-
Hyphenated Homecoming: Part 5
This time during my visit, I had the opportunity to witness something truly remarkable—my sister-in-law Kishori Pathak’s dedication to running अब -Normal Home, a rehabilitation and development center for special children in Pune. Established in 2013, it promotes an inclusive approach, organizing annual workshops to empower children. The recent event centered on sports, enhancing confidence…
-
Hyphenated Homecoming: Part 4
The first bite of home-cooked food after years away is more than just a meal—it’s a homecoming in itself. After the overnight adventure from Mumbai to Pune, the first order of business wasn’t sleep. It wasn’t unpacking. It wasn’t even stepping out to explore the city. It was food.
-
Hyphenated Homecoming: Part 3
Mumbai never sleeps, they say. But at 3:15 AM, it sure feels like it does. As our Uber driver, SarjeRao, smoothly pulled out of the airport, I finally let myself relax. The worst was over, right? No more navigating chaotic underground parking, no more sweaty treks with baggage—just a straight ride to Pune. Simple. Easy.…
-
Hyphenated Homecoming: Part 2
Airports are the grand lobbies of a country—the first impression, the handshake, the welcome mat rolled out for travelers. And for years, Mumbai’s airport had been… well, let’s just say it did its job, but it never quite sparked pride. Every time I flew back, I would sigh at the dullness, the chaotic baggage claim,…
-
Hyphenated Homecoming: Part 1
Eleven years. That’s how long it had been since I last set foot in India. It’s a long gap, I know, but life happens. Work, routines, and the comforting predictability of everyday existence kept stretching the years longer than I intended.
-
Hyphenated Homecoming: A Journey Back After 11 Years – Buckle Up for the Ride
I had grand plans. Write everything, edit like a pro, and drop the entire series at once—kind of like Netflix does, so my dear readers could binge-read the whole thing. Yeah… that didn’t happen. Turns out, writing about an 11-year overdue trip back home is just as overwhelming as taking the actual trip. So instead…
-
One Year of Hyphenated Homestead: The Blog that Didn’t Quit
Exactly one year (and one day) ago, on December 23, 2023, I did something miraculous. No, I didn’t discover the meaning of life or finally master the perfectly round chapati; still working on that btw. 😁 I started a blog—Hyphenated Homestead—and here’s the real kicker: I stuck with it. Yes, this blog’s first birthday is…
-
‘Fall’ing Gracefully
This fall, the two red point maple trees we planted last year have undergone a beautiful transformation. Their once-green leaves have turned a brilliant red, adding a striking splash of color to the yard. It’s hard to believe they were so different just a few weeks ago. Watching these trees adapt to the changing season…
-
Kaka or ‘No Kaka’ – that is the question.
Uncle (or ‘No Uncle’) that is the question. In the crisp January of 2001, I embarked on a journey that would not only shape my career but also introduce me to two remarkable souls who would become my lifelong pillars of strength – Mawshi and No Kaka. Little did I know that a chance meeting…
-
Paying it forward…
At some point in our lives, we all benefit from the support and strength of our community. For me, one of those communities is the St. Louis Marathi Mandal (STLMM), a cultural non-profit that has been a pillar for Marathi-speaking individuals and families in the St. Louis area. As a long-time advocate of giving back,…
-
Tickling the Funny Bone of Respect.
It’s been a while that I wrote something, and it was nice to be reminded recently that I should continue doing so. I wouldn’t dare to say people missed my writing, but it always is a ‘feel-good-moment’ to get asked about it. Below is the funny story that I started writing maybe couple of months…
-
You won’t believe it – The Real Story!
If you haven’t read the first part of the story, I would recommend starting from the top. I sincerely appreciate the creative (and wild) imaginations that were shared earlier after I wrote the first part. I really do. Some of you took the story line in totally different direction but that’s OK. This confirms that…
-
You won’t believe it.
I am telling you; you won’t believe what I did this morning. I have done many stupid things in the past, but what I did this morning made me think of a lot of things like: How could this even happen? Why did it happen? Why me? Why now? How did I let that happen?…
-
Shampoo Heists & QR Chaos: Bonding Over Airport Delays
Picture this: I’m all geared up for my flight, buzzing with excitement about the upcoming workshop in Minneapolis. There were 5 of us and we were all ready to go. But just as we were about to board, the dreaded announcement fills the terminal – our flight is delayed for 6+ hours due to maintenance…
-
Cat-astrophic Communication
So, as I told you earlier, my stories have the temporal agility of a ninja on a trampoline. From the ’90s to the roaring twenties, my narrative is a rollercoaster with a mind of its own. My last post was about something that happened a week or so ago in 2024 but I am going…
Hyphenated-Homestead
Blending experience, insight, and support for life’s transitions.
