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The Semester Begins, and So Does the Inheritance Game

Every Indian student who steps into a Western campus carries more than luggage. They carry the residue of family sacrifice, the pressure of unspoken dreams, and the anxiety of making it “worth it.” They’ve inherited a contract they never signed — and yet must honor.

Immigrant Kids Don’t Drop Out. They Drift.

One day, they’re translating forms for their parents. Then they’re staying late at robotics club because it “looks good.” Then they’re applying to majors they never asked for.

The Commercialization of Freedom: What Does July 4th Mean Anymore?

Walk into any store in early July, and you’ll find “freedom” splashed across everything from tote bags to burger buns. There’s a strange dissonance in seeing the word next to a Buy One Get One offer. And yet, we’ve normalized it.

Heart Health Isn’t a Taboo Topic

Ask your father when he last got his blood pressure checked, and you’ll probably get a vague nod. Ask your mother how often her heart races these days, and she might brush it off as “just gas.” The truth is, for a lot of us — especially in Indian families — heart health still feels like

Keeping Kids Busy Without Burning Them Out

Somewhere between online piano classes, LEGO STEM workshops, karate on Zoom, and school homework, childhood has started resembling a Google Calendar — packed, colour-coded, and just a little too full. It’s not because we don’t care. It’s because we care so much — about their future, their focus, their curiosity, their confidence. We want to give them the

Why We Need to Talk About Rest (Not Just Productivity)

This Is Not a Pause. It’s a Practice. We need to talk about rest not just because we’re tired, but because we’ve forgotten it’s an option. Not a break from life — but a part of it. Not a luxury — but a rhythm.

The Summer of Heat and Haze

One of the most remarkable things about this heatwave wasn’t how aggressive it was—but how it slowed things down. Suddenly, urgency took a backseat

Air Miles and Ancestry: Why We Fly Home Every Summer

For many, particularly within South Asian, African, and East Asian diasporas, these journeys are not simply personal — they are ritualistic reenactments of

The American Accent: Why Some of Us Pick It Up and Some of Us Never Will

Move to the U.S., and suddenly, vowels stretch differently. The "t" becomes a "d," and someone, somewhere, will ask you to say "water" just to hear how you pronounce

The Great Indian Side Hustle: Why Everyone Has a Little Something on the Side

Come May, a certain kind of energy takes over. The academic year wraps up, campus lawns are dotted with graduates in gowns and families holding back tears,

The Nani-Nana Gap: Love Longing and FaceTime Calls

What was once a living room filled with giggles, bedtime stories, and bowls of nimbu pani is now a scheduled video call. It’s not a tragedy. It’s just how things are. But in

The Unwritten Guide to Indian Networking in America

Most Indian immigrants who have been in America long enough know exactly how this informal network works. But newcomers, or those

Gen Z Indians in America—Too American for India, Too Brown for the US

Gen Z, roughly born between 1997 and 2012, is growing up in a very different world compared to previous generations. This generation of Indians raised in America navigates a cultural landscape filled with contradictions. They frequently hear that they’re too American to fit into traditional Indian culture but still feel too Indian to fully

The Ivy League Trap: Are Desi Parents Overvaluing Prestige?

For many Indian parents, this is not just about education. It is about validation. It is about proving that their journey—from India to the U.S., from middle-class lives to

Beyond Colors: What Holi Means When You’re Away from Home

The popular version of Holi goes like this: Holika, a demon, tries to burn Prahlad, a devotee of Vishnu. The fire doesn’t harm him, but it consumes her

Women Who Left, Women Who Stayed: The Silent Stories of Indian Immigrant Women

When a woman moves to the U.S. with her husband, she does not just leave her country behind. She leaves behind her professional identity, her support system, and a familiar way of life. In India, she may have been surrounded by family, able to rely on parents, siblings, or domestic help for support. In the U.S., she is often alone,

Things We Grew Up Loving: A Meditation on Memory, Meaning, & A Search for Ourselves

As we grow older, something strange happens: we start to see childhood not just as a time but as a place—one we have left behind, one we can never return to. The

The Soundtrack of Our Childhood: Why Certain Sounds Never Leave Us

Memory has an odd way of working. Sometimes, it’s a photograph that brings back the past; other times, it’s a long-forgotten scent. But nothing quite transports us the

Celebrating Pongal and Makar Sankranti in American Winters

Makar Sankranti marks the Sun’s northward journey, symbolizing light, growth, and new beginnings. It’s a time to celebrate change and progress, with kiteflying being a key tradition.

