The Bhopal Gas tragedy on 1984 had a great influence on Lalita’s life. Her choice of graduate school, to her desire to seek justice, to helping her community. A straight shooter with a deep sense of humor, Lalita and I talk about her journey to America, making a home and the need of the time to stand up for ourselves.

Like many, Shantanu came to the US in the 90’s to go to school. After completing his masters, he decided to stay back and work. Over the years, America has become his home. From flying on an airplane for the first time, to learning how to cook and being fascinated by huge grocery stores, we learn how Shantanu has made his home in America.

I read about Dr. Kode in Roots and Reflections before I met her. She came to the US in the 70’s, became a physician in the army and raised her family. Through candid conversations, we journey through the first snow she encountered, to fulfilling her father's dream, to creating a community around her.

Shridhar is his given name, but many call him Jay. Jay decided to immigrate to America after his retirement as a corporate executive in India. I talked to Jay about making a new home, the ups and downs of finding work and what it feels to retire in your adopted land.

Jaya has a flair for languages, so much so that her grandkids make sure she is present as a translator on their vacations to spanish speaking countries! We talk about Jaya’s childhood, her desire to learn new languages way into her 80’s, her love of gardening and finding her center in nourishing her family with food!

Family is the center of Bhavna’s life. Like many who came to the US, she arrived with her husband after marriage. We talk about the aromas of our childhood, the color of our skin and what makes a home.

Humaira is an artist who has made the suburbs of Seattle her home. Born and raised in Pakistan, she sculpts with great skill and detail. Her work is bold and she does not shy away from bringing hard questions to the forefront of her work. We sat down to talk about her art as well as her journey through India, Pakistan and the US! Hope you enjoy listening.

More on Humaira’s work can be seen at: http://humaira.com.pk/profile

Kamini came to the United States in 1984 with son to accompany her husband who was pursuing his PhD. From raising son who ended up working for President Obama, to working in the US postal service, to achieving her dream of designing spaces, to taking care of parents, Kamini lives her life mindfully and by being present in each moment.

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Sharmila moved to the US when she was in 8th grade. She now makes her home between Seattle in the US and Kanpur and Ladakh in India. Her motto in life is “Live to Serve”. Currently, she is building a hostel for girls in Ladakh. In addition to being a teacher and a scientist, Sharmila has her own travel startup!

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Jonathan’s parents were from India, but he did not grow up surrounded by the Indian culture, which led to questions of identity and a desire to fit in. As an entrepreneur he helps individuals who are going through hard times. Jonathan was inspired by what he calls “Poor Changemakers”- people who are strive to rise up from poverty and also by his family’s brief experience of being on welfare.

Also in this episode, Dr. Nalini Iyer reviews the delightful “Born Confused” by Tanuja Desai Hidier.

Subscribe to us in iTunes and follow us Facebook at facebook.com/rkmpodcast. For comments and story ideas, email us at [email protected] or leave us message at 1-425-610-7561.