South Asian Heritage Month 2024 - A journey towards equality by Neeta Pattni

To celebrate South Asian Heritage Month, we are spotlighting one of our colleagues who will share their thoughts on equality.

This year, for South Asian Heritage Month, I would like to celebrate our staff's achievements and raise awareness of bias, with the aim of taking action for equality and collectively working towards creating an equal world. After all, we are all one race—the Human Race.

I am Neeta Pattni, Patient Experience Facilitator in the North Central Division (NCD) and Chair of Race Ethnicity Network. Having a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture is critical to success. Diversity among our staff brings a variety of thoughts, ideas, and innovations, helping us develop both as individuals and as an organisation. This diversity also enables us to better understand our patients and attract the best talent.

My strong family support has strengthened me as I grow each day and look at things from different perspectives. I do not believe in doing things half-heartedly; I am fully engaged and passionate about my work. I strive for positive outcomes, whether that means achieving a goal or advancing progress, and I am motivated to keep moving forward.

I have been very fortunate; my education and upbringing have provided me with numerous opportunities. My parents encouraged me to make decisions, travel, and explore the world. I made my first long-haul trip at the age of 12. This was not unusual in my family. My father arrived in the UK in March 1961, at just 17, despite the displeasure of our community leaders. His journey, involving ship, air, and train, was not straightforward. He went on to become a Chartered Accountant.

This was just the beginning of my father's story. Over the years, he has supported many friends, family members, and community members, becoming well-known for his travels around the world. He is the pivotal driving force behind my ambition, work ethic, and values. I have faced many challenges in the past, and I have learned that perseverance often leads to solutions. By continuously taking steps forward, I have discovered that I can overcome hurdles and achieve what I once thought impossible.

Life is short, and you never know what is around the corner. I recognize how incredibly privileged I am. My father always tells me to believe in myself and not to be afraid to pursue my dreams. He encourages me to travel as much as possible, meet diverse people, gain different perspectives, and broaden my horizons. He advises me to seize every opportunity, do my best, and enjoy the journey, because time truly does fly faster than you think.