A day spent in a school with my Dad

 

No matter how old we grow, a part of us always longs to return to our childhood—to the school where we learned, the home where we grew up, and the familiar paths that shaped who we are. Our roots never leave us.

One of my Dad's wishes at 90 was to revisit Veliankode and his high school in Mookkuthala, built on five acres of land donated by my husband's Pakaravoor family to the government for just one rupee. Life has a beautiful way of coming full circle—my husband's grandfather was my Dad's teacher, and years later, his grandson married that teacher's student's daughter. What an incredible connection.

As we drove through the villages, Dad recalled walking miles to school, crossing the river by boat every day before continuing on foot. Watching those roads from the comfort of a car made me realize how much determination education demanded in those days, especially in rural India.

The moment we entered his school, his face lit up. He pointed to the walls and said, "Gandhiji came here during his dandi yatra." Looking at the playground, he smiled and remembered running on that very track during sports day. Instantly, I was transported to my own school days at Kendriya Vidyalaya Khadakwasla, Pune, where I too loved sprinting and winning trophies. Some memories truly bridge generations.

As he quietly looked around, I knew he had gone back to being that little boy again, remembering his teachers, classmates, and simpler times. One curious young boy watched us, and when I told him that my 90-year-old father had once studied there, his eyes widened with amazement.

As we drove away, I couldn't stop thinking about that little boy my Dad once was. Life may have been simple, with very little, but it was rich in resilience, dreams, and joy. Seeing him relive those precious memories was one of the greatest gifts this journey gave me.

It Feels Right

 

To be with myself, to spend time within—it feels right,

To sit with my thoughts and quietly listen—it feels right.

Be it a place unknown or one I’ve always known,

Among strangers too, to simply exist—it feels right.

Even when hatred and bitterness fill every space,

To guard a little love in the heart—it feels right.

When people seek friendship in lifeless figures alone,

To step away from such hollow bonds—it feels right.

What strange times we live in, what silence surrounds truth,

To speak what is real, even if it hurts—it feels right.

If kindness, sincerity, and love still survive somewhere,

To hold onto them with all I have—it feels right.

Why is it now, more than ever before,

That quiet, lifeless company comforts me—it feels right?

~ Dawn

May I always see you smiling !

 

Once you were so small

you fit easily within my hands.

Today you have grown so much

that even my arms cannot hold you the same way.

Back then my heart carried quiet worries,

wondering if I would make mistakes

while raising my son,

learning motherhood step by step.

Muttasi would smile at my anxious thoughts

and gently remind me,

“Children are all the same in this world—

sons and daughters alike.”

You were the youngest in our home,

showered with love from every corner.

Yet you never took advantage of that affection;

simplicity and kindness stayed with you.

Nineteen years have passed,

but a mother’s heart remains the same—

filled with care, pride, and quiet joy.

Stay happy always.

Never bring sorrow to another soul.

Whenever you can, lend a helping hand,

for humanity still lives in such acts.

My only prayer is simple:

may life treat you kindly,

and may I always see you smiling

as you walk your own path in this world.

~ Dawn

With love, today and always —

 

Your smile lights every heart,

Your friendship is a beautiful art.

You bring loved ones closer in every way,

Spreading joy wherever you stay.

May your life be filled with cheer,

Blessings, laughter, year after year.

With love, today and always —

Have a truly wonderful birthday !

~ Dawn

The World I Grew Up In

 

I long for the India of my childhood—

Where faith was only faith, seen through secular eyes,

Where no one asked the last name of a friend in play,

Where Diwali sweets were shared, and from the same hands

came bowls of sevaiyaan in Eid delight—

How free was that India when childhood was mine!

I long for the India of my childhood—

Where patience to listen was still a gift,

Where minds differed but we dined from one plate,

And if words stung, we laughed the hurt away,

How mindful, how gentle, was that India of youth.

I long for the India of my childhood—

Where many tongues wove one conversation of smiles,

Where a gesture alone carried honor and respect,

Where no one feared the other—only reverence reigned,

How tolerant was that India of innocence.

