(not the music group) but chronicles of a shamelessly self-proclaimed writer through reading, reflection and experience. Passionate about India, the nonprofit sector and the tiny role I get to play in this so-called Philanthropic ecosystem. My journey is about 'doing good' and sometimes getting it right! Living in the DC-metropolitan area with dear husband and two sons.
Today was my first
‘happy fourth’ as an American citizen! Was it happy? For most parts yes.
It also happens to be the day when I received my
‘overseas citizen of India’ card. Was I happy? Yes for sure!
When I moved to America 11 years ago, I didn’t
see anything special about the so-called ‘American Dream’. Yet it surprised me in
many ways particularly for all that it means to the Americans and to those who
have made this country their home (that I have encountered). Infact, of all the
countries I have traveled to, the level of patriotism is the strongest here and
it certainly inspires me to be a good citizen. The country has embraced me with
the values of family, diversity, friendship and opportunities; all of which
have been near and dear to me in India too!
Today, as I become a
part of this celebration with my family and friends, I feel thankful for being
connected to my birthplace and at the same time, grateful for what the US has
represented for me. As I make this country my home of choice, I would like for
my sons to stand by these values too. Yes, it makes me nervous about
all the things happening in the country right now; about the direction it is
headed in. I hope this is only a glitch in the system and that tomorrow
will bring in continued resistance and optimism.
So as I enjoy the day with family and friends, here’s to the nation that celebrates its ‘freedom’; let there be a constant reminder of what the nation stands for and truly represents. Happy fourth indeed!
Eight years ago, this time, one of my blogs captured the essence of 'yes we can' in its glory form! That day still echoes in my memory amidst all that has changed over the years (for one, I haven't written in a while and two, I am now a mom of two boys but that is for another day). With a polling center across from our home, it feels unsettling to think about the possible outcome of election. And then I have my 6-year old who recently came home from school and commented on how one of the candidates calls all women 'pigs'. So as a mom of two boys, it naturally makes me wonder how much this election would impact their growing-up years. If anything, what this election has taught me as a parent is to ensure the kind of upbringing I should offer them: - that first and foremost, they will both learn to respect women; - that there will be 'consequences' otherwise; - that they associate responsibility that comes with the power to lead; and - that they eventually would understand the importance of good governance. In many ways, I have faith that the realism we see today in social media, news channels, movies and more make us come to terms with where we are and that itself would force us towards a brighter future.
So as this nation comes together once again for a moment of change, I hope that the fundamental truth behind the "American Dream" remains intact for all irrespective of our race, religion and origin. Here's to yet another "Yes We Can" moment America!
Special memories of the place that served us well, of wellness and of gratitude.
While not having family around to share this joy is certainly a major downside, such occasions allow us to dream new dreams and to work to make those dreams come true.
As we look forward to making our own place our 'new' home, it feels special to celebrate this magic! Magic because it is not something that can easily come by on a Sunday afternoon; that it is a privilege to live in a place where no one else has lived; that it took a year to get to this day and hence it makes me feel humble not because of where we are but what it took to get us here. Yes there were arguments and differences and lots of anxiety till the very end.
And thus, together these are the thoughts worth cherishing and making them worthwhile.
"If music is food for the soul, then my soul just binged thanks to Mr. Rahman!" That was A's tweet last night after being mesmerized to the tunes of 'Chaiya Chaiya', 'Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera', the oh-so-popular 'Jai Ho' and what better treat than a tribute to the King of Music with a rendition of 'Black or White' by our very own Mr. Allah Rakha Rahman. The beat, rhythm and heart-rendering music all led led to a ballistic audience at the Patriot Center here in Virginia and goosebumps could be felt throughout the event. The 'Jai Ho Concert: Journey Home World Tour' started bang-on with Rahman right there - no drama, no show, no lip-sync but straight two odd hours of his voice along with a crew to sing along, dance along and provide a great orchestra to this complete desi spectators. One hit after another without any break kept us all enthralled - variety of singers performed to Rahman's tunes and we simply loved the way each of the crew performing on various instruments was given his/her due credit - special kudos to the violinist!
Some of the exceptional moments were when, during the performance of 'Lukka Chuppi', the presence of Lata Mangeshkar was brought in - close call to a human hologram and simply awesome:
And the percussion of violin, flute and table during 'Barso Re Megha' was pure delight to the soul -
Unfortunately my camera batteries died down and hence could not capture some of the other performances - one where all singers presented a fusion of songs, the 'Jai Ho' act, a melody of religious cum festive songs, the way Rahman started singing the song 'Humma Humma' with the letters HUMMA lighting up on the screen in perfect synchrony and the adrenaline rush during the finale act of 'Maa Tujhe Salaam'.
All in all, this was one humble, splendid concert and despite the fact that I could not related to some of the non-hindi songs, in the end all that mattered was the magic that A R Rahman created around him with his sheer Music.
