Today’s episode of CulturallyOurs was a bit different, especially for me! The tables were turned this time, and I was suddenly the subject. I am always so inspired by my guests who so generously share their story, so I thought it was only fair to add my own story to the larger cultural tapestry and conversation.
As you know, this season of CulturallyOurs focuses on Migration. My story includes leaving my home country of India at age 21 and ultimately creating a life here in the United States, my second home. As with many migrants, I am shaped by both cultures and have woven elements of each into my life and over time have learnt to embrace all of me in my own narrative.
My friend Cherie Dost, an award-winning poet, writer and radio host, did the interview. It was very interesting being on the other side, but I was in good hands! We covered everything from my early memories, the twists and turns on my path, to my creative, full life today, with my Indian husband and our children in the suburbs of Chicago.
One of the questions she asked – which is one of my favorite to ask my own guests – is what takes me back to my old home of Bombay. The answer was clear; it is the rain. The sound of rain immediately takes me back to being a little girl surrounded by my family, watching as the monsoons bathed our home and the colorful buildings and bustling streets of Bombay.
What are your core memories of your family and home? Are there certain experiences that bring you right back to that place and time? I would love to hear them.
As with all interviews, a theme arose as we spoke. Connectedness. In India, connection is valued, and I always felt surrounded by my family, my friends, my neighbors, the people you interact with every day – each one anchoring me to the culture and city and world around me. It makes me think of the way Indians say goodbye to one of their own. When I left for school in the United States, my family celebrated with a prayer ceremony and then they all accompanied me to the airport to walk me to the gate of the plane that would take me away. Even thousands of miles away, I feel their love bridging me to something larger. Even today when I travel back and forth, such scenes at the airport of large family farewells bring a smile to my face. I guess somethings never change and part of me doesn’t even want this to change.
When the interview ended – and even before we stood up from the table – we suddenly heard the sounds of raindrops on the roof of the studio. It was a beautifully warm, sunny day with blue skies and nothing else in the forecast. We all listened in wonder as the rain pinged against the roof, for maybe three minutes, before it just as suddenly stopped.
It was a blessing and a sign that I am on my path, that this moment and this podcast are connected to my past, to those mornings that I walked through the rains holding my father’s hand.
Thank you for joining me on this journey!
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