“Call your uncle. He’s our Christopher Columbus,” my father told me.

After immediate family, my uncle was the first relative I told of my decision to enroll in the BA/MD and Macaulay Honors Programs at Brooklyn College. My parents were very happy with both my acceptance and enrollment, and they knew that my uncle would be incredibly proud. He had always wanted a doctor in the family. After I told my uncle, my father took the phone to speak to the man who had been the first of our family to come to America. He and his wife, my aunt by blood, had then proceeded to sponsor my other aunt and my father as well as their families. Continue reading Immigration and Ideals →

“Oh, say can you see, by the dawn’s early light…” These words can be heard at the start of every game, assemble, and patriotic gathering.  These words have the power to move the American spirit and even bring tears to the eyes of the truly proud.  However, for many Americans another anthem also runs through their veins.  Another song can bring them together.  Another song has the power to move them to tears.  For me, it’s “Jaya jaya jaya, Jaya He – Victory, victory victory to thee” the Indian national anthem. Continue reading Jaya He- Victory to Thee →