This and the past couple of weeks have been all about graduation and commencement speeches. Facebook has photos of friends graduating while emails galore with the transcript of several speeches by the oh-so-popular celebrities – Jobs, Page, Bush, Oprah, Schmidt, Clinton, the First Lady and POTUS himself. It’s a moment of pride and exhilaration, a day to laugh and to revel in all the adulation the graduands receive from their families, professors, friends to the speaker of the day.
It has been quite some time since I graduated and while I can barely recall the commencement address given at my graduation, I quite enjoy reading what varied orators have to say on that day year after year. Sometimes it is the typical cheesy stuff about growth and change while some with a few funny anecdotes thrown around but most with utmost sincerity, good food for thought and a path stirrer. Baz Luherman did a good job with his sunscreen sequence, in my opinion, of providing snippets from retrospection and thanks to the musical note, is something one can easily remember. There are some inspirational statements which I can almost never remember but one gets the gist, or so I assume.
However, do these speeches do any good, I still wonder. For one, they provide the media with a tool to hammer the speakers about what they ‘said’, why they said what they said and what they support/do not support. They are also considered as fillers to the overall handing-out ceremony. My parents really enjoyed the speech given during my brother’s graduation ceremony years ago so that did some good there. Other than that, they become items to forward around, motivating quotes to quote, some for future reference et al. But otherwise, wonder if they are merely transcripts archived in the books of yesteryears.
Seriously though, there are way too many distractions in the Hall/Lawn to be focused on the prose being delivered – be it the outfit, the weather, those shoes, the lighting or the heartthrob. My colleague mentioned that a good commencement speech is one which makes a statement with “…if you could remember one thing from my speech that would be…..”
So a day considered to be a momentous occasion, with newest possible ideas out in the open still remains fragmented with tit-bits of time. Is that what it takes to be a Graduate?
I am not sure if yesterday was a culmination of a long-drawn campaign or indeed a beginning of something we are all eagerly looking forward to. Whatever it may, it was a day indeed!
Bone tired coupled with a severe jet-lag, the effort to be at the Mall was worth each ache and every chill that the body faced. To me, this day epitomized the unshaken spirit of common men and women (and children) who were braving the cold at the National Mall to witness an event filled with hope, renewal, belief and responsibility.
Waiting through the rush metros to get into the trains, the wait in-between metros, the walk to the Mall and over four more hours before the ceremony began - all to just hear one man talk to a sea of people!
One could see him in all - watches, hats, flags, pins, books, blankets and many more - truly amazing to see how much of a role model Barack Obama (or should I say, Mr. POTUS) has become to the world.
While I could barely see the ceremony, thanks to large screens around the Hill, the site was indescribable. With the start of the ceremony around 11.00 am, several dignitaries began to enter the steps of the Hill - Senators, Cabinet Members, Hollywood stars, former-future second and first members poured in too with roars of applaud for the first lady, future Secretary of State and Vice-President elect although many booed to the now-former President. All around, people were sharing blankets, warmers, greeting each other with humility and there was an overall feeling of excitement and pure joy - in Hindi I would use the phrase "Total Dhamaal".
Snipers were at their best, atop the Natural History Museum.
The day itself felt great. While the chill factor increased by the hour and there were times when several among the crowd wanted to get done with, there was a sudden uproar when Barack Obama made his presence at the Hill. Chants of "Yes We Can" and "GOBAMA" were heard in abounds at the time of swearing-in.
And then came his speech when a sudden surge of silence ran through the crowd. His words - "...stand here today humbled" - must have resonated among us all. His speech overall offered encouragement and a sense of optimism combined with immense responsibility, setting a precedent not only in the US but also globally.
While the task of returning home post the ceremony was daunting and thanks to Holiday Inn, 100s of us were kept warm, January 20, 2009 was not simply a day but an experience I do not want to forget.
The same usual day of waking up at dawn, getting ready to catch the train to work. Is it any different? I ask. The answer I get is from looking around me and then the voice speaks:
Yes it is Different.
The Fall colours have peaked transforming into shades of green, orange and vibrant purple. There is freshness in the air. Trains are on time. All around, people are up and about their chores.
So what is different? I ask. The answer I get is from observing around me and then the voice speaks:
They have a sigh of relief on their faces. They are smiling. There is pleasure; they are content. Their heads are held higher than before.
So why is it different? I ask. The answer I get is from reflecting within and the voice speaks:
Nothing is different. It is YOU who sees it differently. It is because of the ray of hope, commitment and challenge that has lit in you. It is the untapped energy you have only just about realized that exists in you. It is the acceptance of challenge that lies ahead but the conviction to fulfill them. It is YOU who has woken up to a new Dawn.
