Dear ABCDlady Readers,

I often wonder if the wave of South Asian immigrants who came to the United States in the 1960s could have possibly imagined the Desi support system we have in place today. They made their way — some by themselves, some in numbers — and one by one, they established themselves in a foreign land. Depending on where they settled, they may have picked up American lingo, forced their way up the economic ladder or produced offspring who have excelled in many fields. While Tom Brokaw’s The Greatest Generation suggests that the United States’ “greatest” generation comprises those who grew up during the Great Depression and fought in World War II — the parents of the “baby boom” generation — for South Asians, the immigrants of the 1960s could easily be our greatest. This month, we talk about that wave of immigration and explore issues unique to ABCDs (American Born Confident Desis).

First, we have a special three-part series that tells individual stories of South Asians who immigrated to the U.S. In part I, we meet Susheel Dharia, who initially arrived to complete his education, intending to return to India. What he ended up doing was far different than he had imagined.

This month, many South Asians will be celebrating Diwali. In South Asian countries, Diwali inspires parades in the street and week-long family gatherings. We spotlight how ABCDs celebrate Diwali.

If you are going to a Diwali party, don’t show up without giving your feet some TLC first. Our Desi Diva suggests treatments you can start using now so you can skip that expensive salon pedicure.

While we try to publish articles telling readers how to be go-getters, NetIP President Aruna Paramasivam is just plain doing it. This woman has tackled NetIP’s reputation for being a meat market head on. And, in her spare time, Paramasivam is kicking butt in other ways — once having struggled with her weight, she is now a fitness model and competitor. Check out this month’s Desi Making Waves.

Next, we meet Aparna, who rediscovered India — the one beyond relatives’ homes and shopping.

Just moved in with your significant other? This month, we offer advice on meal planning for two! And while we’re in the kitchen, our Cuisine expert provides some time-saving cooking tips along with her chicken curry recipe.

Are your kids starting to get hyped up for Halloween? We provide some tips on having a fun yet safe Halloween.

Finally, our Love and Sex expert meets someone with a potential deal breaker in her relationship and another woman wondering how she’ll know when she’s met Mr. Right.

Sincerely,

Navdeep Kathuria
Editor-in-Chief, ABCDlady