Day Four - 4 Books

Books are my sweet escape. Most importantly reading consistently gives me a much-needed break from my thoughts. I'm always analyzing and thinking about things and people and situations to the point of giving myself headaches. So reading has always been my safe place. It fills my head with other people's words and thoughts when I can't handle my own. It is very difficult to pick four because I can never get enough of my favorite books and the list of favorites is endless. So in no particular order...


The Harry Potter series (J.K. Rowling)- I tend to come late to these parties... when everyone around me is fussing over something, I tend to go the opposite direction and stay away from it. And so it was with Harry. Until a friend forced me to watch the first movie a week before the second one was going to release. Afterwards I went home and immediately started reading (my brother's copies). These books hold so much inside them. There's a lesson for everyone. It is wrong to call it a children's book. The reader's age is irrelevant here. Harry's unyielding courage, Hermione's relentless drive, Ron's eternal loyalty, Snape's undying love, Dumbledore's infinite wisdom, Sirius's unbreakable devotion... I could go on. The magic isn't just in the spells!

The Power of Habit (Charles Duhigg)- this is one book that has changed my life. I learned so much about people, about myself, about human behavior. I learned why I started doing the things I do, why I continue to do them, why I will never stop, and how I can if I really want to. Everyone should read this book.

The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)- this one is a classic. My favorite thing about this book is its characters. This is not a book about good people vs bad people. It's about the good AND the bad that exists within each of us. Integrity is an undervalued virtue and it's importance is highlighted beautifully in this book.

Leaving Microsoft to Change the World (John Wood)- one of the most inspirational stories to come from this generation. John Wood was a high-ranking executive at Microsoft who went on a trip to Nepal to get away from his stressful job. One day in Nepal he happened to visit a school and commented on the fact that there were about a handful of books for the entire school. One local man said "Perhaps, sir, one day you'll come back with books." Later that day, Mr.Wood sent an email to everyone in his address book with the subject line "Books for Nepal". What started as a book drive for a school in rural Nepal has turned into an organization called Room to Read that has been opened over 15,000 libraries and 1600 schools in the developing world. Room to Read is solely responsible for changing the lives of almost 8 million children. Reading this book made me realize that access to education is not something to be taken for granted. I am lucky to have been born to parents that not only value education but can afford to give me that education. It is no longer acceptable to say that it is "unfortunate" for a child to not have opportunities simply because of where he/she was born. I defy anyone not to be moved by Mr.Wood's story.

Day Three - 3 Movies

The Godfather (parts I and II) - two of the greatest movies ever made! You can't call yourself a movie lover if you've never seen these. I've always been fascinated with anything mafia-related...when I was a kid I used to tell my dad that I would marry a mafia don one day. I'll never forget his expression when I told him it's because I thought it meant I would get free Prada.

The Lion King - whose list wouldn't include this one? Such a classic! Mufasa is the man!

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai - had to include this one. One of the few chick flicks I could actually sit through. I was very young and impressionable when I saw this one. But still I'm me...at the end, I wanted a bestfriend not a lover.

Day Two - 2 Songs

Look After You - The Fray

"There now, steady love, so few come and won't go
Will you won't you be the one I'll always know
When I'm losing my control, the city spins around
You're the only one who knows, you slow it down"

My most favorite song...that I can't listen to.

To me it's about a person and the song we called "our song." An old friend, the most cherished one of all. A special time in my life... in our life, because we were one entity. How we were together, how we laughed at ourselves, how we cried to each other. The long talks, the endless nights, the silly fights, and all the giggles. We never ran out of things to talk about but mostly we were perfectly happy sitting together for hours in silence. As difficult as it is to find someone to talk to, it is even harder to find someone to be quiet with. He knew me better than I knew myself, one look was all it took. What need is there for words when you can convey everything with your eyes? What we had wasn't just happiness, it was pure contentment. Wanting nothing more than what we had in that exact moment. He made me believe in soulmates...because he's mine.



Soundtrack 2 My Life - Kid Cudi

"I've got some issues that nobody can see
And all of these emotions are pouring outta me
I bring them to the light for you
It's only right" 

We all have issues. As much as we may pretend to be, no one's perfect. We've all seen pain. The least we can do for the ones who love us is let them in once a while. Easier said than done because it takes a mountain of trust. But truth is still and always will be the greatest gift we can give.

The Home Team

the loves of my life

Day One - 1 Picture

 

quote of the moment

“But remember, the brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough. They’re there to stop the other people.” -Randy Pausch

my latest passion

Help us improve healthcare in Andhra Pradesh.

