The Indian American Experience Podcast

Send a textOn this podcast we have been talking about preserving the wonderful Indian values of prioritizing family, education, respectfulness and such virtues but we have not talked enough about the other side of Indian society such as women being objectified and finding themselves vulnerable and up against many obstacles when it comes to asserting their freedom and sometimes matters relating to something as basic as their personal safety. The film Pinch that debuted at the Tribeca Festival took it on. The film also marks the directorial debut of Uttera Singh who also wrote and starred in it as the lead.  The film’s final screening at the Tribeca film Festival will be on Saturday, June 14.According to IndieWire the film is a searing commentary about sexual harassment and the perils of letting it go unchecked. Uttera Singh takes on a small piece of this big topic, delivering not only a gripping and nuanced narrative but an astutely told directing effort.I asked Uttera about her experience making the film, her future aspirations, and how her background growing up in a small town of India, Indore, played into it. We also delve into her perception of Indian culture and what she misses most about life In India. Uttera Singh is surely one to watch. She lets her craft speak for itself, and her unassuming, sweet and humble demeanor belies the grit, courage, talent, and focus that she has exhibited through this film and her previous films. More about PINCH at https://youtu.be/fTyCaVm7S3M?si=qKgysj0t-BylWhQj@PinchTheMovieMore about Uttera Singh athttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm4532052/and https://www.instagram.com/uttera?igsh=MTkyYW0zY3pidHp5aA==Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperienceTo contact me directly with questions or about being a guest on my show, email me here: [email protected]#UtteraSingh#tribecafestival#Pinchthemovie

Send a textIn this unique episode I speak to two noteworthy people: Dr. Ratan Sinh Mehta, a centenarian, an amazing man who has left an indelible imprint on the lives of so many people in his life of 100 years and continues to be amazingly articulate, eloquent and a really good sport! He shares his wisdom and his priorities in the long life that he has lived as a brilliant cardiologist, neurologist and an overall disciplined, strong and inspiring man. I then speak to his son Deepak Mehta who epitomizes the Indian value of supporting and taking care of family over everything else and is already looking forward to being the steward of Indian heritage for his future grandchildren. It is an engaging, inspiring and a poignant story of a father and son stoutly living lives guided by strong Indian values, high ideals and gritty self discipline. Learn more about Dr Ratan Sinh Mehta’s life through these videos made to celebrate his milestone 100th birthday: https://youtu.be/ii8jHqypPBA?si=1l8Ujfx-fqga79ql&https://youtu.be/ii8jHqypPBA?si=dR_malcDdht7akdvFollow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperienceTo contact me directly with questions or about being a guest on my show, email me here: [email protected]

Send a textIn this podcast episode, I have a conversation with Rashi Livesey, an Indian American millennial pursuing a master's degree in social work. Rashi eloquently expresses her pride in her Indian heritage, discusses the challenges of maintaining her Indian identity in the US, and emphasizes the importance of embracing cultural roots while acknowledging its complexities. She also touches on the pressures and pitfalls of the 'model minority' stereotype and challenges the narrow definitions and divisive influences that come with that.  She shares her commitment toward passing down Indian culture to her children in a multicultural household and her strong conviction and noble aspirations to support and uplift immigrant communities through resource navigation and program development. We need more empathetic, compassionate and strong leaders like Rashi in our communities!!00:00 Introduction to Rashi01:01 Balancing Family and Education01:44 Immigration Journey and Early Challenges05:19 Embracing Indian Culture07:05 Navigating Identity and Language11:53 Model Minority Myth16:12 Message to Young Indian Americans17:41 Future Aspirations and ConclusionMore about Rashi athttps://www.instagram.com/rashi729?igsh=cmQzdWxlOHdpNDFsFollow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperienceTo contact me directly with questions or about being a guest on my show, email me here: [email protected]

Send a textIn this episode, our guest is Rajvi, a 28 year-old software engineer at Microsoft living in New York City. Born and raised in New Jersey, with a stint in Seattle, Rajvi shares her journey of embracing her Indian heritage while growing up in America. From being raised vegetarian in a Jain household to adopting veganism, she reflects on the cultural influence her Indian upbringing had on her, including dance, music and cuisine, and how it shaped her identity amidst the challenges of racism and low representation in her school years. Rajvi shares her perspective on balancing her Indian heritage and American identity and emphasizes the importance of diversity and representation, particularly in fields like politics and media. She also talks about her life in New York, her time in Seattle, her work in tech, and her aspirations for the future, including raising her children with a strong sense of Indian culture. It is an insightful conversation on culture, identity, and living authentically.00:00 Introduction to Rajvi00:31 Exploring Veganism and Family Traditions01:27 Embracing Indian Culture and Heritage03:58 Navigating Identity08:05 Balancing Work and Heritage17:10 Future Aspirations and Personal LifeMore about Rajvi at https://www.instagram.com/rajvi_m1/Andhttps://rajvi.github.io/Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperienceTo contact me directly with questions or about being a guest on my show, email me here: [email protected]

Send a textIn this captivating interview, Mayor Ravi Bhalla of Hoboken, New Jersey, serving as the city's 39th mayor since 2018, shares his journey from a civil rights lawyer to a two-term mayor. He discusses his childhood, his path to politics catalyzed by a grassroots campaign for Barack Obama, and the challenges and achievements during his tenure. Mayor Bhalla also speaks about the importance of identity and heritage, and his future aspirations, encouraging fellow Indian Americans to dream big and be proud of their roots.  His humility despite his accomplishments and undiluted integrity is sure to inspire deeply and evoke pride in The Indian American community.A 22-year resident of the City of Hoboken, Ravi Bhalla began his public service with eight years on the City Council before his mayoral election in November 2017. He built a career as a civil rights lawyer, nationally recognized by The New York Times for legal advocacy following a constitutional rights violation. His City Council tenure saw significant fiscal reforms, improving Hoboken's bond rating, and establishing a responsible cash surplus. As Mayor, he prioritized climate resilience, signing a Climate Action Plan for net-zero energy by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. Under his leadership, Hoboken became a national model for safe streets and multi modal transportation through implementation of the Vision Zero initiative to eliminate all traffic related fatalities and injuries by 2030. His first term featured a citywide special improvement district and COVID-19 pandemic recovery. Educated at UC Berkeley, L.S.E., and Tulane Law School, Ravi, and his wife Bindya reside in Hoboken with their two children. 00:00 Introduction to Mayor Ravi Bhalla01:49 Early Life and Background03:13 Journey into Politics07:17 Challenges and Accomplishments as Mayor11:17 Identity and Heritage14:10 Future Aspirations16:05 Message to Indian Americans18:21 ConclusionFollow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperienceTo contact me directly with questions or about being a guest on my show, email me here: [email protected]

Send a textSamina Radia is a sophomore at Adelphi University majoring in political science, who, at just 19 years old, exemplifies dedication to public service, highlighted by her various roles such as interning at the New York City mayor's office, active involvement in the Student Government Association and engagement with The Innocence Project.  She shares her experience of growing up in diverse New York City, and the impact of being South-Asian American in striving to meet 'model minority' expectations.  The discussion delves into cultural identity, her involvement with cultural heritage groups at her university, and her vision for community support, mentorship and inclusivity.00:00 Introduction to Samina Radia01:12 Early Life and Cultural Background02:15 The Model Minority Perception06:05 Aspiring to a Career in Law09:52 Community Involvement and Mentorship12:17 Cultural Heritage and University Life20:08 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsMore about Samina at: https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=1ujulpor018gg&utm_content=29cety1 Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperienceTo contact me directly with questions or about being a guest on my show, email me here: [email protected]