What Indian Traditions Teach Us About Time and Resolutions

In Indian traditions, time is not a straight arrow but a repeating cycle, much like the seasons. This concept is central to many Indian philosophies and practices, where time is divided into kalpas (epochs),

After the Festivities: Coping with Homesickness During the Holiday Season

The holiday season, typically filled with joy and connection, can paradoxically highlight the distance from family and familiar traditions back home. For those navigating this emotional terrain, understanding

Preparing for the American Holiday Season

Don’t Fall for FOMO: Just because something is “50% off” doesn’t mean you need it. Ask yourself: “Would I buy this at full price?” Beware of Impulse Buys: Flash sales are designed to pressure you. If it’s not on your list, skip it.

Winter Clothing Tips for Indians in the USA

For many Indians traveling to or residing in the USA, adjusting to the winter season requires some planning. Unlike India’s mild winters, parts of the USA can have harsh cold, snow, and icy conditions.

Winter Travel : Top Destinations for Indian Families

Fairbanks is one of the top spots to witness the Northern Lights, providing an exciting winter experience for families. You can view the lights from heated glass domes, or take guided night tours to prim

Halloween and Indian Culture: Blending Traditions for a Unique Celebration

Halloween originates from ancient Celtic festivals, particularly Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Over time, it evolved into a holiday characterized by

The Aftermath of Immigration: Unpacking Generational Guilt and Identity Struggles

The story of Indian immigration to the U.S. is frequently told through a lens of opportunity and perseverance. Indian-Americans are one of the most educated

The Role of Faith: How Indian-Americans Keep Spirituality Alive in a Western World

The question arises: how do Indian-Americans keep their spiritual roots alive in the midst of a Western world that often views faith as an afterthought? The

Beyond the Ivy League: Why Indian Parents Need to Rethink Success Metrics for Their Kids

Indian parents need to recognize that their children may find success in areas that go beyond the conventional career paths of medicine, engineering, or

Navigating Mental Health: A Silent Crisis in the Indian Diaspora

The Indian diaspora in the United States is often heralded for its success stories. From dominating Silicon Valley to excelling in medicine, engineering

Indians Embrace 10-Minute Grocery Apps, Pressuring Small Retailers

In a middle-class suburb of Mumbai, workers at SoftBank-backed Swiggy's grocery warehouse are racing to deliver orders within 10 minutes, with their speed monitored by the second.

The "Born This Way" Delusion: Why LGBTQ+ Needs to Ditch Biology

Clinging to biological determinism as the sole explanation for sexuality hinders crucial conversations about the social construction of relationships and families. The fight for marriage equality wasn't just about love;

The High Five: An Unexpected Origin Story with a Touch of Pride

The high five is one gesture that is as ingrained in our social interactions as laughter or a handshake. But its origin story is far more unexpected than you might think

Indian Influence at Cannes 2024: Bollywood Stars to Social Media Influencers

The 77th Cannes Film Festival has been notable for its cinematic brilliance and a vibrant display of fashion. Indian celebrities have particularly stood out on the red carpet with their stunning ensembles that blend global trends with rich Indian heritage

Indian Divas Slay 'The Garden of Time' Theme at Met Gala 2024

The Met Gala, often hailed as the pinnacle of the fashion world, once again graced the world stage with its unparalleled glamour and style. This year's theme, "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," served as a poignant tribute

Your kid's studying abroad and run out of money? What to do?