Project AP

with my numero uno

baby bro

This is one of my favorite photos from my childhood. It's also one of my favorites of me and my brother. It's amazing how one image brings back so many memories and instantly takes you back. I'm also stunned to think how far we've come from that day. I'm 24 now and my brother is 18. I think this photo was taken in 95, when I was 8 and he was 2. He's grown up to be a wonderful man and I'm already so incredibly proud of him. Can't wait to see what the next 15 years have in store for us!

A Walk On The Dark Side

Got an interesting phone call a few hours ago as I sat here studying. I didn't recognize the number so I was a bit rude initially. It turned out to be my hair stylist, Lee. He asked me to participate in a hair show called "A Walk On The Dark Side" being held tomorrow as part of a local breast cancer awareness project. I said yes immediately, without really thinking. I believe there are certain opportunities in life that only knock once. They might turn out to be good, they might turn out to be horrible. Either way, you've enjoyed yourself or learned something. I don't consider myself even remotely close to qualifying as a model but this is something fun and for a good cause. I'm a bit nervous because I have to style my own outfit. Also, I have to incorporate the color pink into my outfit which will be difficult seeing as I own very little of it. Hair and makeup will be in the hands of the professionals. Oh and I don't know how to walk or pose! Still, I'm super excited. Photos to come!

"Do not go gentle into that good night" by Dylan Thomas

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

"I entered like a winner." -Vasuki Sunkavalli

Those who know Miss Universe India 2011 Vasuki Sunkavalli use many words to describe her. Confident, intelligent, genuine, kind, strong, beautiful, etc. Perhaps the most fitting word is driven. This is a woman who has, in a relatively short time, accomplished many things. Undoubtedly, the most striking thing about Vasuki is her unyielding drive. She sets a goal, she works towards it, and she achieves it. What better role model for the young girls of today?

Vasuki attended Symbiosis International University and graduated with an LL.B degree in 2007. While there she was president of the Human Rights Cell and Deputy Editor of the University Law Review. It was during this period that she was approached several times by members of the fashion industry. She declined as her priority then was her education. She knew if tried to do both, she wouldn’t be able to give her all to either. Doing something halfway is not acceptable to Vasuki. In 2006, she received the Law School prize for Most Diligent Mooter and won the gold medal in the Inter-College Moot Court competition. At graduation, she was awarded the D.L. Mazumdar Medal for Overall Outstanding Performance in 2007 and the Mother Teresa Scholarship for exceptional work in Human Rights. Vasuki also found time to do an internship at a law firm conducting research and assisted in drafting license agreements. While in law school, she did a series of internships at India’s National Human Rights Committee where she drafted petitions and wrote shadow reports regarding women’s issues and general human rights issues such as right to healthcare and water.

In 2007, Vasuki made her entry into Indian fashion when she walked the ramp at Wills India Fashion Week. For the next two years, she had a prolific career as a model. She participated in various shows for many of India’s top designers and modeled for brands based in Mumbai, New Delhi, Jaipur, and Kolkata. She was also part of the ad campaigns of Nike, Kit Kat, and World Gold Council. During this period, Vasuki also worked at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Avahan Project for HIV/AIDS as Programming Officer. As assistant to the program director, she drafted policies and conducted fieldwork in an effort to spread awareness and introduce sex education to rural areas.

In 2009, Vasuki enrolled at New York University to study International Law and Human Rights. She graduated with an LLM as a recipient of the prestigious Dean’s Scholarship. Upon graduating, she interned at the Human Rights Watch in NYC where she worked on reports regarding illegal police detentions and children’s rights. She was then appointed as the Third Committee’s research assistant at the United Nations’ Permanent Mission of India. While there, she concentrated on human rights.

As one can see, Vasuki is deeply committed to making a contribution to the world that has given her so much. Infact, it was one of the reasons behind her enrollment in the Miss Universe pageant. Vasuki is many things. Vasuki is a woman on a relentless pursuit to make a difference. She is a lawyer, an athlete (she played basketball at both state and national levels for eight years), a model, and a crusader for human rights. But to those who know Vasuki, she is quite simply a woman whose gorgeous face pales in comparison to her inner beauty. Many say she is a beauty with brains, but she is in fact much more. She is a brutally honest woman who fights fearlessly for that which she believes is right. Vasuki demonstrates the generosity of spirit and dedication to community that is expected not only of a Miss Universe, but of a true citizen of world.

To vote for Vasuki in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant in Brazil, click here.

