Tag: blogger

1973 Letter of a Nostalgic Indian Lady in Minnesota 

On By ShivangiIn Blogs in General, Books, Quotes, Stories10 Comments

Ever wondered how an Indian immigrant woman felt in 1970s Minnesota, US, when support systems were negligible, there were no Indian restaurants, and making phone calls or sourcing groceries was hard? Read this old letter to get a feel of life before organizations like the India Association of Minnesota (IAM) appeared on the scene.

My dearest Didi,

Sadar Pranam! Received your sweet letter yesterday, I am happy to know that Dadi, Ma, Pitaji, Ranju, and Reena are doing well. I can’t believe that our Ranju’s marriage has been arranged and her wedding is next month.

It’s so hard for me to say this, Didi, but I will be missing Ranju’s wedding. You know that my second trimester is on, and it’s not safe to travel. Please tell Ma and Pitaji not to worry about me. I am managing well, trying my best to adjust to my first brutal winter in Minnesota.

I always pour my heart out in my letters to you, but to Ma and Pitaji, I write only cheerful things. I don’t want them to worry about how much I miss India. I wish we had a “Maayka” like support system here, where I could find the support and unconditional love I miss so much. Every small thing from India, crumpled newspaper, snack wrappers, achar bottles… reminds me of home…

It must be hard for you to imagine, but I stay quiet for most days. Your jijaji travels often, and there’s no one to talk to in this apartment. I miss the endless chatter of Dadi, the morning chants of Ma-Pitaji, the clink-clatter of Hariji in the kitchen, the conversations of our friends near the Ganga riverfront, and the uproar we siblings used to create back home.

I cherish reading the Hindi newspapers that you put in my saree folds, and search for India-related pictures in magazines. I earnestly hope for cheaper trunk calls someday so I can speak to you all for more than 3 minutes.

Didi, one thing I love doing here is visiting the UMN campus and meeting other Indian families. I have made friends with other ladies whose husbands are studying at the University of Minnesota. Our families watch Indian movies like “Bawarchi” on weekends, and we often exchange recipes. One friend from Tamil Nadu has taught me how to make idlis.

You know, according to the Indian American Directory 1972, there are just around 600 Indians here. We are all from different parts of India, but we always try to stay connected.

With my pregnancy advancing, I crave Aloo Dum like the one Ma used to make, but Indian groceries and some spices are not always available. Our local Chinese grocery sometimes has overpriced Indian spices, so I order from a New York Jewish store that stocks Indian spices.

You know, there are no Indian or vegetarian restaurants here, so we hardly eat out, but your jijaji always helps me. Housework is becoming more difficult as my pregnancy progresses, and I long for helpers like in India.

Didi, the native people here are very kind and supportive. Last week, a kind neighbor taught me how to use the dishwasher properly, and it made me so happy. Despite my limited knowledge of English, she explained so well that I was able to follow her. There are just a handful of Hindi-speaking ladies around, so I am trying my best to learn and express myself confidently in English.

I often worry about how I will manage everything – taking care of a newborn and household chores – without any day-to-day guidance. I’ve seen other immigrant ladies struggle. Back in India, you and Ma would guide me on everything, from wearing my saree to packing my suitcase. How will I cope without you all?

When my child is born, how will he learn about our culture and traditions? Will I be able to teach them our language? Will they celebrate Dussehra, Diwali, and other festivals like their cousins? Will they find acceptance and confidence in a place where there are so few like them?

But you know, one recent happening has filled me with hope, and my worries have lessened. Some of our amazing people have formed an association called the India Club. I am so happy about it, and earnestly hope and pray to find my “Maayka” at this club. May this club grow into a bigger organization and enable Indians like me to meet each other, get supported, and explore their dreams.

A culturally rich and thriving Indian community in Minnesota is what I dream of, and I’m sure the future will be brighter for my children and the coming generations.

There’s little space left in this inland letter for me to scribble on. Please convey my pranam to the elders and love to our younger sisters. Give my blessings to Ranju. Do write back without delay, as your letters are my lifeline.