I ache for the India of my childhood—

Where theft was seen through the lens of need,

Where violence gave way to compassion’s hand,

Where Usha and Farzana studied and played as one,

How human, how luminous, was that India of my youth.

Yes, I ache for the India of my childhood.

~ Dawn

Defying Definitions: 28 Years of Living My Own Truth

 

April 10th marks a profound personal milestone. Twenty-eight years ago, on April 10th, 1997, I stepped off the plane at Toronto International Airport, alone, into a country utterly new and unknown. There was no meticulously crafted plan, only an unwavering determination to forge my own path. Now, on April 10th, 2025, looking back, the journey feels incredibly significant. I arrived carrying the weight of someone else's aspirations, and from there, I had to weave in my own dreams. Some initial decisions weren't mine, but ultimately, I charted my own course, and I hold no regrets.

"The most profound journeys are often those taken without a map, guided only by the compass of your own heart."

When loved ones inquire about guilt, my answer remains a firm no, never. No guilt, no regrets, because every decision I made felt right for me, and I consciously ensured they didn't negatively impact others. Venturing down unconventional paths has gifted me invaluable life lessons, the kind that classrooms and textbooks can't offer, not even the well-intentioned guidance of parents who always sought to shield me. But life, as it often does, had its own script. I've been blessed with the amazing experience of connecting with diverse individuals, forming cherished friendships, and exploring a multifaceted career. I deliberately pushed my boundaries, embracing discomfort in various professional roles, and emerged a successful human being. These opportunities shattered the self-imposed limitations, proving that the "I can't" I once believed was a lie. The girl who once feared solo autorickshaw rides has since navigated unfamiliar territories and thrived. I've indeed come a long way.

"Every unexpected turn holds the potential for a beautiful discovery about yourself and the world."

The same girl whom some classmates envisioned solely as a capable housewife, adept at cooking sambar, now finds herself working in the tech industry in North America—a reality they, too, share today. The truth is, society often attempts to define and confine us based on external perceptions, but true empowerment lies in self-belief and pursuing one's own convictions. I'm filled with gratitude for the countless anonymous acts of kindness: the stranger who guided me when I was lost after a bus ride, the person who pointed me towards my destination. These stories underscore the inherent humanity and the presence of good-hearted individuals who offer assistance without judgment, helping us navigate towards our chosen paths.

"In the tapestry of life, every thread, planned or unplanned, contributes to the beauty of the whole. Gratitude weaves it all together."

My childhood dream was simple: a life on a farm, a small hut surrounded by nature, sustenance from the land, and cooking with the aid of a trusty geyser – a vivid dream that felt like a deep-seated yearning. Today, my reality far surpasses that initial vision, and I am overflowing with gratitude. I fondly remember my dear friend Carol (who passed away too soon) making me promise not to leave Canada for the USA. I kept that promise for a time, but years after her passing, meeting Vinod led me to the United States. And I can honestly say, people in the USA are kind too. Life is beautiful, and we must do what resonates with our own journey. Don't seek external validation; it's unnecessary. Carry your dreams and aspirations, not the burden of others' opinions. Extend love to everyone and give back where you can. Ultimately, we are all on a cyclical journey.

"Twenty-eight years later, I realize the most beautiful chapters are often the ones I never saw coming."

"The girl who stepped off that plane couldn't have imagined this life, and for that, I am eternally grateful."

Gratitude fills my heart for a loving husband who is also my best friend and an incredible father. My children, in their constant state of growth, allow me to relive my own childhood – the highs of high school, the milestones of college, the excitement of that first job. Isn't there a unique joy in growing up again and again? Perhaps we never truly grow up, for it's in that perpetual state of learning and making mistakes that we gain wisdom. I realize now that I've spent more of my life outside my birth country than within it. This day always prompts reflection, a yearly striving to become a better version of myself – a journey that continues.

"Don't wait for permission to bloom; plant your own seeds and trust the unfolding." 

~ Dawn

Happy New Year 2024

And here we are, stepping into the realm of 2024!

I don't subscribe to the tradition of crafting New Year's resolutions. If there's something I need to tackle, it's best addressed in the moment, irrespective of the year. Our goals shouldn't be contingent on a calendar flip.

