2 big bags, short hair and overstuffed Hand carry bag
That's how I had landed in LAX, pretty much 17ish years ago. I had a distant uncle pick me up from LAX, take the local roads to my "room" a large-ish studio which I was sharing with a distant acquaintance.
And here I am, 17 years later, taking an oath of citizenship in this country.
It is a bittersweet emotion, India for me will always be home. My true home. But US will also be my home, my grown-up home. As weird as it sounds, it is as honest as it can be.
I have forged new friendships, got married, had 2 wonderful strong girls, established my career, traveled extensively, lived in 4 US cities, moved over 10 times and not counting the move across the ocean to London for a bit. It has been a ride filled with speed bumps, crashes, speeding and lots of smooth riding as well.
Recently on my planned unplanned trip to LA and southern California, I was nostalgic. Sitting on the rug of my old "real college roommate" and laughing uncontrollably with her brother, their spouses amidst the cacophony of all our kids, I caught myself knocking on wood.
It's been wonderful journey. As I reel with being the Citizen of a new country, giving up citizenship of "home" I feel the path continues on.
Welcome to US, again I say.
I can vote now. The first time in my life. I left India before the legal voting age and since arriving here have not been able to vote.
The harder part of this natural progression is the emotional side. My brother always jokes: Not required in India. I am truly on paper now, an NRI and I will need a Visa to go back.
Jokes aside, I feel growing up in India has set me apart be it the family values, the work ethic, the jugaad attitude, the chalta hain attitude and above all the love for Bollywood. I feel the new passport will not take that away ever. I will be as Desi as Desi can be.
I see my kids who are born and brought up here and I see they are more desi and more global than I ever be.
That will be the true legacy in today's world. A global citizen, what your passport says has little to do with it.
That's how I had landed in LAX, pretty much 17ish years ago. I had a distant uncle pick me up from LAX, take the local roads to my "room" a large-ish studio which I was sharing with a distant acquaintance.
And here I am, 17 years later, taking an oath of citizenship in this country.
It is a bittersweet emotion, India for me will always be home. My true home. But US will also be my home, my grown-up home. As weird as it sounds, it is as honest as it can be.
I have forged new friendships, got married, had 2 wonderful strong girls, established my career, traveled extensively, lived in 4 US cities, moved over 10 times and not counting the move across the ocean to London for a bit. It has been a ride filled with speed bumps, crashes, speeding and lots of smooth riding as well.
Recently on my planned unplanned trip to LA and southern California, I was nostalgic. Sitting on the rug of my old "real college roommate" and laughing uncontrollably with her brother, their spouses amidst the cacophony of all our kids, I caught myself knocking on wood.
It's been wonderful journey. As I reel with being the Citizen of a new country, giving up citizenship of "home" I feel the path continues on.
Welcome to US, again I say.
I can vote now. The first time in my life. I left India before the legal voting age and since arriving here have not been able to vote.
The harder part of this natural progression is the emotional side. My brother always jokes: Not required in India. I am truly on paper now, an NRI and I will need a Visa to go back.
Jokes aside, I feel growing up in India has set me apart be it the family values, the work ethic, the jugaad attitude, the chalta hain attitude and above all the love for Bollywood. I feel the new passport will not take that away ever. I will be as Desi as Desi can be.
I see my kids who are born and brought up here and I see they are more desi and more global than I ever be.
That will be the true legacy in today's world. A global citizen, what your passport says has little to do with it.
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