I currently reside in: Albuquerque, New Mexico
What your favorite hangout in San Albuquerque? Frontier Restaurant. The most amazing green chile sauce, next to the college, and close to good breweries.
I currently work as an: Clinical Education Pharmacist, AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owner Association) Ambassador, and recently I self-published a children’s book called I Like French Fries Too! to help little one respect and understand cultural differences.
I do this because: I enjoy teaching and networking. I am working on my own business as a way to continue to be creative and self-sufficient. The book was my way to give a piece of my story and simply show that no matter how, where, or what culture you grow up in, you can always find something in common and share a common thread. I believe in doing over saying and this book is a step towards showing that.
What are some Indian traditions you still follow? I enjoy garba/raas (a Gujarati folk dance that is typically performed around the New Year), in addition to celebrating holidays such as Holi and Diwali. Part of these celebrations includes giving sweets and offering Sal Mubarak greetings (to commemorate the New Year), making my own rakhis for Raksha Bandhan, keeping my home open, and bowing to elders.
Bollywood or Hollywood, and why? I”m probably 50/50 on both Hollywood and Bollywood. I just generally enjoy watching a really good movie, ideally comedy or something with historic significance.
Favorite movie? My favorite Bollywood is Lagaan or anything with Abhishek Bachan, really. My favorite Hollywood movie is any Bond movie, or anything with Will Ferrell.
What’s your favorite thing about Indian culture? The colors, the clothes, the food, the vibrancy in cooking. I also appreciate our language (Gujarati), the general hospitality towards one another, and somehow knowing everyone!
What’s one piece of advice your parents have given you that should probably be or are abiding by? Don’t be scared and don’t let fear stop you. Everything can come with fear, but we should find a way to overcome these fears.
Good Indian Girl? Well, I’m not married, so no (laughs). But other than that yes. I enjoy being Indian and representing our culture and roots. I also believe in learning from other cultures and have the luxury of being able to laugh at brown jokes.