My Story

Drive like you mean to move forward, Live like you mean to get somewhere!! — Pink Monkey. (TM.)

Lets get the qualifications out of the way so I can get to the important stuff. I have a double degree in Dentistry, that still makes me a one type of General Dentist only. I have a Junior Diploma in Hindustani Classical Music and a diploma in Kathak form of Indian Classical dance from Prayag Sangeet Samiti in Allahabad, India. I have further honed my skills in Kathak under my Guruji Padmashree Shovana Narayan, disciple of Padma Vibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj. I am a fairly decent cook, organizer and multi-tasker like most moms. This is very humbling in lieu of the legacy my parents have.

My father is a retired Indian Army officer and my mother a teacher, Bharatnatyam dancer, and my lifestyle coach. Born in a Rajput family and married into one too, service and duty is ingrained in me.

My father has fought many battles in the Indian Army and in life. From him I learned about dignity, principles and moral courage—that it’s most important. As a child, we trekked the Kanchenjunga, Tanga Valley, Amarnath mountains in Kashmir, Nepal, Punchh and many exciting places in the Indian subcontinent. Definitely got my sense of adventure, love for the outdoors from this man who has mountains named after him and is a recipient of the President of India's Vishisht Seva Medal.

Mom was crowned Black Cat Institute’s Most Elegant Lady of the year in 1982 in Gangtok, Sikkim for her work in adult literacy, and for her timeless, ageless beauty that went beyond just physicality. She spent the two years in the isolated mountains in Sikkim, India, educating the women who never got to go to school—most were spouses of soldiers. I helped her sort the inventory of books and pencils that would pour in from various sources to help. From her I learned the importance of relationships and how to navigate complex realities they create. She made me aware of the narcissistic abuse in my life and gave me the strength and tools to navigate that realm.

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My life swayed crazily and calmly between two continents for over two decades as I brought up my four children, sacrificed careers for jobs, in order to make frequent trips to India to be able to meet family. My mother passed away in November 2019, but all those visits are what I have left as memories, that and when she came to spend time with me and help with the grandkids so I could complete dental school.

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Having spent some very impressionable growing up years in Sikkim and Kashmir, I feel PA was a near perfect place to settle down for me. I enjoy the mountains and how the change of seasons nudges you to overhaul your life periodically. My husband, my four human and one Irish Wolfhound  kept my after-work hours giddy with activities, chores, writing, and love.

In order to protect the privacy of my minor children, at this point, I will refrain from writing about what's closest to my heart, all four of them.

In my husband, I have found the love of my life. We are polar opposites but he never ceases to intrigue and impress me. We met because- destiny, fell in love unknowingly and stayed hopelessly in love because of a strong desire to make it work. We learn something together everyday.

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The baby of the family deserves a special mention- he is Bagheera, my 200lb Irish Wolfhound. From him I have learned that you could be the biggest one but in your heart you must always be aware of how small and silly you really are. No ego, no problems! Easier said than done, that's why he deserves a special mention.

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From my friends I have learned about survival, confidence and that time wasted with friends is never time wasted. From my colleagues and co-workers, I learned about dedication, discipline and how never giving up is a habit that is cultivated with the support of those around you, that help you along the way, until you can do it on your own.

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After staying in Pennsylvania for about twenty years, we moved to the Jersey Shore during the pandemic and it was a wonderful decision at the ripe timing for the kids to grow wings- two are out in college, I have two at home and of course, Bagheera.

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My life is an entwining of these relationships and many events. In the end, I would like to say, life is truly the best teacher, go out and embrace it!