My Gujarati Family.
When given the option of working in Ahmedabad, I almost chose against it. I thought that living near family would inhibit my freedom to learn, work and live on my own in a foreign and challenging environment. It would have been a huge mistake.
My dad still has a large family base in Ahmedabad and Gujarat. My dad’s older brother, Kirit, is our family protector. Even with modest means and at the age of 65+, he looks after all our family in India and all of our American relatives interests here with great care and without hesitation. He is methodical, incredibly patient, thoughtful and extremely loyal and kind. My dad speaks so highly of him and with so much love, and now I know why. His grandkids, Harsh (15 running) and Kanisha (9 completed)), are my best friends here. They taught me Gujarati and translated Hindi movies for me. Harsh’s curiosity and love for history is refreshing. Kanisha has a way with words and a flair that is constantly entertaining. I’ve begged their mom, Bhargavi, to let them come to the States with me. Unfortunately, she is too good of a mom, as the kids keep saying “we won’t go anywhere without her”. She has answers to all my questions and we’ve had great conversations about family and life in general. Getting to to be part of Kirit Kaka, Sushila Kaki, Parag Bhai, Bhargavi Bhabi, Harsh and Kanisha’s family rather than just a 2-week guest from America, has been without question the best part of my experience in India. I’ll forever be indebted to them.
Suresh Fua, Manju foi and me.
Kirit Kaka's family.
On the same note, I also spent time with my other relatives in India. My dad’s older sister, some cousins and cousins’ kids (who are older than me?!), my dad’s cousins, etc. I saw some of Smita’s family in Baroda when she came to India. It’s incredible how much proximity affects your relationships. I felt sad that I had all this family in India who I’ve met before on short visits but never really “knew”. But I guess the best part about family is that you can alway (re)connect through the familial bond. Without the multitude of dinners I ate at relatives houses’, I would have lost at least another 10 pounds.
Ramesh Kaka, my dad’s older cousin, his brother Satish Kaka and their families are the perfect example. We always visited them when we came to India, but other than name and appearance I couldn’t tell you much about my uncle, aunt or my cousins and their families. They fed me, blackberried me, and even came to work with me. After spending time I can tell you that it’s families like Ramesh Kaka’s that gives you hope to India’s future. They treat everyone – family, employees, domestic help, friends – with dignity and respect. It’s a far cry from how you see people generally treat others here, especially minorities and those of “lower caste”.
Ahan and Saahil.
It was amazing to see a new side of Ahmedabad, my family; and to share with them the incredible work that Saath does here.
finding rickshaw. 