1. I am a big fan of University of Southern California
(USC) College Football and wear Number #18 Cardinal Trojan Jersey each weekend
USC plays. I have met former football coaches Pete Carroll and Lane Kiffin and
former Quarterback Matt Barkley in person and got their autographs signed on my
jersey. Coming from India, I didn’t know anything about College Football until
my American roommates explained the game. Today I am passionate about my school
game and the NFL.
2.
I cannot start my day without drinking 2-3 cups
of strong Indian tea mixed with herbs and other spices. I will carry my tea
leaves and herbs if I know the place I’ll be staying doesn’t have it.
3.
I cook everyday and pack my breakfast and lunch
to office. In the past, I have hosted dinner parties at my place and cooked
food (vegetarian/non-vegetarian) for at least 15-20 people. My colleagues think
I am a good chef besides a good software tester.
4.
I have 2 tricolor flags at home, 1 flag at
office and a pair of cufflinks with Indian flag on it.
6.
I have composed a 36 page Hollywood playwright script
with dialogues, camera angles, sound effects etc. The script is called
“Replica” (a thriller) and is about reincarnation of life.
7.
I am the first in my family to have run a
half-marathon, first to study in America and the first who will attain double
master degrees.
8.
I was judged “Mr. Generous” unanimously in a
class of 50 students in a 6th grade competition at school. I never
expected this to come but felt honored upon receiving the appreciation.
9.
When it comes to beer, I mostly buy Molson beer
from Liquor stores. I went on to convince my friends to meet at an authentic
Canadian bar located very far in Brooklyn and try Molson beers and Poutine, a
Canadian delicacy.
10.
I founded the largest Indian community group in
Newport, Jersey City on Facebook named “Indians @Newport”. The group started with
4 USC graduates and today has approx 2000 members. Events are professional
networking based and happen in Jersey City and New York. Also, I recently
concluded my first networking event in Toronto in another group “Indians
@Toronto”.
11.
I use the word #Jaali frequently on Facebook,
Twitter and even while talking. Most of my friends have also started to use
this word. #Jaali is a Hindi word which means Fake.
12.
Besides being social, my friends also describe
me as funny and humorous.
13.
My friends call me “Paaji” which means elder
brother. This started off as a joke at USC and now everyone calls me with this
name.
14.
My shirts are from UK, trousers from USA, shoes
from China and belts from India.
15.
I regret my decision of not joining the Indian
Army when I was 17 and had the opportunity to. My father served as a Commander
in the Indian Navy and so I wanted to join Navy only. Today I feel the force
doesn’t matter, what matters is your willingness to serve the country.
16.
On 3 occasions when I totally disliked Indian
food being served in a restaurant that was rated very high and good on yelp, I
got frustrated and decided to come up with an Indian version of yelp.
17.
I love ties. Sometimes I have dreamt of going to
bed sleeping with a tie. Lot of my Indian friends asked me to help make a tie
knot for them at USC.
18.
I founded IndoRendezvous.com, an event
management hub and startup that will consolidate all Indian events happening in
Jersey City and New York. I also started another venture called NJDesi.com, a platform
where local Indian-American entities in the Newport/Jersey City/New Jersey
area can advertise their businesses and/or promote any upcoming events.
19.
I am a big believer of Hindu God Shiva and will
worship Shiva in temple.
20.
I have a twin sister who is 2 minutes younger
than me. We are fraternal twins and do not resemble at all. While growing we
always fought about who was elder.
21.
I have organized, administered and managed 100+
events in my Indian group.
22.
Today considered very social and extrovert by my
friends, once I was an introvert.
23.
I wear a gold earring in my left ear, an Indian custom
for bringing good luck. At first, I wasn’t interested but I am simply respecting
my mother’s faith.
