Welcome to the RWJMS Office of Inclusion & Diversity

Happy Diwali! November 12



"May the divine light of Diwali bring peace and happiness to our family. Wishing you a year filled with love and blessings. Happy Diwali!"

Diwali is one of the most eagerly awaited festivals in India. It is popularly known as the festival of lights, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. One of the most widely celebrated legends linked to Diwali is the return of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita to Ayodhya after Lord Ram’s 14-year exile and his victory over the demon king Ravan.

The people of Ayodhya illuminated the city with oil lamps, or "diyas," to welcome Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, and Lord Ram’s loyal brother Lakshman. This grand celebration symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the return of righteousness.

During this festival, people worship Goddess Lakshmi to seek her blessings for financial success and well-being. It is believed that she visits homes and blesses them with wealth and good fortune. Diwali is a time for family gatherings, exchanging gifts, enjoying sumptuous feasts, and, most importantly, sharing love and good wishes with one another. Here are some of the best Diwali wishes and messages to share with your family, friends, colleagues, and relatives in 2023.

Learn more about the history of Diwali

A Message From Our Dean Amy Murtha


Robert Wood Johnson Medical School continues to strive to achieve a level of gender, racial and ethnic diversity and equity among the faculty, students and staff that is reflective of the diversity in our society.
Patricia Whitley-Williams, MD, senior associate dean for inclusion and diversity, and Janice Cato Varlack, MD, former assistant dean for student affairs and multicultural affairs, share their interpretations and definitions of justicediversityinclusion, equity and equality, demonstrating the medical school's commitment to going beyond mere compliance to fostering a more aware and inclusive community.
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In recognition of Black History MonthRutgers Today invited professionals and practitioners from around the university to share their experiences as Black professionals.
Charletta Ayers, MD, associate professor and director of the Division of General Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, was one of 10 individuals featured in Professionally Black. Dr. Ayers reflected on her childhood, shared the moment she knew she wanted to become a physician, and explained what it is like being a Black woman in medicine.
Watch Dr. Ayers' video below and read about the lives and experiences of each of the other community members interviewed here.