Send a textIn this interview, Shaun Vakil, also known as Paz, discusses his two-decade-long career in music as a DJ and music curator for Paz America. He shares his experiences working with top hospitality brands, Fortune 500 companies, and philanthropic foundations, as well as performing at intimate events worldwide. Shaun recounts his upbringing in central New Jersey, where he grew up in a diverse and idyllic Americana environment with supportive parents who encouraged him to find his passion. Although not musically inclined as a child, Shaun discovered his love for music during his teenage years, influenced by the explosion of 90s hip-hop in New York City. He talks about the importance of persistence and grit in his non-traditional career path and reflects on the impact of connecting with people through music. Shaun also delves into his Indian heritage, describing how it shapes his identity and influences his work. He emphasizes the importance of empathy and connection in his performances and discusses his current goal of setting a more active direction for his business. Lastly, Shaun encourages the Indian American community to be supportive toward one another and challenges every member of the community to define themselves as they choose to, unencumbered by assumed expectations. Find Shaun on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/305bananasMore about Paz America: https://pazmerica.com/The vogue write-up Shaun alluded to: https://www.vogue.fr/galerie/vrai-mariage-shivani-ravi-paris-indien-couple-los-angeles00:00 Introduction to Shaun Vakil 00:57 Shaun’s Early Life and Upbringing03:33 Discovering a Passion for Music07:43 Challenges and Growth in the Music Industry15:24 Impactful Events and Personal Reflections22:46 Cultural Identity and Professional Perception28:41 Final Thoughts and Message to the CommunityFollow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperienceTo contact me directly with questions or about being a guest on my show, email me here: [email protected]

Send a textIn this episode, I chat with Anika, a first-generation Indian American and pharmaceutical market access consultant, who shares her remarkable journey of balancing her rich Indian heritage with a modern digital nomadic lifestyle. From her roots in New Jersey to her traveling adventures spanning across Seattle, London, and South America, Anika delves into her unique identity, the cultural significance of her name, and how her upbringing shaped her professional aspirations. She also reflects on her connection to her Indian heritage, her family's nuanced approach to cultural integration, and her personal thoughts on future aspirations, including potentially raising children. This engaging conversation is filled with insights into the experiences of a bright, balanced, young millennial navigating the intersection of tradition and contemporary life.00:00 Introduction to Anika00:42 Becoming a Digital Nomad02:34 Exploring Identity and Heritage08:04 Navigating Language and Culture09:44 Career Path and Aspirations12:35 Perspectives on the Model Minority14:43 Thoughts on Parenting and Heritage17:30 Leisure and Hobbies19:13 Final Reflections and AdviceFollow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperienceTo contact me directly with questions or about being a guest on my show, email me here: [email protected]

Send a textIn the second episode of the young generation’s perceptions and aspirations about life as an Indian American, Anchal Dhir, in her gentle, sensitive, inimitable way, shares candidly and generously her thoughts and feelings about the importance of heritage, identity in the world of performing arts, and her compassion toward her parents’ generation. Anchal also explains beautifully the details of the art and skills that she has learned and honed, and is hoping to fully embrace and express and enjoy a fruitful career from. Follow Anchal at https://www.instagram.com/anchaldhir/TikTok: @anchal.indu.dhir https://www.tiktok.com/@anchal.dhirResume Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lEi2UpCZgKU4B1NsRj5Ik1DXq-dwdPGq/viewRecent live stage performance as Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance: https://youtu.be/BmJE2EKLEtU (https://youtu.be/BmJE2EKLEtU) “Caro Nome” from Rigoletto: https://youtu.be/0PS4lS--ljg?t=16 (https://youtu.be/0PS4lS--ljg?t=16)As Dominique in The Baker’s Wife:https://secure.givelively.org/event/village-light-opera-group-ltd/village-light-opera-group-presents-the-baker-s-wifeContact Anchal via email at [email protected] me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperienceTo contact me directly with questions or about being a guest on my show, email me here: [email protected]

Send a textIn this episode, I welcome Addy Pai, a young millennial working in sustainable research in New York City.  Addy, who was born in India and raised in New Jersey, shares her love for both her Indian culture and American identity. We discuss her upbringing in an immigrant household, her current role integrating sustainability into investment processes, and her aspirations to complete the CFA exams. Addy reflects on how her Indian heritage influences her personal and professional life, emphasizing the importance of community and traditions. She also delves into the impact of parental expectations and how she balances her high-achieving mindset with enjoying life in the vibrant city of New York. 00:00 Introduction to Addy Pai00:41 Addy's Background and Upbringing01:38 Career in Sustainable Research04:16 Reflections on Education and Parental Influence09:59 Cultural Identity and Professional Life16:11 Personal Life and Hobbies18:54 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsRead more about Addy at https://bit.ly/aditipaiFollow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperienceTo contact me directly with questions or about being a guest on my show, email me here: [email protected]

Send a textIn the Season 1 conclusion of the Indian American Experience podcast, we reflect on the intricate layers of the Indian American experience, the diversity of answers we got to the questions on identity, cultural heritage, parenting styles, assimilation and more. There were some patterns formed and some myths shed but the most outstanding revelation was the uniqueness of everyone’s experiences and perceptions.Season 2 is up next, where we will continue to celebrate the evolving Indian American experience through the eyes and reflections of millennials and Gen Zs.Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperienceTo contact me directly with questions or about being a guest on my show, email me here: [email protected]

Send a textIn this episode, retired senior IT executive Sanjay Bery shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a vibrant joint family in Delhi to becoming a successful tech leader and a dedicated community leader in New Jersey. Sanjay discusses the cultural dynamics of his upbringing, his unexpected path to the U.S., and the challenge of balancing career ambitions with cancer recovery. He emphasizes the importance of sharing one's story, integrating diverse treatment approaches, and avoiding self-pity. All through his journey, his wife’s loving support and guidance have been his anchor and given him the vital life-saving strength.  The nutrition-forward dietary regimen that he followed under his wife’s leadership, may have been a lifesaver, which is something crucial for others to learn from and emulate.  Having been able to run a marathon while fighting cancer is unheard of, but Sanjay did exactly that, but he doesn’t let that change his unassuming, down-to-earth attitude.  Sanjay also reflects on the significance of giving back, and his aspirations for the future.You can read about and donate to the Colon Cancer Foundation at Colorectal Cancer Alliance | Prevention, Support & Research for Colorectal Cancer. The Berys’ transformative diet regimen was guided by  https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macrobiotic_dietRead more about Sanjay Bery at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjaybery?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appFollow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperienceTo contact me directly with questions or about being a guest on my show, email me here: [email protected]

Send a textJai Shekhawat is the Chairman, Technology Advisory Board, Madison Dearborn Partners, LLC. He was the Founder and former CEO of SAP Fieldglass, maker of the world’s most widely used Cloud platform for the procurement of contract labor and services. Under his leadership, the Fieldglass platform grew globally with users in 120 countries, multiple languages and currencies and over $50 billion in annual spend. Fieldglass was acquired by SAP in 2014.He is Ernst &Young’s 2012 Midwest “Entrepreneur of the Year” as well as a recipient of the Peter Yessne Staffing Innovator Award, recognized for pioneering the Vendor Management Software space.  Jai has held various civic and board positions including serving on the Mayor’s Council of Technology Advisors (MCTA) for the City of Chicago, the Membership Committee of the Economic Club of Chicago and the board of TiE Midwest.  He serves on the boards of FourKites, Fleet Complete, BlueCat Networks, HealthEngine and SomruS. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Field Museum of Chicago, the Harris Theater for Music and Dance and 1871, one of the largest technology incubators in the world. He is an Advisor to Madison Dearborn Partners, Starvest Partners and Chicago Ventures. He is a founding member of the Firestarter Fund, which mentors and invests in Chicago start-ups.More about Jai at https://bit.ly/Jai-Shekhawat-LinkedInIn this special episode, one of my previous guests, Suren Pai, who the regular listeners must have listened to in Episode 30 of this podcast, agreed to my request to co-host, leading to a remarkably engaging, informative, inspiring and valuable account of the tenets of entrepreneurship, the guiding principles of a fulfilled life, and also an eloquent take on parenting.Jai shares his journey from his early days in a military family in India to his success in the tech industry in the U.S. recalling his transition from corporate roles to entrepreneurship, highlighting the challenges, key decisions, and philosophies that guided him. He reflects on the importance of addressing substantial, recurring problems, and building a purposeful culture within startups. After Fieldglass was acquired by SAP, he embraced a 'portfolio life,' involving philanthropy, investments, and civic engagements. His insights on balancing professional and personal growth, as well as his advice on parenting and community involvement, provide valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders.Connect with our Guest Interviewer Suren Pai: LinkedIn/in/SurenPaiFollow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperienceTo contact me directly with questions or about being a guest on my show, email me here: [email protected]

