Asking where I’m ‘really’ from is about their baggage, not mine. — People often ask me where I’m from. Their tone reveals a focus on my darker complexion as ‘foreign.’ It’s like saying, ‘When are you due?’ to a woman with a larger waist. It’s awkward because we know there’s more to my story (and their curiosity) than meets the eye. …

I find myself in the world of immigrant stories. — I’m the first of my family born in the US, two years after President Johnson signed a law to allow non-European professionals and their families to immigrate to the United States. I’m also a daughter of the Midwest. These needle-and-thread facts shaped my identity and connection to my world. My…

Who matters is about seeing humanity and inclusion. — Concerns about legitimacy are in vogue again. Fortunately, we don’t hear the phrase illegitimate child anymore. We’re more concerned about the legitimacy of entire groups of people, their histories of coming to the US, and their contribution to our society. Social tensions strike fear and shatter confidence in our sense…

I gave birth to my son, who teaches me about life. — My second son was born twenty-three years ago today. His lessons for me have given my life meaning in the way only a child with special needs can. I was his first student, followed by the rest of our family. I’m grateful for the generosity his experience of autism has…

It comes from within and without. — I value authenticity, but I’ve never stopped to think about what it means. I believe that honesty, integrity, vulnerability, humility, and lifelong learning help me live authentically and refine my character. Others will trust me if I give them a reason to do so. They take a chance, and it’s…

My Indian grandmother’s hand-spun hopes guide my path today. — I’ve loved the fragrance of Indian cotton as long as I can remember. My clothes, scarves, and cotton bags I bought over the years emit an evocative scent to this day. My memories of occasions, loved ones, and traditions weave together feelings of love, respect, and strength. This handwoven thread…

My nostalgia inhabits a footstool, evoking unknowable stories. — I strolled into an antiques store one Sunday afternoon, on historic Walden Street in Concord, Massachusetts. It was a dreary day, and I wanted to escape my boredom. This clunky wooden thing whisked me away, evoking a child’s school project of sorts. …

That cookbook on sale might not be the ambrosia you seek. — Over-spiced stereotypes lack substance and nuance. Representational images collapse Hindu and Indian. The term Hindu refers to those who practice Hinduism or live in a culture influenced by it. Indian refers to something from India, a secular, pluralistic, and democratic nation. India, though predominantly Hindu, includes people who identify as Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Zoroastrian…

I shed nostalgia to see strength and wisdom in what’s broken. — Nostalgia is a longing for simpler times to soothe pain in the present. I’m thinking a lot about history these days. This summer is a backdrop to our fiery social and political strife — in the middle of a pandemic. Looking back at a time long ago feels like going to the beach for cool relief. If only beaches near me were open. …