Family:

I am grateful for my life. Even though I got married right out of high school and against all odds and although the road has not always been smooth, Somen has stood by my side through ups and downs. It is a stability that I can take for granted even when the world around seems to be crumbling. He is a strong, compassionate, self-assured human who is fiercely ethical. We are proud of our two loving boys who are kind, moral, and value justice.

I am very close to my sister and her family in CA, and a few extended family members in India, including my mother-in-law. I am also incredibly fortunate to have a vast network of genuine friends who are my chosen family. It is a family that cheers me on, rejoices in my successes and on whom I can rely for support anytime I need it.

Interests:

Writing feeds my soul and helps me get through just about anything. It is as much a process of self-discovery as it is of personal expression.

Nature is healing to me. Daily walks with Gutsy, our golden lab on the Massapoag Trail are nourishing for my body and soul. (And most of all, it makes Gutsy girl smile). Yoga grounds me and early morning bike rides, when the weather is warmer, are rejuvenating.

Daily reflection at the altar of Goddess Kali—and in the quiet presence of my parents — anchors me to my roots.

Our house is a warm, joyous gathering space for friends and family. People know that our door is always open and to my heart’s content, they make good use of it. Food is incredibly important in my ministry. Cooking is meditative for me; feeding, to me, is a form of spiritual practice. Feeding not only sustains the body, but also nourishes the soul and is an essential part of hospitality. I have seen the tremendous benefits of offering food that is prepared with love and that is mindful of everyone’s needs. Food has the magical power to bring folx together in community and fellowship.

During the isolation of COVID, I began teaching Indian cooking classes on Zoom — an unexpected but meaningful way to weave community across distance. Donations from the classes supported Cops for Kids with Cancer, https://copsforkidswithcancer.org/, an organization I’ve been connected to for decades. When the cooking was done, we stayed online to eat together — sharing stories, our fears, and holding onto the hope that one day we would gather again around a real table. Those evenings nourished us in more ways than one, offering connection to the lonely and support to a cause that could not wait for the world to reopen.

At Wellesley, my students have greatly enjoyed our monthly “Meditative Cooking” series. It is a space to learn to cook and share a meal in community while engaging in meaningful conversation.

Personality:

I am an eternal extrovert. I love people. I have endless faith in our potential for goodness.

Humor is very important to me. Here’s a light-hearted moment from my dear friend Reverend Darrah Bryan’s Ordination Ceremony from May 32, 2025. My poem is at 1:41:

Personal Story

Gratitude:

I am incredibly grateful for all I have – the circumstances I was born into, my loving family of birth, my steadfast family that was created through a commitment that my husband and I made to each other and the love I continue to receive from my friends, colleagues and my chosen family.

Allyship and mentoring are critical while doing the work of ministry. DRUUMM has been lifegiving for me. I am also aware that I would not be able to do this work without the mentorship of countless people who have wanted to see me succeed and have lent their support so I could do exactly that.