As I progress in my career, the once-distant dreams that felt like stars on the horizon are now within reach. Yet, the journey to achieving them has been anything but straightforward—filled with determination, deep reflection, and moments of overwhelming emotion.

Greetings from Bhakra Nangal, the small town in India that nurtured my earliest dreams and cradles my parents’ home. Being here again, I find myself wrapped in the warmth of familiarity—each street, each corner echoing with childhood memories. This is more than a nostalgic visit; it is a pilgrimage to my beginnings, a rediscovery of the foundation that shaped me.

Standing within the walls of my parents’ home, I am reminded of what it means to feel grounded—or as I prefer to say, to feel “Rooted.” Not just in a physical sense, but in the emotional and spiritual connection to this place and the people who have been a part of my journey. It’s a reaffirmation of where I come from, of the love and values that have shaped me. This grounding provides strength, offering stability as I navigate the ever-expanding world beyond these walls.

This homecoming has been a revelation, peeling back the layers of my identity through the lens of my childhood. Now, as I stand in the very home that saw me grow, I feel deeply rooted yet ready to evolve. My small town has been more than a backdrop to my life—it has been the foundation of my identity. And that realization is profoundly moving.

Let us cherish our beginnings, for they are our compass, guiding us through life’s journey. In reconnecting with where we started, we don’t just find nostalgia—we find clarity and direction for the road ahead.

If you get the chance, I encourage you to revisit your hometown with fresh eyes—to feel truly “Rooted.”