Send a textMy guest Kapil Seth was born and raised in India, and came to the US about 40 years back and got his doctorate degree in Economics from The New School in NY.  Kapil is a fine and rare gems specialist, though he describes it a little differently! Kapil has two adult boys and lives in New Jersey with his wife Taruni.Through his interesting and engaging stories he shares his diverse experiences during his trips to find the most flawless of gemstones and talks about his principles of life that he passionately believes in and consistently follows.  Once again my guest’s life story is a testament to the rewards of a great work ethic and a relentless drive to succeed. More about Kapil at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kapil-seth-ba23a76a?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appMore about padparadscha sapphires at https://youtu.be/pc18WZELOMM?si=Y_FZIbPeYhEXgo1tFollow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperienceTo contact me directly with questions or about being a guest on my show, email me here: [email protected]

Send a textPrema Roddam is a senior associate with the New Jersey office of Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, a firm of 6000 professionals across 60 offices worldwide (https://www.fragomen.com/). She focuses her practice in the areas of global mobility, workforce management, corporate immigration, related corporate compliance and advisory services. Her experience spans across various industry verticals such as Telecom, IT, Healthcare, Pharma and Entertainment. Prema is an experienced and passionate advocate who understands the unique needs of companies that have a global workforce and footprint.   Prema is the President for the South-Asian Bar Association of New Jersey, an association of South-Asian attorneys dedicated to the needs, concerns and interests of the South Asian Legal Community (https://www.sabanj.org/).Prema is dedicated to advocating for women's rights and serves as the Vice-President, Board of Directors for Manavi Inc., whose mission is to end all forms of gender-based violence in the South Asian Community (https://www.manavi.org/). She serves as the co-chair for the TiE-NJ Women with a vision to embrace, engage and empower women entrepreneurs across the globe (https://nj.tie.org/). She also serves on the Board of Akshaya Patra Foundation USA Tri-State Chapter (https://www.apusa.org/). As the world’s largest NGO, Akshaya Patra’s mid-day meal program serves wholesome school lunches to over 2 million children in 22,000 schools in India every day. Prema lives in NJ and has a son who is an engineer. Prema’s is a story of dedication to the service of others. She identifies her four pillars of strength as the four organizations she devotes her time and effort to in addition to being a full-time attorney, a career she took on much later in life as she reinvented herself to start afresh. It’s a moving conversation with yet another outstanding and inspiring member of the Indian American community of the Gen-X generation as we get close to winding up Season 1. More about Prema Roddam at https://www.linkedin.com/in/prema-roddam-51780816/Links to listen to Prema’s mother Vedavathi Prbhakar’s devotional music:https://youtu.be/41F4JL5w0xMhttps://youtu.be/ozYSp4Dui4w?si=W2tM8IDPJJ1bgca7Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperienceTo contact me directly with questions or about being a guest on my show, email me here: [email protected]

Send a textMy guest Rajinder Rai is a Wellness Coach and the founder of Sunrais Health that empowers women in midlife through information and inspiration. Rajinder has taken her expertise in physiology and biochemistry along with her training in functional medicine to create her unique women-centric coaching.Through the lens of being a mother and a pharmacist, she works with women to use midlife as a catalyst to achieve their highest potential by providing personalized plans and support through their midlife transition. All of this was inspired by her own journey of challenges, new realizations and the resulting triumphs. Rajinder shares with me how this transformation was inspired by her two children. It truly is a story of serendipitous inspiration to look at life with fresh eyes, of renewal in the face of adversity and of a resolve to be a better version of yourself and living the best life.  Her message on how to approach midlife, especially for women, touched me and resonated with me deeply. More on Rajinder’s work at Sunrais Health here: https://www.sunraishealth.com/Rajinder’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunraishealth?igsh=MWx2NTZ5eG5vbXVwMA==Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperienceTo contact me directly with questions or about being a guest on my show, email me here: [email protected]

Send a textIn this episode, I interview Pradip Patiath, currently a senior partner at McKinsey & Company. Pradip shares how serendipity molded his career and personal life paths. He recounts his journey working for Schlumberger in Europe to studying computer science in the twin cities to earning his MBA, the happy coincidences as well as the personal challenges including his brother's illness, and how his close-knit circle of friends and family helped him overcome those challenges and find his best self.  He shares with me his belief in the meaningfulness of the Johari Window - how he let his close friends’ perception of him guide him at crucial points of his life.Pradip also reflects on his philosophies regarding parenting. He shares four values he holds crucial to living meaningfully and hopes to see his daughter practice them as well.  His earnestness as a dad comes through deeply in how he expresses that his daughter is the most important part of his legacy. The conversation also touches on his future aspirations involving community work, teaching, and continuing to impact friends and family positively.00:00 Introduction to Pradip00:42 Journey to the U.S.02:41 Life in the Twin Cities06:09 Challenges and Serendipity13:16 The Importance of Friendship20:00 Parenting and Values27:28 Future Aspirations30:54 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe Johari window that Pradip alludes to is explained here:https://thedecisionlab.com/reference-guide/psychology/johari-windowMore about Pradip at https://www.linkedin.com/in/pradippatiath?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appFollow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperienceTo contact me directly with questions or about being a guest on my show, email me here: [email protected]

Send a textMy guest Deepak Verma’s is a story of deep dedication and drive, of building up on one rich experience to lead to another bigger and more impactful accomplishment, each done with selflessness and grace and joy. In spite of all his accomplishments, Deepak is remarkably unassuming and has a very generous attitude toward people and life. Interestingly, that may explain his degree of success and the joy he continues to derive from his work. It’s interesting because Deepak’s definition of success is built on generosity and being a force for good, and so the source and the effect of his success both reflect his values and attitude. In his words his aspiration for his professional success has been: “The more successful we are financially, the more the beneficiaries of the business, and I like that link, and to me, being able to do that is success”.Since 2019, Deepak Verma has served as a Partner at Innospark Ventures, an early stage investor that invests in startups using AI in innovative and defensible ways to solve complex problems. In April 2024, he took the helm of EnglishHelper, an Innospark portfolio company. Earlier, Deepak was the Managing Director of Nv Vogt Singapore Pvt. Ltd. (NVV), an Asia-focused solar power developer that he founded along with a German solar company.  Deepak was also the COO of Emergent Ventures India Private Limited (EVI), and before that, the CEO of The Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative (CHAI).  Deepak is a graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology (Delhi), has an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from University of Notre Dame, an M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Minnesota, and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management. For more on his career path, go to his LinkedIn (link at the end of the show notes). How did he accomplish and achieve so much? He explains that well in this conversation, and surprised me with his take on the work ethic he gained in his childhood by being a rule-follower and believing in his parents’ direction, which, ironically, prepared him for a career marked with innovative thinking, initiative, and creative problem solving.  And yet it makes sense when he explains it in his own words.Deepak also makes some very enlightening points about us as an Indian American community perceiving our own identity. He almost makes me wonder if our diversity as an Indian American community is not always a blessing?One of the most inspiring episodes yet, I hope my listeners enjoy it as much as I did, and are as impressed as I am.  I especially hope that the younger generation listens and learns from these valuable lessons shared!!Deepak’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepak-verma-4b2450?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appFollow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperienceTo contact me directly with questions or about being a guest on my show, email me here: [email protected]