Like millions who were glued to their television on November 04, 2008 00:00 hours (ET USA) and even better for those who witnessed the historic moment live at Grant Park,Chicago, would have woken up to this new dawn of love, aspiration and immense responsibility. Leading people to the chants of YES WE CAN, President Elect Barack Obama has done it again, what he does best – attracting people to his words, mesmerizing us all to his declarations of a UNITED (States of America) world. Transcript of his Speech as follows:
If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.
It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.
It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled — Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of red states and blue states; we are, and always will be, the United States of America.
It's the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.
It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.
I just received a very gracious call from Sen. McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he's fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Gov. Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.
I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the vice-president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.
I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nation's next first lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House.
And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.
To my campaign manager, David Plouffe; my chief strategist, David Axelrod; and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics — you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.
But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to — it belongs to you.
I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington — it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.
It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this earth. This is your victory.
I know you didn't do this just to win an election, and I know you didn't do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime — two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.
Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor's bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.
The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year, or even one term, but America — I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you: We as a people will get there.
There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it's been done in America for 221 years — block by block, brick by brick, callused hand by callused hand.
What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek — it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you. So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers.
In this country, we rise or fall as one nation — as one people.
Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House — a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.
As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, "We are not enemies, but friends... Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection." And, to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your president, too.
And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world — our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight, we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.
For that is the true genius of America — that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.
This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election, except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old. She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons — because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.
And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America — the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes, we can.
At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes, we can.
When there was despair in the Dust Bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes, we can.
When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes, we can.
She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes, we can.
A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes, we can.
America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves: If our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?
This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time — to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.
Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.
“With Power comes Responsibility” said the wise old Uncle to Spiderman. Here, with the same power and the responsibility we see love, passion, energy, strength and conviction to not only promise change but indeed BE THE CHANGE! Mr. President Elect, in your footsteps would this country follow and hope you will carry with you all that you have ever envisioned!As you begin your journey to the threshold of Principles, May you be the most significant leader our times could ask for!
LIVE YOUR DREAMS FOR THIS COUNTRY AND THE COMING GENERATIONS!
It is a universally accepted phenomenon that being a Gujarati by blood is equivalent to Thepla, Dhokla, Undhiya and Mohanthaal! So the fact that Gujaratis love their food is an understatement. Not a big fan of any of the above, I thought I wasn’t a true Gujarati until my most recent relishes of all.
Before I come to that, it is important to understand the inherent relationship we Gujjus share with Food. It may be a simplest meal but the unique way of preparing and serving is what makes it special. One would know this when visiting a Gujarati family over meal or simply going into a Gujju restaurant. The THALI way with unlimited servings is simply exciting (for a non-foodie like me, so you can imagine how a foodie would take it). And it is extremely typical of Gujjus (in the Gujju parts of India, to be specific) to go for the morning ritual of jog and run and return home to feast to the sweet and savoury Jalebi-Ghatiya! It is this undying connection with food that separates the Gujju clan from several others. And it is this love that has made several corporations venture into special interest services. So there is a Pizza Hut in Ahmedabad that serves Jain Pizza and Kadai Paneer Pizza and a McDonald’s written in Gujarati on one of the expressways in Gujarat. Indian Cola tastes better when there is a mix of Coke with Indian spices to it! Chinese food has a much larger variation among Gujaratis than even the Chinese themselves. There’s is Chinese Dosa, Chinese Samosa, Chinese Bhel, Gobi Manchurian.
So while the Gujjus in India are certainly keeping themselves happy with varied culinary interests, they are equally united here in the US too. Without delving into varied Gujju restaurants in this country, I am thankful for especially one corporation that has made sure people like me remain grounded to their Gujju taste-buds. I did not even think I had those flavours in me when recently, Deep Foods proved me wrong. With Diwali celebrations ongoing, it reminds me of those delicacies cooked around this time of the year, back at home. Of special mention is what Gujjus prefer to call it – Chorafadi! Trust me, I have no clue what it means but who cares about that when what it tastes is simply amazing!
Again, I do not know much about how it is made (maybe Google it) but Deep Foods has ready frozen packets and all one has to do is thaw them, cut lines, (‘dip’) fry them, sprinkle some masala (included in the packet) and Voila! You’ve the Chorafadi to relish with some Desi Chai!
For someone least patient in preparing things from scratch, Deep Foods is the ideal ‘home-like’ option for me with its exotic choices and also, something it keeps reinventing. Some favourites are Guvar (cluster beans), Onion Uttappam (Rava Masala and Mysore Masala Dosas are Ashit’s favourites), Methi Malai Mutter, all kinds of Khakhras (methi in particular). Yet to taste several other delicacies but do thank Deep Foods, especially, Mrs. Bhagwati Amin for converting her hobby into a thriving business, and indirectly activating the Gujju DNA in this random blogger.
