Scranton Stories is an oral history video series featuring 33 individuals who have lived or worked in the city of Scranton. These videos are part of the larger project, Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story, which is a community-wide exploration of themes such as history, belonging, and identity. DiscoverNEPA will share these unique, personal “Scranton Stories” in the lead-up to the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.å
From India to the Electric City, this is Dharti's "Scranton Story"
After hearing of the job opportunities available in Scranton, Dharti Ray and her family moved from Florida to the Electric City, having immigrated from India.
Through high school, while her school was populated with people from all over the world, Dharti connected with fellow Indian youth while also doing her best to blend in, acknowledging the difficult balancing act of holding on to her heritage while trying to live as an American teenager.
She then enrolled at Penn State University where she started an Indian Culture club, which began her interest in a career centered on diversity and inclusion. Dharti is currently the assistant director of student services and engagement at Penn State Scranton.
Her Hindu temple (BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir) has been a major source of community and guidance, Dharti has found a home amongst the diverse populations of Scranton who have made the city their homes as well. She hopes that, in the future, local government can identify and address the gaps that prevent some youth from attaining success.