If money wasn't an issue, and if you had to completely ditch your life as it is now and pack up everything... where would you choose to go? What would you do?


Manhattan!




I would walk for miles... breathe in the city... take photos of everyone and everything... eat pizza at 2AM... watch the pigeons... shop for roadside art... sip coffee while listening to the city's cries... welcome the new year in Times Square... stroll through rain and snow in no particular direction... go to Lincoln Center for Fashion Week... jog in Central Park... and become one with the city.

is this progress?

This post is about the following article...

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/four-grams-of-gold-free-of-cost-for-girls-getting-married-jayalalithaa/791626/

Briefly put, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Jayalalitha has pledged to give 4 grams of gold to women getting married. Her other pledges involve free rice, etc.

I'd like to know why incentives are being offered that promote marriage but not education. What the young girls of India need is schooling so they can be financially independent. With this offering of gold, yes there will be people who benefit. But there will also be those who take advantage of the system. Who is to say this won't encourage women to get married several times? Or for men to take advantage of unassuming women in the greed for gold? Has anyone considered the consequences of this policy?

The days of securing one's future via marriage are long gone. We should be encouraging children to become self-sufficient and the way to do that is through education. Politicians, knowingly or not, seem to be stepping on progress with policies such as these. It is time to elect those who recognize the importance of education.

my day job vs my passion

Medicine is my day job. Fashion is my passion.

Medicine is in my blood. Fashion helps me breathe.

Medicine is faith. Fashion is religion.

Medicine is not for all though it should be. Fashion is for all though it shouldn't be.

Medicine is science, logic. Fashion is art, limitless.

Medicine is work. Fashion is instinct.

Medicine lets me help people. Fashion helps me.

Medicine is what my mind tells me to do. Fashion is what my soul needs me to do.

who is your hero?

I believe a hero to be any person who inspires you to be your best. To push limits and surpass expectations. A hero compels you to think, to act. A hero is someone who leads without intending to, inspires without words, and endures in the face of overwhelming adversity.

People often cite famous names when asked who their hero is. Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, etc. These are men and women who have achieved great things and whose stories inspire millions.

I have been lucky enough to find my hero in a person I not only know, but with whom I share a very special relationship.

Mom is many things. She is a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a friend, a doctor. When you see her with her family, you see a woman with immense patience and unwavering loyalty. If you talk to her friends, you will hear of a woman who not only cares tremendously but has the guts to be honest, even if it could jeopardize a friendship. In her interactions with her patients, you see a confident physician with genuine concern and a desire to heal.

People are amazed when they see how close Mom and I are. I believe that we've struck the perfect balance; yes, she is my mother but she has also become one of my closest friends. I have always cherished my relationship with Mom not only because of its rarity but also for its role in shaping my identity. She didn't just give me life; I inherited from her a heart that loves without hesitation, a soul free of demons, and an open mind.

Mom always says she was blessed with the most supportive and wonderful parents anyone could ask for and I couldn't agree more. Neither of my grandparents were educated but of their five children, one is a math genius, one a doctor, one a lawyer, and one an engineer. My grandfather feared nothing and worked tirelessly so his children could have what he never did. My grandmother is a dynamic woman whose generosity and compassion know no limits. An uneducated couple from rural India raising such successful children might elicit surprise but only until you meet them. They are proof that hard-work and perseverance will take you far.

One of the things I admire most about Mom is her strength. She has overcome many obstacles, on both personal and professional fronts. She has a way of finding the good in people and extracting the lessons from bad situations all the while remaining undaunted. She doesn't compromise on her principles and she doesn't rest until she reaches her goal.

As a mother, Mom supports me, guides me; and the best thing about her is that she has never, ever let me doubt that. As a woman, Mom inspires me to be better than my best and reach farther than I dared. I sometimes look at her in awe for who she is, why she is, and how she came to be. I believe myself to be incredibly blessed to have her in my life and am proud to call her my mother. She is compassionate to those in need, devoted to her commitments, and relentless in her pursuits. If I could be a tenth of the person she is, I would consider myself a great success.

who is the real enemy?

The Guardian reported this week on documents that find Pakistani Intelligence Agency (ISI) to have been involved with the 26-11 Mumbai terror attacks of 2008. The document is a report of the interrogation of suspect David Headley.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/oct/18/pakistan-isi-mumbai-terror-attacks

Headley claims that ISI not only met with the LeT but also partially financed two of their missions. ISI officials have denied it and it is being said that perhaps the top-ranked officials were "unaware of atleast the scale of the planned strike." Also, Headley's wife stated that she approached the FBI to report her husband's activities but was ignored.