Studying abroad offers students invaluable opportunities for personal growth, cultural immersion, and academic enrichment. However, alongside these benefits come financial challenges that both students and parents must navigate.

Torn Between Love and Work, Living with a Career Obsessed Workaholic Partner?

For many, the struggle intensifies when a partner's dedication to their work borders on obsession, leaving little room for shared moments of intimacy and connection. Such is the predicament faced by countless couples. Are you that individual seeking guidance on navigating life with a workaholic spouse? You are not alone.

Cultivating Calmness: The Joy of Yoga for Toddlers and Young Kids

As a fervent advocate for yoga and its myriad benefits, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power it holds, especially when introduced to the impressionable minds of our youngest generation. Guiding toddlers and young kids through the gentle rhythms of yoga isn't just about teaching poses; it's about instilling lifelong habits of mindfulness, compassion, and self-awareness

Visa Worries? Leave it to the Gods!

Struggling to get your visa? You're not alone. Many hopeful travellers face rejection or long wait times for visa interviews. But there's hope! Discover the power of visa temples across India, where worshippers pray for their visa dreams to come true

Thalapathy chasing political "Vijay"

The transition from the silver screen to the political arena has become a well-trodden path for many actors seeking to leverage their celebrity status for social change and public service. One such new entrant into politics is the tamil actor Thalapathy Vijay, as he prepares to make his foray into politics by forming his own political party. With the launch of his political party Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam, vijay joins an elite

Prime Minister Modi's Message to all the Parents

Handling Pressure: PM Modi reminded us that handling pressure is key to success. It's not just on the students; parents and teachers play a role too.

69th Filmfare Awards 2024 Winners

Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt emerged as the power couple of the 69th Filmfare Awards, sweeping top accolades for their stellar performances in films of the previous year. At the ceremony held in Gujarat, Ranbir Kapoor was crowned Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) for his portrayal in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's controversial movie "Animal," while Alia Bhatt secured the prestigious trophy for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female) for her performance in Karan Johar's romantic family drama "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani."

Winter Recipe

During these colder months, there's a universal desire to curl up at home, wrapped in a cozy blanket, engrossed in a captivating book or binge-watching a favorite TV show. However, whether you choose the comfort of your home or decide to venture out into the cold, maintaining a nutritious diet is crucial.

Green Living: Sustainable Practices in Indian-American Homes

Indian-American households are actively participating in community initiatives and educational programs on sustainability. This includes organizing local clean-up drives, participating in environmental awareness campaigns, and educating their children about the importance of sustainable practices. By sharing knowledge and resources, these households are creating a ripple effect throughout their communities, inspiring others to adopt greener lifestyles

Understanding Colic and crying: Soothing Your Baby's Fussy Moments

Colic is a common challenge many new parents face when their baby cries for extended periods, typically more than three hours a day. While it can be distressing for both baby and parents, it's essential to know that colic is not caused by any underlying medical condition and often subsides as your baby grows.

Bhagalpur's Golden Threads: The Art and Legacy of Tussar Silk

While the saree reigns supreme as the most prominent Tussar silk creation, it is also a favored material for handicrafts, home furnishing fabrics, and tailored attire. The advent of chemical dyes has expanded the available color range, making it a popular choice for fashion designers.

Kalamezhuthu Pattu: Kerala's Sacred Floor Art and Ritualistic Symphony

The Kalamezhuthu ritual commences with the preparation of the paattu mandapam or performance space. This area is adorned with floral garlands, vibrant flowers, and the soft glow of oil lamps. Following the arrangement, a sacred puja, known as 'uchapatti,' is performed to invoke the deity's presence. This involves devotional songs that create a spiritually charged atmosphere

Baby Cribs and crib safety

When it comes to your baby's safety during sleep, choosing the right crib and bedding is of paramount importance. In this article, we provide recommendations for selecting a crib that adheres to current safety standards and share best practices for ensuring a secure sleep environment for your baby

Selecting Baby Bottles and Nipples

When it comes to providing for your little one, baby bottles and nipples are essential items. Without fancy descriptions or corporate jargon, let's explore what you need to know.

