Happy World Hindi Day!

It was an honor to be the very first instructor to teach Hindi as a foreign language in an American university. On a personal level, my whole American experience was a roller coaster ride, and a great learning opportunity too.

I was nervous after being announced by U.S. Department of State and USIEF (United States India Educational Foundation) to teach Hindi to Americans.

It was my first visit to US and I was miles away from my family. Moreover, I hardly knew anyone there.

I was the very first instructor to teach Hindi as a foreign language in an American university. I didn't have my supervisor to guide me, as she was on a sabbatical, working on a project in UK.

I had to develop the entire course content on my own, and make sure, it's user friendly as well as experiential in nature.

Not only, I was supposed to teach Hindi to foreigners, I was also auditing 6 Life Skills courses at the university.

I was also expected to share Indian culture by participating in cultural festivals, and by lecturing in various middle schools and high schools across the state.

I had never cooked in my life and I was 'somehow surviving' on self-cooked meals, as being a hardcore vegetarian in US.

As per mutual understanding between me and my German landlady (who proudly calls me her Indian son now), I was also supposed to follow some detailed set of guidelines, and take care of her dog too.

On a personal level, my whole American experience was a roller coaster ride, and a great learning opportunity.

So, what happened after I completed my almost one year in US?

- I became 1st Indian scholar to receive University of Montana Annual Award for distinguished service and outreach.

- I received official recognition from the well-known American NGO Jeannette Rankin Peace Center for fundraising through my artwork.

- I got a rare opportunity to represent India as a youth leader at the United Nations.

And above all, I made meaningful connections with my American students, my colleagues and my mentors, to cherish throughout my life.

Lesson is very simple,

"When life offers you an opportunity, make the most of it, no matter what. And the key to success is to focus on goals, not obstacles"

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Wish you a very happy World Hindi Day!