In the wake of all of this, there is going to be a lot of anger and justifiably so. I'm very torn on this issue. I'd like to know why the ISI is not being held accountable for their actions. I think the United States fancies themselves as the "neutral" parent to two fighting children. If they don't want to "pick a side," that's fine. This is not a playground. What concerns me is that more and more administrations are choosing to stay quiet and be "politically correct" rather than condemn that which is wrong.

Is it solely an India-Pakistan thing? Because when Israeli soldiers brutally attacked an aid ship a few months ago, the Obama administration condemned Israel, a US ally.

When the Twin Towers were attacked, Americans sprang into action. President Bush said he would "go get the people who did this" and a war on terror was declared. Less than a month later on October 7, the US Army marched into Afghanistan. The same administration told Indians to be calm, rational, and not act too quickly when over 160 people were killed by armed militants. These men snuck onto Indian soil and brutally shot men, women, and children. Many claim that the attacks were about religion. But it wasn't just Hindus that died. A Jewish center was among the places attacked. Americans and Britons also died that day.

Last month, I criticized the Indian government for not being more cooperative with Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. I'm starting to understand a little more now why they are so resistant. In light of all this, I find myself wondering if peace is even on Pakistan's agenda.

I'd like to make clear that I have nothing against the people of Pakistan. From what I've read, seen, and heard, the Pakistani government is an inaccurate representation of its people. It would be wrong to hold the citizens of any nation accountable for the actions of their government.

I may hold citizenship in the US but India is the country of my birth and has shaped my identity and my outlook. I will never apologize for denouncing attacks on India or her people. Moreover, as an educated individual, I have the guts to speak out when that which is precious to me is threatened. Do you?


"That which is morally wrong can never be politically right." -Khushwant Singh

the Proust questionnaire

Monsieur Marcel Proust was a French writer who came across the following questionnaire at a party. He answered it several times in his lifetime and popularized it with his answers. I thought it would be fun to answer it now, at 23. And then again a few years from now (if I'm still writing!).


Your most marked characteristic?
honesty

The quality you most like in a man?
integrity and the courage to defend it

The quality you most like in a woman?
confidence

What do you most value in your friends?
loyalty

What is your principle defect?
so lazy!

What is your favorite occupation?
anything that allows one to make a difference

What is your dream of happiness?
peace of mind and someone to laugh with

What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes?
standing in your own way on the road to success

What would you like to be?
successful

In what country would you like to live?
India

What is your favorite color?
white

What is your favorite flower?
white rose

What is your favorite bird?
eagle

Who are your favorite prose writers?
Robert Frost, J.K. Rowling, Homer

Who are your favorite poets?
Robert Frost, Maya Angelou

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Frodo, Dumbledore

Who are your favorite heroines of fiction?
Hermione

Who are your favorite composers?
Mozart, Beethoven, Michael Jackson, A.R. Rahman

Who are your favorite painters?
Leonardo da Vinci, Michaelangelo, Vincent Van Gogh

Who are your heroes in real life?
Mom and my grandfather

What is it you most dislike?
not being true to one's self

What natural gift would you most like to possess?
I would love to sculpt

How would you like to die?
content

What is your present state of mind?
irritated and impatient

To what faults do you feel most indulgent?
sleep

What is your motto?
"Anger so clouds the mind that it cannot perceive the truth." -Cato

Your name or pseudo?
Meghana, Megs, Maggi, MC, M, Coco, Thunder

the Kashmir issue

Kashmir... I've always wanted to go! My parents took a trip about 22 years ago and Mom still tells me how beautiful it was. This blog post will turn a lot of people against me, perhaps even my own father. But, it has to be said. And if approached with an open mind, it might, at the very least, open your eyes.

For many Indians, Kashmir is like the jewel in the crown of India. They are not entirely sure why but it is. It could be because atleast two governments want to claim it as their own. It could be because its a beautiful region, so they've heard. In actuality, Kashmir has lost most of its beauty. That tends to happen when bloodshed and protests take place regularly. For most Indians, it is simply a matter of pride. They have no real, vested interest in the region. It is about one-upping our so-called "enemies." And the thought of surrendering Kashmir to Pakistan results in outrage. They say we shouldn't have to give anything to the Pakistanis, they chose to leave afterall. That may be true and in any case, you are entitled to your opinion. The question I have is, what about the people of Kashmir? Does their opinion matter? Will their voices ever be heard?