Life is brimming with dreams and ambitions, requiring meticulous planning and strategic steps to navigate the path toward both minor milestones and grand objectives.

Personally, my life's aspiration centers on fostering a serene existence for myself and others. While injustices persist around us, I believe in striving for a life that is fair and reasonable for all—a basic human right.

We find ourselves on this Earth without any say or expectation. It's only natural to yearn for a tranquil and fundamental existence that brings joy to all.

Though it might seem like a utopian notion, achieving this is plausible if we eliminate one thing: the pursuit of power. 

The relentless race for power often leaves those without it vulnerable. From the microcosm of poverty to the macrocosm of nations like Palestine, the consequences are deeply poignant.

My sole wish for the coming year is simple: peace. May tranquility grace everyone's lives, allowing individuals to toil for their sustenance while coexisting peacefully.

I harbor no specific resolutions for the new year, but I aim to strike a harmonious balance between work and life, easing the stress that often blurs the distinction between the two.

In the months ahead, I aspire to enrich my life with more travel, music, and continuous learning—whether it's mastering an instrument, understanding a process, or acquiring a new skill.

I hope each of you carries expectations for yourselves and for the year unfolding.

Wishing you a joyous, healthy, and serene New Year in 2024!

~ Dawn

Harvesting!

There is a story about harvesting,

It's the saying as you sow,

So will you reap, not always,

But some lucky would get to eat!!

At Leket, it was kohlrabi crop this year,

Looking like a turnip it was ready to harvest,

Uprooting it and distancing with the soil,

We harvested 440 kilos of kohlrabi !!

The happiness of hard-work in harvesting,

And knowing hungry needy will be fed,

150 families would not be hungry this day,

It's an immense satisfaction I feel when I think!!

Imagine the grain and vegetables we get,

So many hands must be touching them,

Giving their love and wishes to all,

And landing on our plate!!

A story of kohlrabi that I harvested!!!

~ Dawn

 

I have a lot to be thankful for. I am healthy, happy and I am loved !

Dear friends, my inspiration and my go to people,

I would like to thank you all for being in my life one way or the other. Whenever I have opened my heart here, you all have encouraged and inspired me through your beautiful comments, likes or sometimes by just visiting my page.

Thank You.

"Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses." ~ Alphonse Karr

This post is my last post of this year and I want to finish telling everything that kept me away from you all for few weeks.

My new beginnings started for me in September 2020. Yes, I wasn't even expecting as my life was moving on peacefully. But if you ask me, was I happy? You may not get the answer in yes, but it didn't do any harm to me and it did keep me and my family happy. 

But tell me when you think of Your happiness, what You want in life, there has to be something that should keep you sane and happy because that is what is going to keep your mental health stable and your inner-self peaceful. Believe me its not money that is going to give you that but if that comes along too, then no harm.

"The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you're not going to stay where you are." ~ J.P. Morgan 

I was working in this company but I always felt my potentials, my experience was not fully being utilized though I am getting paid well but is that what we all want? No, at least not me. I want to learn new technology that is going to be our future and be part of programs that will make the world a better place through the products, process and engagements.

A scientist reached out to me in mid-September after reviewing my profile on LinkedIn. As I said above I was not looking for any opportunity outside but I was open for all possibilities and hence I responded to her message and we decided to talk on the phone for thirty minutes.

That thirty minutes of my meeting took me through an entire loop of interviews. Did I try my best? Oh heck yeah! I studied hard for this and all other interviews.

"Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago." ~ Warren Buffett

By the time it was result time, I got a phone call saying everyone liked me and wanted to offer but the position itself doesn't exist anymore. C'mon!!! I tried to get the real answer but that was the real answer and guess what I was so good that they asked me to pick positions within that company so that they can hire me.

I felt this is blessing in disguise. Indeed something new was waiting for me and it had to come through. Finally, with everything going I accepted the offer and joined this amazing company on December twentieth of this year.

I hope you understand why I was away and was not regular. But, yes you all are always in my heart and mind.

Thank You All.

