curry on capitol hill (DC, part one)

In the words of John McCain, "My friends,"

I have nearly completed my first few days in our nation's capitol. My main purpose was to engage in advocacy for the Hindu American Foundation on the Hill. In addition, I had the opportunity to see a good friend, Tony Olson, who is working with Teach For America in the DC public schools.

I spent the day on Tuesday observing Tony, or should I say, Mr. Olson in his classroom . It was tremendously uplifting to see the energy and enthusiasm he conveyed to his students. Tony was a natural! He embodied the best of an Ole and Eastview alum- truly living out ideals to action. This Obama-inspired hope was juxtaposed by the conditions of the high school in which he taught, the disrespect & vulgarity in the classrooms and on the basketball court, the fighting in the hallway, and the metal detectors at the entrance.

I then traveled to the Congressional offices, a few blocks in distance, but a world's away from Coolidge High. Joined with other members of the Foundation, we visited Congressional offices to advocate on behalf of the nation's 2 million Hindus. We spoke to Senators, Congressman and their aides on the issues of misappropriated aid to Pakistan, continued human rights abuses against religious minorities in Malaysia and the growing erosion of the divide between church and state (legislation to introduce the teaching of creationism in schools, inaccessibility of Bush's Faith-Based Initiative to members of minority religions, etc).

What was most moving was to meet fellow Hindus and Indians from my generation, who are achieving great success professionally, but still remain committed to their cultural and religious identity. At times, especially in the Midwest, I have felt rather isolated in my faith. To me, it is wonderful to feel that I am part of a larger network and community. We ended the session with a reception in the main Capital building and were proud to achieve our highest and most decorated (in terms of guests) attendance to date.

Tomorrow, Rhodes orientation begins. More to come soon!

summer days drifting away

Edward Teale once stated "For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together. For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad." Luckily in these past few weeks, I have been able to experience both phenomena.

At the end of this month, I head off across the pond to begin graduate school (Master's Program in Development Studies at Oxford). Amidst packing, frantically completing sixty texts of required summer reading that was assigned in mid-August, finding every excuse to make multiple trips to J.Crew, I have had the opportunity to spend time with those I care about most- all of you.

It is said that it is only in the season of summer that laziness finds respectability. Hence, my summer sought to be as respectable as possible. Hesistant to leave my home and nest for the last 21 years, I found work at the St. Olaf Admissions Office. Here, I memorized the 45 different majors and concentrations offered at St. Olaf, and made some wonderful friends. I also finished research for the Hindu American Foundation and am excited to present such work next week on Capitol Hill.

A true Yankee at heart, I had the opportunity to discover some of the beauty of this country through many road-trips. I ran my first marathon on the North Shore of Lake Superior. I traveled to Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone with my family in our big red minivan and to Denver for Erica's wedding. Sarah Palin would be proud of my trip to North Dakota where I attempted to lasso a cow at a rodeo. And, the highlight, was heading to Madeline Island with Nathan, Katie and Lindsay!

I also grew infinitely closer to my family. We celebrated my grandparents' 55th wedding anniversary in Trinidad and my brother's graduation from good ole Eastview in June. I even got to spend time with my aunt, uncle and cousins from Miami three times this year! I also got to play big sister by moving in the same younger brother to St. Olaf a few weeks ago. Papa Rambi has begun every day with a 20-minute life lesson that he imparts to me over breakfast and then ends every day with five Gita verses and their meanings.

And now, off to the biggest adventure of my life. Please e-mail me whenever possible ishanaa@gmail.com or utilize the great American invention of facebook or even skype me at ishanaarambachan. I will be home for a week at Christmas and then off to Israel to visit Tyler!