Understanding Infant Reflexes: A Simple Guide

Becoming a parent is a journey filled with wonder and discovery. One aspect of this journey is understanding infant reflexes. In this post, we'll break down the basics.

Building Lifelong Connections: Bonding with Your Newborn Baby

Welcoming a new life into the world is a miraculous and transformative experience. As you embark on this extraordinary journey of parenthood, one of the most profound and rewarding aspects is the bond you create with your newborn baby. Bonding is the process of forming a deep emotional connection, a foundation for a lifetime of love, trust, and support.

Newborn Head Molding: The Secrets Behind the Shapes

Welcoming a newborn into the world is an awe-inspiring moment, filled with joy and anticipation. But did you know that the journey of childbirth often leaves a mark on your little one's head? Newborn head moulding, an intriguing phenomenon, manifests as various abnormal head shapes caused by the pressures exerted during delivery.

Ensuring Umbilical Cord Safety: Nurturing Your Baby's Precious Connection

Understanding proper umbilical cord care is crucial to prevent infection and promote healing. Let's delve into some essential guidelines and tips for maintaining umbilical cord safety after the birth of your baby

Saving Money When You Shop

Shopping can be an enjoyable activity, but it can also be expensive. It's easy to get carried away and end up overspending, especially if you don't have a plan. However, there are ways to save money while shopping without compromising on quality or style. This article will provide you with tips on how to save money when you shop.

Refreshing Indian Summer Drinks: Beat the Heat with These Delicious Beverages

<p> <b><p></p></b><p>Summer in India can be incredibly hot and humid, which means that people are always looking for ways to stay cool and refreshed. One of the best ways to beat the heat is by enjoying a cold and refreshing drink. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the different summer drinks that are popular in India.</p><br> <br></p>

7 Safety Tips For Renovation- DIYers

<p> <b><p></p></b><p>Renovations and DIY projects are a great way to improve the aesthetics and functionality of a home. However, they can also be risky if not done safely. It is essential to follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries during a renovation or DIY project.&nbsp;</p> <br></p>

Prepare Your Pets For Disasters

<p> <b></b>As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of your furry friends during times of emergency. Whether it's a natural disaster like a hurricane or a man-made crisis like a house fire, preparing for potential emergencies can make all the difference in keeping your pets safe and secure<b></b> <br></p>

Lead Safety Renovations on DIYers

<p>As a DIY enthusiast, you may have the skills and desire to tackle home renovation projects yourself. However, if your home was built before 1978, it may contain lead-based paint, which can be hazardous to your health if not handled properly. In this article, we will guide you through the necessary steps to safely renovate your home and protect yourself and your loved ones from lead exposure.<br></p>

Different Mangoes in India

<p>Mangoes are a beloved fruit in India, and the country is home to a wide variety of mango cultivars. Here are some of the most popular types of mangoes found in India:<br><br></p>

Know your IPL Teams

<p>The IPL is the most-popular cricket league in the world; in 2014, it was ranked sixth by average attendance among all sports leagues<br></p>

Ways To Keep Your Home Cool in Summer

<p>Everyone has had those moments when all they want to do is freeze their home and not worry about their energy bill until the following quarter. However, it's crucial to keep in mind that the high energy consumption incurred by cooling homes in the summertime contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming.<br></p>

Celebrating Traditional Indian Headgear

<p>Each state in India has its own unique headgear worn by its residents. Indian Topis or hats may vary in shape and style from state to state and from community to community, but they provide wearers a distinct identity and emphasize their cultural ethos<br></p>

IIM Bangalore 50th Golden Jubilee Year Celebrated with India Post Special Postal Cover Release

India Post today released a commemorative special postal cover to celebrate the golden jubilee of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B).

Dear Greeting Cards, “Welcome Back!”