It is a fact that since the insurgency in 1989, around 80,000 residents of Kashmir have died. These are Indian citizens. The Indian government spends a sickening amount of money maintaining our Army's presence there. However, it is unclear whether our Army is protecting Kashmiris from Pakistan or attacking protesters. Ever since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks press coverage showed Indian commandos charging into the Taj Hotel, people all over India have come to admire them. Do the children in Bangalore know that the soldiers they are idolizing shoot their Kashmiri brothers in the head mercilessly?

Indians all over the world pride themselves on the fact that India is the largest democracy in the world. When anyone claims India is inferior to China, we immediately hit back with our democratic freedom. Yes, we enjoy liberties that the Chinese don't. What, then, do you say about the fact that these same liberties are not being extended to the people of Kashmir? If a political group in Mumbai can protest petrol prices and shut down the entire city, why then can't the people of Kashmir speak out against that which they believe is unfair? Why is our government silencing their own subjects?

On the world stage, India obnoxiously denies the fact that Kashmiris do not want to be part of India. No one disputes this because India is an economic superpower with nuclear weapons. The US needs India and Pakistan both as allies. In a global perspective, Kashmir is a timebomb waiting to go off. Every time there's any regional or political unrest between India and Pakistan, the world prays that we don't reach for our nukes. It is irrelevant if the insurgency is backed by Pakistan. What deserves attention is that the people we are fighting to call our own don't want to be one of us. I'm not proposing that we hand over the "deed of Kashmir" to Pakistan. In the same breath, I am not suggesting that we let Kashmir be an independent state. I am not learned on politics and frankly, I don't know if that is even feasible. All I'm saying is that we should listen to the people of Kashmir. The very essence of our young country would be destroyed if we cannot grant our citizens the right to voice their concerns.

I have said many times that I would never step foot in China. One of my problems with the Chinese government is the Tibet issue. The Dalai Lama is the head of state and the spiritual leader of Tibet. Tibetans are not allowed to speak of the Dalai Lama because under Chinese law, it is illegal to utter his name. He is currently in exile and lives in India in an area nicknamed "Little Lhasa." The Indian government has granted him permission to set up "The Government of Tibet in Exile" in Dharamsala. There are about 80,000 Tibetan refugees that live there. The people living in Tibet want more than anything to be rid of the Chinese and live freely again. When we can show so much compassion to our Asian neighbors who are being oppressed by their invaders, why are we being so stubborn about Kashmir? I am aware that India did not invade Kashmir. The region is technically on Indian soil. However, Pakistan and Bangladesh were also technically Indian soil about 63 years ago. When they wanted to go, they went. If this is about land, why are we not fighting to add Lahore back to our territory lines?

I hear many Indians rant about how Kashmir is ours and Pakistan "needs to back off." I defy all of them to go spend 6 months in Kashmir. If you are so hell-bent on the issue, why don't you go live there? Any sane person would not come back the same after seeing firsthand the pain of the Kashmiris. The quality of life in Kashmir is despicable. Curfews last for months at a time. Schools are closed and courts aren't in session. Exams are postponed which further delays graduation. Recently, an 18-year old boy was shot in the legs by an Indian solider. Why? Because he tried to attend the funeral of a protester. I, for one, would be too ashamed to face a Kashmiri. It is very easy for me to shout about India's right to Kashmir from my very comfortable life in America. Same goes for the people in Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi who whine incessantly about the traffic. Just imagine that your sister falls ill and needs to get to a hospital. You call for an ambulance and before it gets there, your sister dies. Why didn't the ambulance come even though the roads are empty? Because the Indian Army stopped the ambulance and tore up the driver's curfew pass. This is an incident that happened this summer in Kashmir.

The India we know is very different from the India that Kashmir knows. To them, India is the government sending military officers to control their movements. India is the government ignoring their angst while glorifying her IT millionaires. To me India symbolizes home, family, traditions, and an immense source of pride. But when our government cannot treat ALL of her citizens equally, then it should not be given the privilege to rule them. What is happening today to a Kashmiri can very well happen tomorrow to a Tamilian. So to me, Kashmir is not the jewel in India's crown. Kashmir is a scar on India's face. Indians shouldn't scream ignorantly about Kashmir; we should instead demand that our fellow citizens be heard. The true spirit of democracy lies in the fact that the rights of the minority should not be voted on by the majority. If not for our fellow countrymen, do it for the sake of our country's reputation. Because when the history books are written, someone somewhere will realize that India did not stand by her people.