Dear readers,
India is experiencing the world's worst COVID-19 outbreak.
Citizens are dying from a lack of resources and infrastructure, problems that were foreseeable and even predicted in the first global wave of the pandemic. As Indian Americans, we are witnessing a cruel dual reality: in the United States, joyful optimism and an abundance of vaccines, and in India, prayers for an available ICU bed and/or an oxygen concentrator.
We are disappointed by the lack of awareness of India's dire situation beyond the South Asian community in the U.S., especially the notable silence from the $7 turmeric latte brands and yoga studios. We recall the outpour of support on social media and international fundraising efforts for other countries, such as in 2019 when the Notre Dame burned, and we wonder where the global response is now, when a developing country is on fire. Diaspora Co., a spice brand that sources from partner farmers across India, shared this sentiment:
"You cannot profit off or consume a culture without showing up for the real, gasping human beings upholding that culture. This is when they need you most."
As for how you can help - we shared a number of trustworthy organizations below. Donate to India, encourage your community to contribute, and hold brands accountable to donate, especially if they profit off of Indian culture.
Until next time,
Mishika and Sri
The Dating Plan by Sara Desai
“The Dating Plan” is a breezy, fun romance that is perfect for a weekend read, says guest reviewer Nivi Kumar.
Daisy Patel is a software engineer immersed in the Silicon Valley tech scene, with little unplanned except for her love life. She is hounded by her family to prioritize marriage. As a last resort, she turns to her childhood crush, Liam Murphy, to be her decoy fiancé. Liam, an upstart venture capitalist, is equally eager about this fake engagement to tap into his late grandfather's will. But before they know it, sparks fly between the two.
While the enemies-to-lovers plot is as old as romance novels themselves, Sara Desai’s characters and references to Daisy’s Indian roots, as it relates to food and film, are both enjoyable and relatable. However, I found the “aunties,” older women in Daisy’s family friend circle, insert themselves into her personal life in ludicrous ways. Though the pressure to get married certainly reverberates in Indian communities, this point was artificially exaggerated. The book does not delve into the characters' insecurities nor provide context as to how the incidents in the characters' lives shaped their perspectives. Doing so would have transformed the novel from a "fun romance" to a "great romance."
That being said, “The Dating Plan” met expectations as a cute, simple, feel-good read.
Get your copy of “The Dating Plan.”
Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
“Whereabouts” has a deep focus on individual identity, shares guest reviewer Vikram Sreekanti. The novel is a series of tiny (1-5 page) vignettes that feature the main character in various locations — from the very literal (“In My Office”) to the very abstract (“In My Head”).
Lahiri’s prior writing draws on personal experiences that many Indian-Americans immediately understand. “Whereabouts” is a stark departure. We never learn the main character’s name or where she lives beyond the fact that the story is based in Italy. What “Whereabouts” explores is the effect different relationships—romantic, familial, professional—have on who we are. The main character emerges as an introvert who lives in her own head, analyzing every interaction and creating narratives for the people she interacts with — something I’m sure many of us do. She is impatient with family in one moment, judgmental of friends the next, and generous and forgiving towards total strangers, making readers reflect on how contradictory our own interactions can be. We are not hit over the head with the moral of the story, but rather, left to notice these themes across time.
That said, the novel itself doesn’t tell a particular story. Some characters appear multiple times, but never often enough to form a coherent arc. Repeat characters almost set the expectation of a more significant role in the future, but those roles never manifest. This effect seemed somewhat intentional, but to me, “Whereabouts” fell in the liminal space between a narrative-driven novel and a meditation on a particular topic.
Where Lahiri’s past work is deeply personalized to the Indian-American experience and resonated with me, I found the vagueness of “Whereabouts” confusing. It’s worth noting that it was originally written in Italian before being translated to English by Lahiri herself. I think there may be elements of Italian culture woven into the storytelling, which I didn’t understand. Perhaps it is more impactful in its original language, but for an English novel and an American audience, I am neutral. “Whereabouts” is certainly thought-provoking in moments, but the novel left me a little lost.
Get your copy of “Whereabouts.”
To view all of the books featured on our page and/or purchase them from independent booksellers:
Where I Find Myself: On Self-translation
by Jhumpa Lahiri
Jhumpa Lahiri writes about translating "Whereabouts" from the original language she wrote it in, Italian, where it is titled "Dove mi trovo." For our guest reviewer, this confirms his hunch that if you know Rome, speak Italian, or both, "Whereabouts" is far more moving. In this article, Lahiri shares the implicit assumptions about the aura/setting in her mind that did not really manifest in English.
Bike That is Not a Bike
by Nitya Rayapati
A bright, whimsical short story to add some levity to your reading.
'This Is Hell.' Prime Minister Modi's Failure to Lead Is Deepening India's COVID-19 Crisis
by Rana Ayyub
‘We are witnessing a crime against humanity’
by Arundhati Roy
Two vital pieces to understand the gravity of India's current COVID-19 second wave and the country's crumbling healthcare system. Acclaimed author Arundhati Roy and journalist Rana Ayyub reveal the bone-chilling horror on the ground and investigate the key political decisions which pushed the country to this devastating breaking point.
For more recommendations, peruse our archives:
Organizations: Indians are not dying from COVID-19 but from a lack of oxygen. Now is the time to act. Below are some immediate and urgent ways you can help.
Support verified organizations:
The American India Foundation has a comprehensive approach, reputable oversight and accountability, and established networks to provide aid across India, especially its rural regions.
Mission Oxygen is working in 13 states including Delhi, Maharashtra, Telangana.
Project Mumbai is providing oxygen cylinders in Mumbai.
Project Skar is providing oxygen cylinders in Delhi.
Unfortunately, due to fears around COVID-19 and lack of sufficient PPE, many ambulances are unwilling to transport positive patients.
This 24x7 ambulance service is transporting COVID-19 positive individuals to hospitals in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Pune.
For additional resources and opportunities to provide aid to the people of India, see our "India covid aid" highlight on Instagram.
Community:
Divya Bala is a yoga educator and martial artist trained in Kalaripayattu, an ancient Indian form originating from Kerala. She is an advocate for decolonizing wellness and hosted a donation-based fundraiser yoga class supporting COVID relief in India this past weekend.
Food & Drink:
Khaana Chahiye is a citizen-led campaign to feed the homeless, migrant workers, and daily wage laborers in Mumbai. This article by Rachel Gurjar and Sonia Chopra includes South Asian food businesses supporting India's hungry during this lockdown.
Small Business:
This May is AAPI Heritage and Small Business Month. We asked our community for their favorite South Asian-owned small business, and they did not disappoint.
We are also partnering with Teaphile, a single-origin tea company steeped in the philosophy of gongfu cha. Follow along during the month of May to learn more about founder Annie Wu's mission. If you donate to any of the charities listed in this newsletter, save your receipt. You will be entered for a chance to win a sample of her signature tea. More to follow.
TV/Movies:
If you are searching for some inspiration among all the pain in our community lately, look no further than Sana Amanat's Vogue story. Amanat is responsible for giving Marvel Kamala Khan, the first Muslim superhero with a standalone series. As the VP of content and character development for Marvel, she is bringing high-profile authors including Ta-Nehisi Coates and G. Willow Wilson on board as writers to change the landscape of the Marvel universe.
Creators:
The Parted Earth by Anjali Enjeti
The Marvelous Mirza Girls by Sheba Karim
Things We Lost to the Water by Eric Nguyen
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