<p>The new generation is having a field day enjoying throwback moments with greeting cards. They are investing in personalized cards, original, and tailored to the specific relationship they want to give them to<br><br></p>

Sankranti - The First Harvest Festival

<p>Sankranti is an important harvest festival honoring the majestic sun god – Surya. Sankranti is a tribute to the powerful energies of the sun, whose power and grace enables life on earth. <br></p>

Success in Resolutions and Resolutions For Success

<p>Setting resolutions gives clarity and control in your choices and decisions, and puts the higher purpose and noble human goals ahead of small failures and defeats<br>-Annapurna Saripella<br><br></p>

Air India's New Non-Stop Bombay To San Francisco Flight

<p>Air India began its first nonstop flight between San Francisco and Mumbai (BOM) on December 15th (SFO).<br>The trip took about 16 hours.<br>Air India already offers nonstop service between Mumbai and Newark (EWR), and beginning on February 14, 2023, it will also offer service between Mumbai and New York City (JFK).<br></p>

Let's Talk Yoga

<p>With so many yoga studios popping up everywhere we are seeing a lot of different yoga styles around us. But sometimes you see a yoga invite that goes:<br>RAGE YOGA!!!<br>UNLEASH YOUR INNER BADASS!!!<br>WITH SWEARING AND DRINKING!!!<br><br></p>

Next Stop, College!

<p>It’s August! The time when kids are off to college. Moments of happiness couple with pangs of separation as the young uns leave as teens and graduate as beautiful, mature adults ready to meet the world with confidence and enthusiasm.<br>The fun part: Shopping, more shopping, packing, planning with friends, excitement of being on your own<br>The hard part: Leaving home, stepping into the unknown, anxiety and apprehension about college life<br></p>

Ganesha – The Form. The Power. The Essence. The Spirit

<p><u>Ganapathi- The elephant God</u><br></p><p>Ganesha’s form is a source of delight to the young and the old. The childlike image represents innocence, cheerfulness and eternal joy. <br>His external form represents the formless.<br>His elephant head represents knowledge, wisdom and power. He removes the obstacles in our quests, with grace and ease. <br>The big round belly represents generosity and acceptance.<br>His one tusk signifies focus and single-mindedness.<br>When our minds are disturbed by restlessness, greed and ignorance, summon the energy of Ganesha to liberate the body, mind and spirit! <br><br></p><br>

An Indian Bride’s Farewell

<p>Indian weddings. Two words that hold a world of breathtaking attires, gorgeous jewelry, a<br>rousing of colorful decorations, exotic fragrances and of course our world-renowned song and<br>dance gala!<br>Indian weddings are, no doubt, a lavish affair with the guest list often exceeding 500 invitees,<br>not including family and relatives. There is a lot of detailing that goes into this gigantic event<br>and once the preparations start, everyone gets caught up in the fervor…. even neighbors get<br>pulled into the excitement and it’s not uncommon for them to offer their homes, vehicles and<br>other valuable resources for the event.<br></p>

LGBTQ+

<p>It may seem that the LGBTQ+ issues surrounding gender identity, sexuality and their fight for<br>equality and justice is a current and modern phenomenon; but history tells us otherwise. The<br>timeline of LGBTQ history dates as far back as 9 th century BC through the sculptures and rock<br>art. In the later millenniums, homosexuality continued to be represented in sculptures and<br>paintings.<br></p>

An Atom a Day

<p>If we were to make a trip to any bookstore for a cursory glance at the books, the non-fiction<br>space is bound to have titles related to Self-Help, Motivation, Health and Fitness, Finding Joy,<br>Financial Growth, Living in Abundance, Relationship Advice, Career Planning, and more such<br>topics in almost every rack. Even as the rise of content via social media, electronic media, and<br>audio books may have reduced our visits to the bookstore, these topics continue to garner great<br>interest and demand. This is a clear indication that individuals are placing noticeable emphasis<br>on improving their outlook and creating a positive impact on their lives and on those around<br>them. It takes a great deal of commitment to bring about these improvements and our success<br>depends on our habits.<br></p>

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