Yours, Guddi

Note – This is a fictionalized version of an Indian woman’s thoughts in 1973, when IAM (India Association of Minnesota) was yet to be formed. Since 1973, organizations such as India Club (later renamed as IAM 1993), Geeta Ashram, Minnesota (1974), Gujarati Samaj of Minnesota (1976), Hindu Society of Minnesota (HSMN) (1978), School of India for Languages and Culture (SILC, 1979), and many more have been supporting Indians across Minnesota and helping them feel at home in their new home.
References – “Letter to the Community” by Neena Gada and “From Seven Rivers to Ten Thousand Lakes” by Preeti Mathur.

Small Things – “Stilllife“ with two apprentice

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Just a small thing to share 💕- Took up the brush after a long time! Sought assistance of my two apprentice (and their father for a bit) to create the replica of “StillLife with a White Mug” c. 1764 by Jean Siméon Chardin. Finished within one day as we used acrylic. Then, asked the little one to look up the original artist.

He just shared his perspective – probably, the Jean guy was a fat French guy, too much interested in healthy food, that’s why he painted apples, pears…!! well, ahem😂

Note – The kids are almost out of their childhood and well into their teens. Time flies, my dear friends. Be well, all of you!! #painting #acrylic painting

Free Fallin’ Tom Petty Tribute Enthralls at Fitzgerald Theatre MN

On By ShivangiIn Blogs in General1 Comment

Last night, February 22, 2025, the Fitzgerald Theatre in Minnesota was alive with the spirit of Tom Petty, thanks to an incredible performance by the Minnesota band “Free Fallin.”

This talented tribute band, which includes Karl Swartz on lead guitar, Russ Lund on bass, Dale Peterson on keys, Wade Kirby as Lead singer and guitarist, Ted Byrne as the Utility Musician, Mark Medcalf on Drums and others, delivered a show that honored Petty’s legacy to perfection. The crowd turnout was great despite the infamous Minnesota cold!

My music lover sons loved the show and watched with undivided attention. According to them, “the performers had a great connection with the crowd and their skill was amazing. A huge shoutout to @Karlswartz!”

Karl Swartz

Tom Petty, who passed in 2017, left behind a towering catalog of hits and a four-decade run of sold-out shows. “Free Fallin” channeled that magic, blending stunning musicianship with a genuine connect with the crowd. Their interaction with the audience was electric, drawing everyone into the experience as if Petty himself were in the room. The display of skill was top-notch!

Other performances by “Our House” was enthralling (tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young) and “Taming the Tiger” (tribute to Joni Mitchell) was beautiful and touching.

@thefitzgeraldtheaterfreefallin #tompetty #tompettyconcert #tamingthetiger #ourhouse

A letter from 2050 by a “chill” human in an AI world

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Hey, whoever

I cant belief I’m writin a letter. Like, whats the point? We got AI for everythin. But, I guess its a kinda fun.

I dont do much no more. AI does all the work. I just chill. Watch vids, play games, scroll thru SocialSphere. I laike being a couch potato. Its lit.

I dont know how people used to do it. Workin all day, stressin bout money… no thanks.

As a recipient of Universal Basic Income, I’m kinda grateful. No more worries about food, shelter, or healthcare like they did in the past.

The AI nexus (govt and rich tech biggies) provide some money every month to all of us for doin nothing. In return, they tell us to just have fun and give “no trouble”! You know since humans don’t do much so they fight a lot and AI inspectors have to keep us safe.

The AI inspectors, robots and drones maintain our infrastructure, grow our food, and do all the jobs. It’s fun man!

But, Something feels off sometimes. I dont even remember whats real and whats not.

• Neighborhoods are all same, designed by a single mind.
•⁠ everyone has same stuff, all have same kinda money except govt and tech biggies coz they are doing hard work for all of us. I have heard that the big techies have insane amount of money! I think they no more live on Earth but on a different planet.

•⁠ kiddos are taught by AI and they need to obey the AI ways. More and more human kids dress up and act like AIs these days.

•⁠ The AI Nexus constantly feeds my AR with information, entertainment, and could be thoughts and emotions, too.
•⁠ ⁠Those who question the Nexus vanish.

