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My grandfather passed in October, and I’m heading to India for the first time to spread his ashes and further experience my cultural roots in a major way.

For the last 5 years, I spent every week learning about my heritage and building my relationship with my Nanaji (grandfather), and with every story he told, the image of India was painted more and more vividly.

As we tended to his garden, he taught me Hindi, gave me advice, and shared stories of his life in India and beyond. Since he passed away this fall, I have been thinking of ways to honor his life, his legacy, and the impact that the relationship we formed has had on me and even my music.

I now know in my spirit, that the best way I can honor him is to experience my cultural roots in a way that I have never had the opportunity to, by going to India. I have dreamed of going since childhood, and the only time that dream was close to realization, the trip was canceled due to covid. I trust in divine timing because taking this trip now holds more meaning than it ever did before. I am going with the intention of spreading his ashes with family and discovering the ways in which being Indian makes me who I am, as a person and an artist.

I've experienced a great deal of financial and emotional hardship with the recent passing of family, including my father - and I believe this pilgrimage will be extremely healing and transformative. I will be hosting a benefit concert in February, ramping up my voice lessons, and taking on some other jobs to raise money for this voyage. If you feel like supporting me in this dream, I am accepting donations and am extremely grateful for your support. I will also be documenting my journey as a way of sharing my experience with you in return.

There's no wish I want more in this world, and with your help, I’ll be one step closer to making this dream come true.