Making Peace With My Hinduism, And Myself
Unlike most of my peers, my favorite time of day as a child was bedtime. Well, at least it was when my maternal grandmother — who visited my family every[…]
Category: Religion
Why The Hindu American Foundation Does Not Speak For Me
As an educator who believes in the ability of education to inspire people to build a better world and to develop people into fuller human beings, I take issue with[…]
#DontEraseIndia’s Edits Are About Accuracy And Parity, Not Politics
In her April 15 piece “#DontEraseIndia And the Conflation of Religion and Politics,” Hema Karunakaram makes several excellent points. There really are Hindus outside India, and non-Hindus within it. Hinduism[…]
Sikh Americans On The Daily Show Explain Why Throwing Hasan Minhaj Under The Bus Is Not An Option
On last night’s episode of The Daily Show, news satire correspondent Hasan Minhaj met with designer and actor Waris Ahluwalia to discuss Islamophobia and its effect on Sikh Americans. Waris, who[…]
#DontEraseIndia And The Conflation Of Religion And Politics
I grew up around a large, vibrant desi community — with lots of poojas, potlucks, and pretty saris — and I’m so grateful to all the family and aunties and[…]
No Justice In Jassi Sidhu Murder Case: Court Rejects India’s Extradition Order For Victim’s Mother & Uncle
If she were still alive, last month would mark the 17th anniversary of Jaswinder ‘Jassi’ Kaur Sidhu’s marriage to Sukhwinder ‘Mithu’ Singh. But instead of a celebration, her husband continues to[…]
Three Prayers, A Rug, And A Dark Brown Polymer
“No one is allowed to use the conference room anymore,” my manager at the environmental lab explained during a brief encounter in the hallway, “Unless it’s for prayer.” A few[…]
Pop Culture · Religion · TV
Aziz Ansari & Dev Shah: What’s In A Name?
Aziz Ansari has been nominated for a Golden Globe and received countless accolades for his Netflix series, Master of None. As a fellow Indian Muslim stand-up comic, actor and writer,[…]
Politics · Pop Culture · Religion
#GoodMuslimBadMuslim Is Essential Listening For All Americans Everywhere
I’ve always been a staunch advocate of “better late than never” and this adage applies to the #GoodMuslimBadMuslim podcast dreamed up by activist and contributor to The Aerogram Taz Ahmed and comedy queen Zahra[…]
My Hajj Experience: Seeing My Grandfather Again
My grandfather was a magician in his warmth — a man who paved the way for my life as an American. He had six children and sixteen grand-children. He used[…]