When a stranger made me feel I belong
“Tell me YOUR story.” is not a thing I often hear at a corporate gig. Sometimes, I am just a vendor who is there to provide an exciting experience. People participate wonderfully and then turn back to their work conversations. But not yesterday.
I had the opportunity to do a Diwali dances and stories workshop at a joint celebration between Capco, Molson Coors, Mars, and more. Not only was it beautifully organized, but every person who participated was so engaged! I was already beaming after the workshop when someone came over to learn more about me. More people joined, and then some more, and suddenly I felt that I fully belonged in that space.
Cultural celebrations in the workplace are not simply about an event or a holiday. They are one of the few moments when people feel invited to connect as humans. When a space encourages curiosity, conversation, and genuine listening, it creates a true sense of belonging.
And while I am usually the one working towards this goal at events, yesterday, a kind stranger did the same for me.
Thank you to the organizers who made that environment intentional and thoughtful. It was clear that this was not just a “Diwali activity” but a meaningful effort to create an event where people can show up as themselves. And that matters far beyond one evening.
Princess or Cow Urine?
Which of These Two Children Are You Raising?
In a small rural town with no Indian residents, I walked into a local school to lead a cultural workshop. As I stepped in front of them in my Indian outfit, a little girl looked up at me with wide eyes and whispered in awe, “Is she a princess?”
Her voice carried the kind of genuine wonder that only young children have, untainted and curious. It was so heartwarming to see that even a different outfit was opening up a new world to this little one!
A week later, I was in another town with a similar demographic, presenting the same workshop. This time, I asked the students to guess a traditional Indian drink often enjoyed during festivals. Among the enthusiastic guesses came a voice, flat and rehearsed: “Cow urine,” a boy said smugly, with an expression that was daring me to react.
For a moment, I froze. Not because I didn’t know how to respond, but because I knew exactly what I was witnessing. This wasn’t an innocent guess. This was something overheard and absorbed from adults who should’ve known better. A child of that age wouldn’t use the word “urine”.
Two children. One, raised with wonder. The other, raised with bias.
I have seen both in my workshops around the country. And while it would be easy to dwell on the negativity, I choose not to. Because the truth is that kids are not born with bias. They’re taught to see the world through either a lens of curiosity or contempt. And we, parents, educators, and community members, get to decide which lens they grow up with.
The little girl who called me a princess reminded me that even in places where diversity is scarce, it is possible to expand their worldview through new experiences.
So here’s my ask to you: Raise the child who sees magic in difference. One who asks kind questions. One who listens before they laugh. Because when we teach kids to meet the unfamiliar with curiosity, we build a kinder and better world.
Workshop for Teenage Moms, Rebellion or Resilience?
Taught a workshop for a school for teen moms. Do you know what stuck out? Their kindness. Not just toward me and their teachers but toward one another. There was a calmness in the room – none of the usual teen rebellion or self-consciousness. Just warmth and quiet strength.
After the session, they were full of questions. They wanted to know everything – my life in India, my journey as an entrepreneur, how I built my path. Many of them said, “This makes me want to learn more about the world!”
Life can’t possibly be easy for them, but I hope the world meets them with the same kindness they showed me and supports them with the opportunities they deserve as they find their way forward.
#teenmom #teenworkshop #DancesAndStories #bollygroove
“Effortless” is a Myth
“Effortless is a myth” Roger Federer recently said this during commencement speech and it struck a chord with me.
What you see on the surface of these pictures is me in my happy place, surrounded by curious minds who just finished learning about a different way of living through an incredibly fun mix of movement and stories.
What you don’t see are the years of fine-tuning the craft. I often have absolutely no information about the participants of a workshop I am about to conduct. I don’t know if it will be 5 people or 50; will they be toddlers or adults; will they be open to trying something new?
All I know is that I have to provide them with an experience that they will not only remember for a long time but will also propel them into the world of exploring different cultures.
It might seem effortless to an audience member but in reality, it takes years of trial and error and hard work to get to this point.
Here’s to all the educators, cultural or otherwise, in relentlessly working to improve their craft and making it seem effortless. Do not let anyone lower the value of your work because *you* made it look easy.
Watch the entire speech here.