Whenever i have doubts comin in my mind, the AI inspector comes to check on me. He freakin knows everything, he’s kinda god! He likes to pet me and calls me “old dawg.” He instructs me to refresh my thoughts, shud sorry emotions come to me.

Does my random stupid thoughts matter? I think we all shud be grateful and I think its all good, man! Sometimes I do wonder, whats the point of me? But then I’m like, who cares? The AI Nexus is better in everything, let them handle everything…

I’m good. Got my Basic Income, got my Nexus assistant. Whats not to love? As they used to say – “Ignorens is chill!”

Oh, and the AI inspector gave me a new VR setup. Its insane. I can be anyone, anywhere.

L8r,

Me (Someday in April, 2050)

P.S. Follow me on SocialSphere @ChillVibes2050

(The imaginative letter from a futuristic human is a combination of AI and my writing. The image is AI-generated)

AI’s Surprising Impact on Jobs: What’s at Risk?

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Did you know that “Computer” used to be a job title? Before machines took over, “Computers” were humans, usually women, who would compute figures and data manually. When “Computer machines” took over, the “Computer occupation” ceased.

With the advent of AI, we all know that some existing jobs could become AI apps and devices. You could be assuming that the most impacted jobs to turn into AI devices/apps would be like:

*Administrative Assistant AI

*Customer Service AI

*Content Writer AI…

However, recent research debunks the belief that AI will only impact non-technical and routine jobs. The most impacted ones could likely be:

*Cardiovascular Technologist AI

*Air Traffic AI

*Software Developer AI?…

According to recent research (published in PNAS Nexus) about AI’s impact on various jobs in the US, the most impacted jobs may be white-collared professions requiring advanced education and specialized skills.

The 5 top impacted jobs include:

– Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians,

– Sound Engineering Technicians

– Nuclear Medicine Technologists

– Air Traffic Controllers

– Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists.

On the other hand, blue-collar jobs that require physical labor, or manual skills, are least likely to be impacted by AI. The top “safe” jobs include:

– Pile Driver Operators

– Dredge Operators

– Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors

– Graders and Sorters Agricultural Products

– Insurance Underwriters

However, the good news is that AI’s impact could be more on specific skills within domains, irrespective of whether those skills are routine or non-routine. For example, AI may automate the analysis of brain scans rather than taking over a neurologist’s job, which requires human-to-human interaction and decision-making skills.

Despite these new studies and research, AI looks like an unpredictable giant. Therefore, we must aim to develop #AI-complementing skills ((human-centric, human-AI collaboration, AI-driven innovation, etc ), so that the evolving human and AI relationship stays healthy. So, even if our job titles cease to exist like the “Computer occupation”, we will be aligned with new roles and responsibilities and stay ahead of the curve.

It’s also critical that AI creators (big tech companies investing in AI) think responsibly and create AI products that align with human well-being rather than threaten our intellectual, creative, social, and economic development.

Pic courtesy: https://www.messynessychic.com/2021/11/02/human-computer-the-forgotten-womens-profession/

Research on which jobs will AI replace – https://studyfinds.org/which-jobs-will-ai-replace/

Introducing Bento: A Unique South Asian Kids’ Magazine

On By ShivangiIn Blogs in General, Kids Kahaani2 Comments

My dear readers,

I am excited to introduce “Bento” to you. Published by the Austin-based non-profit Peerbagh, it’s a one-of-a-kind global South Asian kids’ print magazine and I am happy to be one of the contributors.

About Bento

“Bento,” is the only global South-Asian children’s magazine in print. It has multiple stories by diverse and global South Asian creators talking about history, culture, and storytelling. There are fun activities for kids and their grownups as well.

The first issue is on the theme “where the wild things are,“ which features my story – “The Koel Bird Who Saved 1000 Mango Trees. My story is inspired by my grandmother’s Magahi-language folk story about a bird who just refuses to give up. I am sure it will inspire our readers and also help them connect with nature.

In this issue, you will learn about elephants from Afghanistan, travel with snow leopards in the Himalayas, discover the unicorns in the Indus Valley, and work on your animal trivia! Bento has a special section by student reporters.