Send a textMy guests this week are VijayaLakshmi Nagaraj and Anirvan Sengupta. Together they are a confluence of spirited dedication, intelligence and wisdom. VijayaLakshmi, Viji to her family and friends, got her Doctorate degree in Microbiology from India. She has undertaken various adventures since then, including her one year of research at Trieste, Italy followed by a quarter century of work at Rutgers University as a researcher in Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular biology. She took a rather challenging path at around the age of 50 of completing her Masters in Health Informatics from Weill Cornell Medicine in 2019. Since then, she has worked in the healthcare industry in New York and New Jersey in various impactful roles.   In her free time, you can find her playing tennis, running, gardening or hiking.Anirvan Sengupta grew up in a suburb of Kolkata and got his PhD degree at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai. After a stint as a postdoctoral fellow in Paris, he came to join the Bell Labs in New Jersey. Anirvan is currently a professor at the Physics and Astronomy Department, Rutgers University and a senior research associate at the Flatiron Institute in New York City. His interests span Neuroscience, Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Physics. An avid marathoner in the past, these days he spends his free time mostly reading, swimming or going for long walks.Together, they are an epitome of dedication to their work and both of them seem to have found their passion in their lines of work. Together, they recount their journey that led them to this point in life, and remark on the triumphs, joys, hardship and challenges along the way. With equal dedication and commitment, they have raised a wonderful young adult, and they share with me their philosophy behind their parenting as well. Listening to them both will fortify anyone’s love for what they do if it exists, or generate it if it’s lacking. In any case, together, they forced me to think more passionately and philosophically about work, self-discipline, and life in general.Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperienceTo contact me directly with questions or about being a guest on my show, email me here: [email protected]

Send a textMy lovely guest this week, Nadia Jagessar, is an Indo-Caribbean Jersey girl who may be best known for her appearance on Netflix's "Indian Matchmaking".  But Nadia  is much, much more than an ex-cast member of a reality show. She is a vibrant, spirited go-getter loving her life and firing on all cylinders while being a warm, gentle and thoughtful human being. Nadia is the founder and owner of Euphoria Events, an event planning company that specializes in weddings. She also works full time in the fragrance industry and most recently became the head of Amara Club, a dating app for South Asians. Nadia is, in her own words, a hopeless romantic who is ready to help people find and celebrate love. On ground reality that works perfectly between her two platforms, her new dating app, Amara Club, and her wedding planning company. But even more than her entrepreneurial prowess, her down-to-earth yet spirited attitude toward life, people, and the human experience in general, defines her and belies her young age.Nadia eloquently shares with me her perception of her identity - how she managed having a dual heritage - Indian and Guyanese - while being an American Jersey girl. Of course Nadia generously shares with me her experience on the reality show Indian Matchmaking. In her recollections about her peers on the show, she expresses so much empathy and warmth as she recalls her interactions with them during the making of the show and afterwards. Her empathy and kindness is reflective of her excellent upbringing. Not surprisingly, she has developed long-lasting friendships with her fellow cast members and Sima Aunty. For those interested in what happened behind the scenes of the show, she shares a few tidbits as well.Even more meaningfully, she reflects on how being on the show taught her so much about herself. For example, she consciously since then now urges herself to be more vulnerable, stand up for herself, and show up fully as a person in her dating life. Her best answer of all was perhaps to my question about what her message would be to other Indian Americans. To paraphrase her eloquent and heartfelt answer wouldn’t do justice, so I will leave it to the listeners to hear it in her own words. And what a message it is - impactful and necessary and compelling. Nadia’s Euphoria Events can be accessed at :Euphoria Events | Wedding & Event PlannerNadia’s matchmaking app:Amara ClubNadia’s Instagram:instagram.com/nadiajagessarNadia at LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-jagessar-mba-01470729?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appFollow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperienceTo contact me directly with questions or about being a guest on my show, email me here: [email protected]

Send a textSuren Pai, in his various roles as an engineer, management consultant, C-suite executive, entrepreneur, and most recently, advisor and mentor to entrepreneurs, has fearlessly followed his passion and creativity and commitment to innovation. He sees himself as a tinkerer and builder, always ready and almost impatient to apply his skills to solve a new problem and build a new product. Suren mentions it only casually but it was him along with his team that helped build the digital audio technology that now powers HD Am/Fm and XM radio. That and his other accomplishments in his various roles and avatars are a testament to Suren’s commitment to apply his creative skills to challenge status quo. In his words, there are two kinds of engineers - those that run trains and those that build them - and he chooses to be one of the latter kind. In his message to the younger generation and the community at large he reiterates the importance of using one’s privilege and resources to achieve bigger and better things. He shuns the concept of being too old for anything and my guess is his next venture may have something to do with anti-aging technology?It may be antithetical to the concept of my podcast - or maybe not - but Suren would urge everyone to not build their sense of self or identity in any way restricted by heritage or tradition and just be doggedly individualistic, which  according to him, is an opportunity that living in America allows for generously and should be fully utilized. In his view, a proud Indian American is at the same time a proud American and a proud global citizen. More about Suren Pai at LinkedIn/in/SurenPaiFollow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperienceTo directly  contact me with questions or about being a guest on my show, email me here: [email protected]

Send a textMy guest Puja Shah, one of my younger guests, may also be one of the most articulate and thoughtful. Maybe it comes from her long journey being deeply creative, or maybe it comes from an equally long journey straddling the duality of her cultural identity, or both, but it surely makes her a sensitive, responsible and outstanding member of the Indian American community.The experience of being first generation with immigrant parents was tricky and challenging, and Puja found her outlet in poetry and the spoken word from a young age.  She trained to be a dentist, but deep-seated creativity found her and brought her back to the path of writing, one of the results of which is her first book ‘For My Sister’.  Puja beautifully explains how her time spent immersed in yoga and meditation helped her close the distance between her medical training and her creative pursuits.Puja eloquently explains her experience of the duality of cultures and how she tackled it and did it justice as an Indian American woman, author, mother, wife and daughter. Talking about her writing and the importance of her book’s theme and setting (in India), she stresses the importance of “own voice” fiction in connecting with and understanding the message of a piece of writing, for example, embodying the expression ‘burying her face into her mom’s sari’.She also brings out the very important point of being critical of the not-so-palatable or the darker aspects of the Indian culture that she has encountered and learnt about and she explains with earnestness how that is something for an Indian or anyone who has inherited their culture to recognize and try to address as well as the more obvious pride-worthy aspects of it, even if they are not unique to one culture. Some issues she feels strongly about are trafficking, child marriage and colorism.  And she recognizes that the solutions can start with simply having meaningful conversations as a community and not brushing matters under the rug with the assumption that ‘this is just how it is’.  And these sentiments pervade over and have seeped into the origins of her novel. Puja also shares her aspirations for her book and allows us a taste of the theme of her second book.  Sharing stories that come from the heart and touch everyone in their own personal way, to her, is the true legacy of creative work.More about Puja Shah and her work:https://puja-shah.com/For My Sister: Shah, Puja: https://www.amazon.com/My-Sister-Puja-Shah/dp/1646637968?nodl=1&dplnkId=cb5aad22-2f53-4d08-943d-765c5cf729b7Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience

Send a textMonisha Rao is a pediatrician in Southern California.  She immigrated to the US along with her family about 40 years ago after finishing tenth grade in India. She is married and a mother of two adult children. Monisha’s story is different than most in that she came here at the age of 15, a difficult age for a transition like that, while not even having been involved in the decision to move. She then faced and overcame the unique and difficult challenges that came with that, each step making her stronger, and fulfilled her dream of being a physician - something she had been dreaming of since she was a child. Her philosophy on life is one of balance, gentleness and humility, while at the same time rooted in strength, courage and generosity. Her steady drive to achieve what she deems important while not forgetting to have fun, is inspiring! When I ask her questions on identity and heritage, Monisha fully immerses herself into an introspective mode and shares her thoughts and feelings with deep earnestness and sincerity. The organization Monisha Rao keenly embraces:India Friends Association: https://www.indiafriendsassociation.org/Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience

Send a textRahul Gosain’s is a story of generous grace, positivity, supreme accomplishment, and an attitude that would make a saint blush. Being a medical oncologist, he has no dearth of reasons to be very proud, but what he focuses on from his experience treating patients and seeing a sobering level of pain, is a determinedly down-to-earth attitude and a perspective that pervades his philosophy on life and people. Rahul is a practicing medical oncologist in Rochester, New York. Besides his clinical duties, he is also the Regional Infusion Director of Wilmot Cancer Institute overlooking 14 infusion sites. He is also a co-host of a podcast the “Oncology Brothers” with his brother Rohit (also a medical oncologist). He is a father to two young daughters. You’ll often hear him mention his wife Suparna who, in his words, is the person who keeps him grounded, sane, and is his best friend. In this interview, Rahul indulges me by reflecting on his sense of identity, how much his Indian heritage plays into it and how his time in Canada and the US modulated it. His aspirations as a parent drive a lot of his idealism, and his passion to be the best possible role model for his young children dictates the choices he makes, and is a big part of his own aspirations for the future. At the same time, Rahul also carries a strong sense of community and hopes to see the Indian American community keep finding touch-points and common ground to continue to inspire and raise one another up. Listen to Rahul’s podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oncology-brothers-practice-changing-cancer-discussions/id1653340966Orhttps://open.spotify.com/show/31BXhY9FM4gPWG10WgE11o?si=9K-RzAaQTkizI3OXONB4ewMore about Rahul athttps://www.linkedin.com/in/gosainrahul?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appFollow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience

Send a textMy guest Dr. Poonam Alaigh is a nationally recognized leader with a multifaceted background in healthcare of over 25 years that includes the public sector at the federal, state government and policy level as well as the private sector. In these roles Poonam has been New Jersey’s Commissioner of Health and Acting Undersecretary of Health for the Department of Veterans Affairs. In her various executive positions, she has played a key role in strategy development and adoption of innovation.In this interview, Poonam generously shares her philosophy on work, community, and life in general. She recounts the difficult time during Covid and her experience playing a crucial role in that battle in the Northeast. Poonam is a remarkable combination of strength, warmth and wisdom and an unwavering commitment to make change for good. And her harmonious family environment is instrumental in not only keeping her grounded but also a source of great pride. More about Dr. Poonam Alaigh:https://www.linkedin.com/in/poonam-alaigh-2b266634?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_apphttps://x.com/poonamalaighmd?s=21&t=tILBAarKkUkzwaTGy9m3WQFollow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience

Send a textSejal Desai‘s is a riveting story of dedication and drive. She is an admirable steward of both the Indian and American parts of her identity. With a passion now for her nonprofit work, Sejal has had a long and varied career which has helped build an outlook that makes her embrace with pride her heritage as well as her adopted home. Sejal is the Executive Director of Akanksha Education Fund, an education nonprofit that runs public private partnership schools in India for children from low income communities. She has been a passionate advocate and supporter of various US and India based nonprofits focusing on education, hunger relief and women’s issues. Her 30-year career includes work in sectors like venture capital, M&A, accounting, entrepreneurship, nonprofit and corporate social responsibility. Among other career highlights, she was a co-founder of a tech incubator, STARTech, she also started a social venture, SevaYatra focused on engaging US-based universities and multinational corporations with India based NGOs.  Sejal was named Woman of the Year by the Greater Dallas Asian American Chamber of Commerce in 2019, and also won the Dallas Business Journal Women in Business Award in 2019 and the Audrey Kaplan Inspiring WOMEN of the Southwest award. Sejal truly is a shining example of balance, be it work-life/home-life, home culture/adopted culture, ambition/grounded-ness, and satisfaction/aspirations. I hope listening to this inspires the listeners as much as it did me.Sejal’s organization:Akanksha Education Fund – Giving and Getting Involved in the U.S.https://youtu.be/2VDcxkQlWUY?si=5eYtshKq6POnlsRvIndian Philanthropy Alliancehttps://www.indiaphilanthropyalliance.org/More about Sejal at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sejaldesai?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appFollow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience

Send a textNilima, who calls herself an ex-people-pleaser, identifies herself now as a Brown Butterfly. She grew up in Maryland in the 70s as 'the brown girl' in her school and experienced the unsavory implications of that. Fast forward several decades, Nilima has made it her mission empowering women like her. She's a certified Health & Wellness coach who thrives when she's running her ‘Reset’ retreats or online virtual stage where she provides transformative coaching experiences, fostering personal growth and enhancing communication skills. It’s one of the most inspirational episodes yet, as Nilima eloquently urges us to live life to its fullest, not holding back our gifts and our aspirations. Having lived up to that ideal herself, she inspires confidence in her words.Nilima also shares her thoughts and feelings about being the steward of her Indian American heritage and shares how she hopes to add to the cultural education of her grandchildren as well. Stay up-to-date with Nilima’s projects and posts on Instagram and LinkedIn:https://www.instagram.com/thebrownbutterflies?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==https://www.instagram.com/nilima.palekar?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience

Send a textKruti and Deepak’s compatibility as a couple belies their very different environments growing up. While Kruti grew up in Mumbai, India, Deepak grew up in the US in NY/NJ. Their story and their own reflections are proof that this diversity of backgrounds allows for them to complement as well as reinforce each other’s value systems.  I absolutely enjoyed myself as they candidly shared with me how they met and decided to get married, followed by Kruti’s experiences while acculturating and adjusting to life in the US. It is very revealing as well as heartwarming as they answer my questions on identity, and explain the pros and cons of having lived through the stereotype that existed for the Gujarati Indian American community in the motel industry. It is impressive to hear from them how that business model worked to uplift various members of an extended family who brought different skills to the table, resulting in success that could be ‘duplicated’. Kruti and Deepak also discuss, illustrated by funny and relatable anecdotes, raising kids and interacting with other members of the Indian American community, while working to disseminate Indian culture through celebrations of important holidays. This episode definitely stacks up as evidence, yet again, of the values that tie us all together and the individual differences that make us distinct from one another and truly a part of a mosaic in American society.Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience

Send a textMy very accomplished guest, whose story is as much about her own success as about finding ways to help uplift others, candidly shares with me her motivations and convictions behind that aspiration, as well as, the journey that brought her to the successful place she is at currently. You might as well take notes as you listen because Rippi goes into detail about what she recognizes as the key elements in achieving success.  While recounting her personal journey, she conveys that success is neither easy nor trivial, and is surely not a solitary path. Then, she not only shares what she has learned in her long and successful journey to be the important ingredients of anyone’s success, but also, emphasizes the importance of using the success anyone has achieved to bring others up and sharing the privileges, lessons learned, and influence acquired.  She then goes on to expressively describe her personal definition of her identity, where her Punjabi, Indian, and Canadian roots have melded into her strongly American identity. She even identifies the traits that make her truly American, albeit tongue-in-cheek. Her Go Big or Stay Home attitude, and her self-proclaimed ostentatiousness that she stoutly prides herself in, in her view, make her downright American! We also go into the perception of the gender role of a woman in America, and Rippi puts to rest any doubts that I may have had as to my sense of empowerment as a woman!Rippi’s CliftonStrengths are Woo, Communication, Activator, Strategic and Futuristic. The following organizations have recognized her for her legal achievements: ROI-nj.com 2024 Influencers: Women in Business Award, Tri-County Bar Association Legal Excellence Award, Corporate Counsel Business Journal’s 2023 Inaugural Top 50 Women to Watch, NJBIZ - 2023 Leaders in Law Award, ROI-nj.com 2023 Women in Business Leaders Award, Rutgers Law School 2023 MAPS Groundbreaker Award, South Asian Bar Association of North America – 2022 Cornerstone Award, and the South Asian Bar Association of New Jersey – 2019 In House Counsel of the Year.Some of the communities, initiatives and organizations that Rippi refers to on the interview are:SABA-NJ at https:/www.sabanj.org/Rippi’s Attorney of the Week series is on her LinkedIn profile athttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rippi-karda(https://www.linkedin.com/in/rippi-karda?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app)Rippi’s candidate of choice:Ravi Bhalla for Congress https://www.bhallafornj.com/Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience 

Send a textOscar Wilde said “Children begin by loving their parents; as they grow older they judge them; sometimes they forgive them.“Even under the most ideal circumstances, parenting is at best a flawed act of trying to balance teaching our kids what we know, or what we think they should know,  with making them independent and well-adjusted. Even with the best of intentions, every parent finds it difficult to be a good parent. And that task is made so much more complex when we try to find the elusive balance between acting as stewards of our cultural heritage while exposing the kids to the influences that make them well-adjusted citizens of their local environment. The responses of my guests, their reflections and comments, reiterate that there is no right or wrong answer to the challenges of parenting,  especially for an ethnic community here in the US.  And even with its imperfections, parenting done with love, care and honesty, is a job done well!Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience

Send a textThis second mashup episode has been very engaging to listen to! It’s been revealing and fascinating to hear all at once the responses to a relatively cerebral couple of questions:  What part of your value system do you identify as Indian? And, how much does your Indian heritage define your identity?My guests were honest, speaking from their personal experiences and insights, and I believe that’s what brings out the best kind of results. I would not even attempt to draw any generalizations from these responses, because I think the beauty of this lies in the individuality and variety of the responses. I hope that this will get you thinking, stir up some conversations, and get you asking yourselves more questions!Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience

Send a textEnjoy in this episode excerpts of my guests who immigrated here answering my questions about what brought them here and then what the circumstances were when they came here and what they had to do to acculturate to the new environment. Hope this episode makes you nod a little, maybe laugh a little and learn a little!Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience

Send a textMy guest Dr. Maneesha Ahluwalia is a Life Coach, specializing in coaching Indian-Americans.  She talks and writes openly about marriage and in-law stress, infertility stress, divorce and love after divorce, and more.  Her social media posts are inspiring, drawing on her courage and willingness to be vulnerable about topics usually considered taboo in Indian culture.  She's also a speaker, author, competitive tennis player, and a mom to Misha, Mirchi and Jaggery, her Indian street dog and two kittens.  In her previous avatar she worked as an Infectious Diseases physician, and recently retired from that career when she learned that Life Coaching was a calling for her in a way that medicine never was.    In this interview that may be brief but is densely candid, heartwarming, touching and even provocative, Maneesha shares her journey as a daughter of Indian parents who broke barriers, a wife and a daughter-in-law who struggled with expectations and unfair pressures, and came out on top, and at the end of it a powerful individual. She has beautifully transformed her experiences into something extremely positive, and now uses her lived experience with others through Life Coaching.  This conversation touches so many points that have come up on this podcast, especially the elusive art of good parenting, and it also lays the groundwork for my next season when I will be interviewing members of the younger generation of Indian Americans.You can find Dr. Maneesha Ahluwalia here:Website:  https://www.lifecoachingwithdrahluwalia.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifecoachingforindians/Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience

Send a textViren embarked on his journey to the US about 35 years back, leaving India to do MBA here. In his ensuing career he played a pivotal role in the world of  International Business. He is recently retired from his corporate career but remains an influential figure in the business and financial landscape.  Reena came here in 1990 to join Viren after they got married. After a career in accounting, she is now a full time yoga teacher by ‘passion and profession’ in her own words. Reena and Viren have two adult daughters. Together they reflect on their personal and professional lives and answer my questions on acculturation and the challenges of parenting while balancing two cultures. This interview stands out in that both Reena and Viren thoughtfully answer my difficult questions about defining what American influences looked like for them versus their Indian heritage while recalling some very interesting stories and experiences. Viren brings up building relationships as something he learnt in his Indian upbringing and talks about how he applied that to his professional roles in the American workforce. Reena shares her knowledge and deep insight into yoga and its many aspects and helps me understand something I only knew about in a cursory way earlier. As usual I also ask them about what they aspire for in the near future, and it brings forth not only some answers but also questions about what the ultimate goal of life is, and when to slow down versus continuing to fire on all cylinders for a little bit longer!Reena’s yoga website address: YogawithReena.comReena’s Instagram: @Yoga.with.reenaFollow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience

Send a textMy guests Alka and Amit, a power couple from San Jose, California, both grew up in India: Alka in Bombay, and Amit in and around Punjab. Alka is a clinical psychologist by training and Amit is VP of Software Engineering at Applied Materials. They have two grown up sons.  Alka loves old movies and music, and writes poetry in her free time. She probably gets her creative genes from her uncle, the Indian cinema icon Dev Anand.  Amit has had a long and illustrious career in Silicon Valley, and in his free time he is an ardent reader and golfer and is an aspiring carpenter. Listen as they give their individual takes on assimilation, parenting, stereotypes, and definition of identity.  Amit explains the visible presence of Indians in the field of Information Technology as a result of the confluence of a few factors that worked in their favor historically and continue to currently.  My question on their future plans forces them to reflect and take a step inward to delve into what’s important to them.  They may, between the two of them, have different views and opinions, but it’s clear that they share an intimacy and trust that lets them give each other the space to see things their own way while maintaining a healthy common outlook … and giving me a very entertaining podcast episode!Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience#IndianAmericanExperience #IndianAmerican#indiansinIT#devanandfans#desisabroad#desipodcast

Send a textSeema Chetal came to the US about three decades back in her 20s. She is currently Managing Director at JP Morgan Wealth and Asset Management and is married with three adult children. Seema’s soft-spokenness belies her principled ambition, a wide bandwidth to live a multi-dimensional life, and captures well her humility and calm thoughtfulness. Having immigrated from India with a professional education and armed with ambition and the competence to fulfill it, Seema charted a path for her success by reinforcing her education at Columbia Business School, and then starting a career as an investment professional and staying with it in spite of the challenges of parenting three children. And she is cognizant and appreciative of the support of her husband, which has helped her live a fulfilling personal and professional life. But Seema isn’t done yet. She continues to aspire to give more, and hopes to find creative solutions to help on a global scale with education and meaningful teaching.Seema’s life of self-disciplined growth, strength and idealism makes her truly an exemplary representative of the Indian American community. Seema referenced the following organization that she volunteers for:https://vibha.org/Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience

Send a textDr. Jyoti Sinha exemplifies a contemporary outlook while honoring tradition. Having come to the US at a tough age that she aptly characterizes as tender yet resilient, and after weathering a rough start, Jyoti steadfastly kept her focus on her goal to be a doctor and achieved it on her own terms. Jyoti’s attitude toward parenting and being a wife is amazingly fresh and unencumbered by shallow assumptions. Inspired by what she imbibed from her parents, she has defined the expectations borne out of being a woman rooted in tradition as a source of strength and empowerment for herself - something for every Indian wife to think about! At once a symbol of strength as well as tenderness, Jyoti’s life has been an example of a life lived with purpose, thoughtfulness and love. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience

Send a textAshish Shah’s is a story of having taken with grace what life put on his plate and making of it the most - balancing his sense of duty and his heritage with his interests and inclinations in an organic, spontaneous way. From being the only student of Indian descent throughout school, to the difficult schedule during his physician training, he took it in his stride and marched on unfazed and with humility. Ashish has led a life of deep meaning, not only in his professional life in pediatrics, but also through his passion for volunteering, all of this while enjoying it all and sprinkling it with a sense of humor. His ‘looking forward to Monday morning’ sums up not only his level of comfort and expertise in what he does but also his focus on what’s right and meaningful. By reigniting his passion for music, he has added another dimension of fun and meaning to his life. His beautiful, lilting music composition that you hear on this episode and his deep-rooted understanding of music is a testament to the fact that at any stage of one’s life, one can add richness and meaning if they choose to pursue a passion and give it time and energy while fulfilling the obligations and everyday demands of life. Ashish’s favorite volunteering organization:https://www.operationsmile.org/Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience

Send a textAnd she is doing it all with unabashed passion; from appreciating the city she was raised in, to loving the small town in Ohio that was her introduction to practicing medicine in America, to serving on the front lines of Covid with all her might, to crediting her adopted country with the values of generosity and selflessness. Seema fondly and proudly recalls her progressive upbringing with influences that ignited a sense of giving and self confidence, and recounts her journey of becoming a physician with a focus in geriatrics. She traces the path she took to get here and the choices she made that satisfied the standards she set for herself. She recalls the challenging, dark time of Covid, but in doing so, focuses on the positive again. Her love for her husband and her children comes through clearly in her recollections and reflections, as does her love for her country - in fact both her countries. In the end she eloquently shares her desire to give back to one of them based on an ideal that she imbibed in the other. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience

Send a textMy guest Ketan migrated to the US at the age of 20, completed his undergraduate studies and MBA here, and is now recently retired after an over 30-year long career in the M&A field. In his free time, Ketan enjoys photography, digital art, music, reading, and physical fitness.Ketan shares his influences that led to his decisions to come here for higher education, especially the bar set high by his mother. He humorously shares his experiences when he came here and incidents that compelled him to ‘acculturate’. He reflects on the several stereotypes associated with Indians in America and recounts his personal experiences as well.  All of this adds up to thought-provoking opinions and stories that will surely capture the imagination of and inspire a walk down memory lane for many.  He sums up his current take on his experience as an Indian American succinctly in the words "As of now, America is my Elysium".Ketan’s photography and digital art website:  http://ketankaria.com/workThe Surat Diamond Bourse: https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/756316-largest-office-buildingFollow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience

Send a textSeema Iyer, currently an HR advisor for startups, has served as a Chief People Officer and other senior HR positions in the technology sector.  She has also been closely engaged with several nonprofit organizations (links below).  Seema is also an avid traveler and has traveled every continent.  Currently, she spends her time between the US and Europe.Regarding the family trip she talks about in the interview, this is how she summarizes it:“Well we are a bit crazy about travel, so we did an ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ backpacking trip visiting 17 countries across the continents. We picked a theme on the disappearing world and we visited Ecuador, Peru, NZ, Fiji, Vanuatu, China, Cambodia, Russia, Iceland, Norway, Romania, Jordan, Turkey, Israel, Tanzania, and Dubai. 42 flights and we didn’t miss a single one!We missed Antarctica, so we caught up on that for my daughter’s 16th birthday. The one thing we take along on all our travels is a Rick Steve backpack…..not exactly good looking, but extremely handy and well built!”Listen as she playfully answers questions about her experience in her career journey as well as questions about her marriage and her parenting decisions and dilemmas. Seema also loves her hometown which happens to be mine as well, in fact the topic of my phd dissertation, but manages to surprise me with a cool fact about it I never knew! She also shares her vision for Indian Americans stepping up to do justice to their presence on the world stage. Seema’s interview on the podcast The Atlanta Diaries:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/atalanta-diaries-breakthrough-women-in-conversation/id1649869805?i=1000585835860Charitable Organizations Seema associates with:Prathamhttps://prathamusa.org/chapters/Home of Hopehttps://homeofhopegcs.org/Bitiyahttps://www.bitiya.org/Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience

Send a textJoe Pichamuthu, a seasoned professional in the pharmaceutical industry, shares his life journey from his early days in India through college where he met the love of his life, to his impactful career choices. He recalls his adventurous and rich childhood where he was inspired by role models in his family, his fun college life, and finding his passion in the field of cancer research. He shares an inside look into the world of launching cancer drugs and gives us his very hopeful take on the future of cancer research and treatments. He also shares his and his wife’s approach toward parenting as a naturally flowing, instinctive process. He also enthusiastically shares the inspiration he got from learning the profound Japanese philosophy on living the best life. Very interestingly, he likens the spirit of India to the spirit of the US! Listen to find out how! Do you agree? Do share your thoughts in the review notes. Joe’s book recommendation: Early Indians: The Story of Our Ancestors and Where We Came From (Updated Edition) https://a.co/d/4XBDRI8Joe’s show recommendation: Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones https://g.co/kgs/KAdpW5Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience

Send a textIn this special Diwali episode,  Vandana, Rita and Monica share their thoughts, opinions and experiences as immigrant Indian Americans with a special emphasis on celebrating Diwali. They recall how they celebrated Diwali before coming here and compare it with how they do it now, and each of them comes up with her own unique conclusion about her Indian American experience. They also answer questions about their immigrant experience vs that of those Indian Americans who grew up here, and ponder what values they grew up with. Monica came to Denver in 1993 for graduate studies. She now works as a product manager in the field of technology and life sciences, is a mom of two boys, and takes care of her parents who live close to her. When she has some free time, she loves gardening and hanging out with her two cats.Rita came here in ’92 for graduate studies as well as to join her mom and brother who moved here earlier.  A mom of two adult kids, Rita has been working in product development for a long time, and unwinds by reading, gardening, taking long walks and occasionally dancing with friends! Vandana came to the US in ’93, just a few weeks after she got married.  A mom of two grown-up kids as well, she works at a business office that supports 9 medical practices.  In her free time Vandana loves to play tennis and watch all the tennis she possibly can, and always rooting for Nadal if he’s involved!  She also loves to go for long walks, hang out with her dog Millie and meet new people.Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience

Send a textShibani and Rajeev are a remarkable couple and an excellent example of a thoughtful life lived while embracing its many quirks and while fulfilling many roles. Rajeev is currently retired after about 40 years in the Information Technology industry. Shibani was in the banking industry and now works as a sales manager at an event space. They also together ran a restaurant for about 10 years. While their arrival into this country was sprinkled with reluctance and sheer chance, once they came, they opened up their hearts and minds to the community around them so sincerely that they became the ‘glue’ in their circle of friends. Shibani and Rajeev are great representatives of an Indian-American couple leading their family into establishing their roots while being open to inviting in the predominant culture around them, and being savvy stewards of the cultural heritage that they define as their own. Theirs is a story of fearlessness in constantly adapting and reinventing themselves, their sunny outlook and their policy of When in Rome…Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience

