: Saheliyann youth