Pre-order Bento

If you want to introduce delightful South Asian stories to your children, you can preorder the quarterly magazine here (US, UK and Canada). Readers residing in South Asia can order here. All pre-orders will get a free reading list printable.

Publishing Opportunity

If you are a South Asian writer and want to share your unpublished work for upcoming issues, use this link.

“Bento” is produced by GudNut Media LLC and distributed in partnership with Millennium India Education Foundation. If you are a bookseller or library trying to buy bulk copies of “Bento”, please email GudNut media at gudnutmedia@gmail.com or reach out to Upasna Kakroo at namaste@peerbagh.com.

Hope you will spread the word and promote diverse story-telling in the US and around the world. It’s a brave and laudable effort by Upasna Kakroo to support marginalized South Asian voices and story-telling.

Thank you for your encouragement and always wishing only the best for you,

Shivangi

#diversebooks #southasian #kidsmagazine #kidsstory

Paw Things #8 – Minneapolis “Happy-est” City in the US! For pets too?

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Woof Woof from Happy Singh! I just heard some pawsitively exciting news! Minneapolis, in Minnesota, has been voted the happiest US city in a recent poll. Woof woof! It got me thinking – what makes a place “Happy” for humans might also make it the happiest for us furry friends, right?

I think Minnesota has a high happiness quality for pets because of the abundance of dog parks, walking spaces, and lakes. There are so many open, beautiful places to run, and explore, and big fields for big dogs like me!

I also feel happy living here because I get to see other furry friends in our community like Tarzan, Amber, Nala, Stanley, Toggie, and even a cool cat named Blanket.

The humans here are quite friendly too! They always stop and chat with each other and often pet me when we’re out for walks. I always get compliments and questions about my breed. “What breed is this cutie?” and my dad proudly replies, “Shepherd-Collie mix!”

And don’t get me started on the amazing food options for dog food foodies like me! There are so many great restaurants and big pet stores to explore. I love the dog bone section at Petco and my weekly Puppuccino from Starbucks!

I believe all these reasons make Minnesota a very “Happy” place for dogs. What do you think? Do you agree that Minnesota is the happiest place for pets as well? Bow wow, woof!

Koel saves 1000 mango trees – An audio bedtime story

On By ShivangiIn Blogs in General, Kids Kahaani, StoriesLeave a comment

Long ago, my grandma (naani) told me the story of a resilient little bird, who loses his seeds and tries every trick to get them back. Out of that Magahi folk story, this story was born.

This chain tale is about a Koel bird, who leaves no stone unturned to save mango trees. Everyone calls her silly, but she just doesn’t give up!

Tonight, during story time with your kids or grandkids, you can play this oral story on YouTube here or by using relevant keywords directly on YouTube.

The oral story has been wonderfully created by the nonprofit Peerbagh. The voice narration is by theatre veteran Vishal Verma. This story is even more dear to me because it has my mother’s Magahi song in it (starts at 50 seconds).

Peerbagh is an Austin-based non-profit and is committed to the mission of preserving oral storytelling traditions from South Asia. They also provide a lovely maker box for parents and kids to encourage storytelling.

I would like to thank Peerbagh’s founder Upasna Kakroo for her wonderful efforts to revive the oral storytelling traditions of India and South Asia.

#oralstory #audiostory #bedtimestory #oralfolkstory #magahistory

Which country has the biggest audience for content creators?

On By ShivangiIn Blogs in General4 Comments

Someone rightly said, “Want to be a content creator or influencer? There’s never been a better time to be in India.” India is a thriving ground for global “content farmers.”

According to Statista.com, India is far ahead in YouTube video and Instagram consumption, followed by the US and Brazil as of January 2024. Considering the country’s rapid digitization, massive population, and second-highest internet users globally, this is quite expected.

Statista says, “The number of YouTube users in India was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2029 by in total 222.2 million users (+34.88 percent).” This is interesting data for all YouTube creators out there.

International influencers know where the money is!

Mr Beast, a famous YouTube vlogger in the US, has a Hindi channel and knows how to expand his reach internationally. My kids tell me there are many international vloggers and reel creators out there, creating content targeting the Indian population.