"For the yesterdays and today's, and the tomorrows I can hardly wait for - Thank You" ~ Cecelia Ahern

We all know 2020 was a chaos monkey and 2021 was literally like this squirrel - we were trying to balance life through out one way or the other. Vaccines and Boosters were giving hope, people were getting out meeting family and friends, partying for the time that we lost in 2020 and what not. We were balancing life by wearing mask and yet do everything that we did pre-covid.

Until this very end of 2021 another variant started threatening people's health and life across the globe and once again it reminded human race to stay at home and be safe.

Yes, it has been tough and I believe together we all can bring it a bit easier for all of us by taking the vaccinations, the booster and by wearing mask all the time when we go out. We all are responsible and we must take that seriously because here it's not about who is strong it's about who is ready to be a human.

"Celebrate endings, for they precede new beginnings." ~ Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Dear friends for me when I think of 2021, my best times was when I was with nature. I still feel my Half Dome hike is still the best highlight for me from 2021.

Let's hope we all get to be sailing safe into 2022 and yet create many beautiful highlights that keeps us happy and sane and safe everyone.

My best wishes to all of you in this 2022 New Year, may you all be happy, healthy and peaceful with your loved ones.

Think of the under privileged ones and help wherever you can because we only become successful when we take everyone along with us.

Happy Healthy New Year 2022

"No matter how hard the past is, you can always begin again." ~ Buddha

with love

Dawn 

Note: Now you can listen to the audio version of my blogs in Hindi on the UshaDawn Hindi Podcast on Google, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Check it out and new episodes uploaded every day 3 AM Pacific Standard Time.

Because of you, I laugh a little harder, cry a little less, and smile a lot more...!

This year has been a bit different than last year for sure. Because last year we were all 'stay at home' and some countries were in lockdown situation. This year at least we got a breather with vaccination doses and then the booster shot.

I hope you all have taken the right precaution for your and your loved one's health sake. Only we can bring that change by practicing it and that means everyone must take the vaccination as covid variants are getting tougher on us.

"Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today." ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

SO, this year it was all about meet and greet friends and family. I think this year after my two doses of vaccination I am partying all the way till now. It's wonderful time of the year but with proper care and precautions!

Yes just after Halloween, I got busy with Thanksgiving celebration with friends and in no time the plans for Sagittarius birthday celebrations and then Christmas.

It feels good when every day is a celebration day and its true. We often forget all our miseries when we see others happiness and be part of the celebration. 

I personally have so many reasons this year to be thankful and show my gratitude. 

I lived in Canada for almost ten years and being a big fan of ice hockey team #Mapleleafs from Toronto, I never had a chance to watch this game live, sitting in the stadium because of expensive tickets and those struggling days as an immigrant, I was only able to enjoy the game by watching it on television. This year I had the opportunity to watch the game live in SAP Center in San Jose California. 

When my daughter said can we go? She also knew the answer before even I responded to her. I cannot tell you my emotions and frankly speaking how can one even write about emotions? Those are different for every individual and so is for me. 

"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." ~ Mae West

As we were walking towards the stadium everyone was wearing Shark jersey and me and my daughter were in Maple leaf jersey and imagine how we must have walked from parking lot to the stadium which was full of Shark fans and few here and there Canadians who were supporting by wearing the jersey of their team.

I remember when we were just getting into the stadium one guy drove yelling F*** Maple Leafs and I only said in my mind, I hope we win this game and guess what ? After all that humiliation from guys sitting at the back who were talking loudly bad about Maple Leaf teams and how they will cry and go after losing to Shark, team actually won the game. That day Shark didn't play good.

I was cool, I think life has taught many things and one of them is not to get too excited even when things are going well for you and believe me I am not saying not to be happy if your team is winning but I am saying, don't degrade your opponents ever.

Its like that turtle who focussed on his pace and won the race against the bunny. 

"When someone disrespects you, beware the impulse to win their respect. For disrespect is not a valuation of your worth but a signal of their character." ~ Brendon Burchard

Life teaches us to be humble and calm in so many ways as while all this was happening around the world due to climatic conditions. So many families were suffering either losing someone or losing everything in flood, volcanic eruptions, and of course covid cases to be frank, is on the rise but we hardly get to see the true numbers these days.