Send a textNot only is Sushila Shah’s story all of the above, but it is also a story of exuberant family love, sacrifice and support. Sushila (85) is an engineer by training (the first woman engineering graduate at her university), and had a long career as a civil engineer during which she designed bridges and dams for irrigation projects in India, and worked as a design engineer for nuclear power plants in Pennsylvania and Iowa. She had a burning ambition to do good and make a difference, and as good luck would have it, ended up marrying a man very progressive for his time who solidly supported her, and a mother-in-law who also proudly uplifted her and ‘mothered’ her while she worked. Sushila’s belief in karma keeps her level headed, and her sane and wise philosophy of not being reward-oriented helped her succeed in life. Listen as she shares her chock full of wisdom, her spiritual journey, and her deep understanding of Reiki. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience

Send a textPriti is a daughter, mom, wife, and sister.  She loves to laugh and learn. She was born in India and came to the USA at 5 years old. Priti is a Gujarati Indian American, Jain, and vegetarian.   Her present professional title is Software Engineer at IBM.  Priti has multiple patents credited to her team at IBM. Watson Research, Semiconductor & Quantum Computing. Priti is the epitome of a strong, determined woman who at first adjusted her personal pursuits to focus on starting a family and raising her boys but kept her ambition strong and had the courage, patience, and smarts to come back and flourish in her career in a workplace that had changed in so many ways. In answering the question about her return to work, Priti brings up the very important point that being a dedicated caregiver over a period of time brings out and fortifies emotional intelligence and that was a strength she brought with her when she rejoined the workforce in her 50s after a 15-year break. Additionally, she had kept herself ready to jump back in when the time was right, and she informed herself of the resources available to help her do that. IBM’s re-entry program was her doorway back in and she has proven herself to be a great asset and a role model for others to emulate. She fought back the impulse to blend in and instead agreed to be the face of IBM’s re-entry initiative as a way of ‘paying it forward’.  She lauds the multifaceted effect of education on lives, something Indian-Americans truly emphasize and value. She explains how her Gujarati and Jain heritage forms an important part of her identity.  She also shares her well-balanced philosophy on life and how she makes herself spiritually fulfilled. More about Priti Shah:Interview on International Women’s Day:https://www.linkedin.com/posts/priti-shah-a147475_internationwomensday-returnship-ibm-activity-7039221952116346880-yUdK?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktopIBM Be Equal post:Women Community | Be EqualIRelaunch site:Normalizing career breaks™ ...for everyone, everywhere. - iRelaunchA peek into Jainism practices and Shrimad Rajchandraji:https://www.srmd.org/en-US/shrimad-rajchandraji/Priti Shah on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/priti-shah-a147475?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appFollow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience

Send a textToday we welcome Arun Puri, a seasoned fund manager who reflects on his life journey and shares timeless wisdom instilled in him during his traditional upbringing in India, and shares his philosophy of embracing duty without being shackled by the potential outcomes. Arun's story challenges stereotypes, shedding light on the remarkable diversity within the Indian American community. He reminds us that Indian-Americans, like any community, are not a monolithic group. They come from various walks of life, excelling in technical roles but also in positions that demand exceptional people skills, showcasing that Indian Americans defy a one-size-fits-all narrative.Prepare to unearth valuable insights into the Indian American experience. Arun's wisdom and captivating storytelling beckons you to explore the crossroads of cultural heritage, personal evolution, and the ever-evolving identity of Indian Americans in the United States. Don't miss this treasure trove of inspiration and enlightenment. KEY TAKEAWAYSHow Indian heritage shaped Arun’s values The importance of duty and effortFocusing on what you can controlEmbracing diversity and differing perspectives Evolving Indian-American stereotypesMemorable Quotes:"I think what I have tried to live my life by, both professional and personal, is really that one needs to focus on doing one's duty without too much focus on the outcome." [6:07] - Arun Puri“People outside of India may not know how diverse India itself is, even though maybe being of Indian heritage brings you together with other Indian-Americans, there is a lot of diversity there.” [9:58] -Bindia Puri Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience

Send a textIntroducing Tejal Karia, whose illustrious career has traversed the realms of finance, tax, and treasury. Tejal's compelling narrative unfolds as she seamlessly melds Indian and American cultures, embarking on a transformative journey from her homeland in India to New Jersey.  In this episode, Tejal reveals how the amalgamation of traditional Indian values and American influences gave rise to a remarkable fusion of ideals. Within her narrative, she emphasizes the pillars of diligence, integrity, and humility as pivotal facets of her ascent to professional excellence.Join us as Tejal unravels the intricacies of cultural assimilation, charting the course of her professional evolution and the quest for life's harmonious equilibrium. Prepare to be enthralled as Tejal imparts her unique wisdom, offering a fresh vantage point on success and fulfillment.Key Takeaways:Mixing traditional and contemporary valuesRespect for elders and authorityWork ethic, integrity, and humilityAchieving balance in lifeIndian culture for the next generationBlending of American and Indian culture Memorable Quotes: "Having a healthy dose of humility will always keep you balanced and help you keep both feet on the ground." [8:20] -Tejal Karia Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience 

Send a textReena Dang Pichamuthu is a software engineer, businesswoman, and career mentor with a remarkable story. Reena's early years were influenced by her close-knit Indian family and their values of love, respect, and giving, instilled by her grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Those values emboldened her commitment to mentoring underprivileged individuals and her dedication to education and career development.In this episode, Reena challenges stereotypes associated with Indian Americans, emphasizing enduring cultural values like family, education, and generosity. Additionally, she shares her passion for diverse cuisines, showcasing how Indian Americans embrace and adapt to a global culture. Join Reena Dang Pichimuthu as she shares heartwarming stories, cultural insights, and the flavors that define Indian cuisine's vibrant fusion. Key Takeaways:Growing up in a joint familyIndian adaptability and generosity Indian heritage and identity Mixing Indian and American valuesBreaking Indian StereotypesAssimilating to American CultureMemorable Quotes:"I also am a very proud American. And I love all the values that I have also grown up with and then everything else I learned from the international community. I grew up around. So I feel like there's so much more in common there is differences." [14:48] -Reena Dang Pichamuthu"When we say Indian culture and values, it's actually two different things. Values is what you alluded to, generosity, and all the other things we just discussed, and culture is something perhaps more palpable, you know, celebrating the festivals, clothing, even language to some extent." [21:00] -Bindia PuriFollow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience

Send a textWelcome to The Indian American Experience Podcast, with your host Bindia Puri. As an educator and cultural geographer, Bindia maintains an unshakable pride in her Indian heritage, which drives her curiosity about values, culture, and identity within the Indian American community. Through her podcast, Bindia offers a unique lens into the diverse experiences of Indian-Americans. In this debut episode, Bindia sets the stage by emphasizing the rich diversity within the Indian-American community and invites listeners to gain insight into the lives of Indian-Americans through light-hearted, casual conversations.  While reflecting on her own experience as an Indian American, she prepares to showcase the experiences and insights of others in the Indian American community who have blended their Indian heritage with American culture in varying degrees, while preserving unique experiences that defy stereotypes. In Season 1, she draws upon people in their 50s and 60s to recount their experiences, and to reflect on their life-journeys in this country.Whether you are a part of the Indian-American community or interested in cultural diversity, we invite you to listen in and gain insights into questions on identity and cultural assimilation while ‘viewing a vivid picture’ of the Indian American community. Key Takeaways:Cultural Diversity and ComplexityMelding Indian Heritage and American CultureMemorable Quotes“In reality, no ethnic group, Indian-Americans included, completely assimilates or melts into the melting pot that America is, which keeps the cultural fabric of this country, as well as the experience of its ethnic groups, constantly evolving.” Bindia PuriFollow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and for more podcast episode updates: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bindia.puri.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianamericanexperience