Interview with Monisha Rekhraj, November 28, 2023

Project: Gaines Center: Immigrant Women and Social Banking Groups in Kentucky Oral History Project

Interview Summary

Monisha Rekhraj discusses her experience as a first generation Indian immigrant in Lexington, Kentucky. Rekhraj describes her ethnic origins, evolving perspectives on immigrant identity within a multi-generational, diasporic context, being raised in a multicultural environment, pursuing a medical degree, the relationship between immigrants and the greater U.S. economy, and how she and her mother engage in immigrant-oriented social banking practices like kitty parties.

Interview Accession

2023oh0934_iwsbg0006

Interviewee Name

Monisha Rekhraj

Interviewer Name

Leena Haider

Interview Date

2023-11-28

Interview Keyword

Indian diaspora Desi Financial independence Wealth gap Rotating Savings and Credit Association Kitty parties Female spaces Female empowerment Caregivers Religious events Community involvement Cultural community

Interview LC Subject

Kentucky Lexington (Ky.) University of Kentucky Immigrants Immigration Medical students Hinduism Sikhism Capitalism Rotating credit associations

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

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Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.

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MLA: APA: Chicago:

Rekhraj, Monisha Interview by Leena Haider. 28 Nov. 2023. Lexington, KY: Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.

Rekhraj, M. (2023, November 28). Interview by L. Haider. Gaines Center: Immigrant Women and Social Banking Groups in Kentucky Oral History Project. Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries, Lexington.

Rekhraj, Monisha, interview by Leena Haider. November 28, 2023, Gaines Center: Immigrant Women and Social Banking Groups in Kentucky Oral History Project, Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.

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Persistent Link for this Record: https://kentuckyoralhistory.org/ark:/16417/xt715mpwzqjkd