It's small things that we see to embrace and be happy. Imagine last year we were not even able to shake hands with friends or families who are not living with you. And now we are not loosing any moment that gets us to be together to laugh and be merry.

"Keep the ones that heard you when you never said a word" 

These are all small blessings telling us be humble, be considerate, help others wherever and whenever you can. What I love about this season is that there are so many voluntary effort taking place either it is for the homeless people, or orphan people or cancer research and cure related charity programs - all this is to help those who are in need at such time when everyone is having their holiday times with family.

Life can be sometimes full of surprises and some of them can be wonderful too.

~ Dawn

Note: Now you can listen to the audio version of my blogs in Hindi on the UshaDawn Hindi Podcast on Google, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Check it out and new episodes uploaded every day 3 AM Pacific Standard Time

The greatness of a culture can be found in its festivals..!

 

A festival is an event ordinarily celebrated by a community and centering on some characteristic aspect of that community and its culture.

I have probably attended many festivals mostly it would be music festivals and a few cultural ones too where you will have many different stalls, where either you can buy stuff or eat stuff or you can get an art or tattoo etc.

I happened to attend this weekend a Mosaic Festival, where it was not a music festival but it was one of its kind with the world cultural event. I have attended a few such festivals where it would be one or few cultural events from very selective countries but this one was one of its own kind. A world platform to represent all cultures and their traditions right from the very natives of this country to around the world. It had the traditional ones of each culture and the athletic style of street dance from United States. There was everything for everyone and it was not just that people could watch but yes when the music hits even you  can join and dance with their dancers. 

"To celebrate a festival means; to live out, for some special occasion and in an uncommon manner, the universal assent to the world as a whole." ~ Josef Pieper

It was a mosaic of all culture coming together on one platform where everyone was different in looks, color, race, culture and yet everyone smiled and shared one happiness of belongingness. Like five fingers that look different yet when they come together they are a power shell. Bringing all together and enjoying the each other's culture, music and dance was a perfect delicacy that was served on a platter for many and it was free.

"Festivals promote diversity, they bring neighbors into dialogue, they increase creativity, they offer opportunities for civic pride, they improve our general psychological well-being. In short, they make cities better places to live." ~ David Binder

There were food trucks which was all different kind - Korean BBQ, Vegan, Sushi and you name it. The main stage was with all the performances from noon till six in the evening, but that was not it. There were other stalls with workshops on yogic path finding balance, painting, Tai Chi, Origami, Urban dance etc. It was a full on fun for everyone. Probably, if you get bored of one thing watching too long then you can move to next but here it wasn't like that at all as you will be sucked into the colorful, cultural dance with music and so you will be wanting for more and yet you will be thinking in mind that you have so much more to cover through the workshop stalls.

Who says that cultures cannot mix and match? When you see the performance of Rajasthani dance collaborating with Ballet it's an amazing fusion that gives another perspective to creativity of art. 

"Festival of the impassioned efforts and manifold ambitions of all forms of youthful activity of every generation springing from the threshold of life." ~ Pierre de Coubertin

This festival was a great support and help to people in general, as after pandemic coming together at one place of all race and making sure of safety by wearing mask all the time and keeping safe distancing even though only vaccinated people were allowed. Everyone needed a reason to be out and celebrate and this was the best way to come together and share the humanity and healing experience.

The festival has helped people to come out and mingle with their friends and family while they are being entertained by all the talented artists representing various countries and ethnicity. I am sure there are so many artists who are impacted by this pandemic financially and this platform not only supported them but also gave an opportunity to market themselves. 

After finishing the festival with my friend I went to dine at a place and I saw there was life music in that restaurant and as the musicians were getting ready the guitarist guy I saw running and joining them - when I looked at him I recognized he was at the festival playing with the San Jose Jazz team and now he was performing at this live music event - I can only imagine the struggle they go through in this time.

"Festivals are happy places, and you don't really want to enjoy them on your own." ~ Christine and the Queens

Let's unite and come together to help each other that's what is festivals and our traditions teach us.

~ Dawn  

Note: Now you can listen to the audio version of my blogs in Hindi on the UshaDawn Hindi Podcast on Google, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Check it out and new episodes uploaded every day 3 AM Pacific Standard Time