During my UX designer certification course in the US, we were told to keep in mind the accessibility features for NBU (Next Billion Users, mostly from India and Brazil) while creating apps and websites. India is one of the countries in the center when it comes to technology.

Recently, PM Modi awarded international creators Drew Hicks, Kili Paul, and Cassandra Mae Spittmann with the first-of-its-kind “National Creators Award.” This validation from the Indian govt. is big for international as well as domestic content creators. The potential of quality content is immense and India could be a thriving ground for content cultivation as well as content creation.

Undoubtedly, it’s great to see that India’s diverse cultural identity is serving as a huge thriving ground for international creators to expand their reach across geographies. However, it would be even greater if Indian creators went global with their unique content.

Language and some other visual barriers could be broken with generative AI (As an AI professional, I consider AI as a tool rather than a threat), and I feel there are a lot of global opportunities for Indian influencers, quite within reach.

Creating Indian food-related content for the global market is a great idea because everyone loves Indian food. There are many, many more ideas in the queue… #contentcreator

Paw Things #7 – Good, Weird, and Boring!

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Bow wow from Happy!!!

There is some kinda buzz in my house these days, I think it’s about Mom.

To be honest, with you, I barely know what’s going on. But from what I can understand, Mom is invited and going to mingle with other South Asian writers in the IAM lit fest (spot Mom in the pic). That’s the good news!

I’m kinda excited because Mom might share my book there (go check it out by the way, Happy’s Hairy Tale on Amazon).

Spot her in the pic?

Weird news, this time of the year is not fun. You may be wondering – Why? Happy no longer enjoys snow? I do, but there is hardly any snow! We had a brown Christmas!

Go, check the weather for St. Paul. I’m pretty bored, there’s no winter in Minnesota without snow. My family says they have never seen such warm winters in Minnesota.

Again, I’m pretty bored.

Another thing, are you wondering how I pass my time? I sleep. Don’t call me lazy, what else should I do besides playing with snow that I don’t have? Please leave a comment and tell me.

The boring news is that my brothers have school, and judging by the looks on their faces, I don’t think school is very fun for kids. Dog schools aren’t any better, I guess. My bros are kinda sad because their winter break ended. I play with them when I can. But I enjoy sleeping more because there is only so much play fighting with your brothers you can do.

I look cute in this pic, don’t I?

Again, don’t think I’m lazy. Oh god, Mom’s here and she’ll be mad if she knows I have hijacked her blog and asked little bro to publish this blog.

I’ve got to wrap this up. I’ll catch up with y’all in a month,. Mom’s planning to be pretty regular with her updates in the New Year. Let’s see… until next time!

See ya, love bark!

PS: (In collaboration with Aviraj bro)

Can you decode these quotes with deep meanings?

On By ShivangiIn Blogs in General, Quotes2 Comments

Wise men often use puzzling one-liners to talk about deeper things in life. It’s because there’s not an easy way to communicate about the higher truth. The moment it’s conveyed it’s falsified by misinterpretations.

That’s why great thinkers, spiritual stalwarts, and philosophers use intriguing sentences that show the way rather than getting into details.

See if you can decode these famous words. And BTW, wishing you a Wisdom-filled Happy New Year 2024, my dear readers. Love, always.

Quotes courtesy Google

Let the storm pass…

On By ShivangiIn Blogs in General, Quotes10 Comments

When you are unwell or going through an upheaval, things you normally enjoy do not make you happy. In fact, you are in turmoil.

Whenever life throws you a curveball, all the plans, dreams, targets… goes for a toss,

Simple things like the spark of joy on seeing a beautiful sunset, the feeling of exhilaration on creating something, the motivation for self-improvement…are just not there.

What if things don’t change for the better? What if things get worse? What if you don’t get your good old life back? So many ‘what ifs’ …and worry sets in.

But you may be forgetting something. “You cannot calm the storm, so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass.”

If you are under the weather or going through a change, just know that sometimes you can’t do anything so just be. The future will be taken care of…

Here are some beautiful quotes as you wait…

Good vibes always my dear readers!

Images courtesy Google