May 13 2008
The Desi Connection: “Why I’m glad to be South Asian”
We’ve all benefitted at least once in our lifetime from the “Desi connection”. This special connection to one another within our communities is something we often joke about, but for many, this connection has truly made life easier in the hardest of times.
But what is the desi connection? Hopefully, this letter from one of our readers will help you understand…
Dear SABAsearch Blog and Readers,
Today, I truly experienced how lucky I am to be South Asian.
I am currently in Rhode Island on a vacation, where my father just suffered from a severe heart attack. He was saved by the paramedics, but he is still in critical condition here at the hospital. It looks like we will be stuck here in Rhode Island for a while until we can figure out our options to bring him home…
But I’m not worried. Although we do not know anybody here in Rhode Island, I feel as though we are already surrounded by family. Immediately after news got out that we were in this difficult situation, my phone started rining like crazy.
Within 30 minutes of getting to the hospital, I had already experienced the value of the Desi Connection. Raj from the local indian restaurant here in downtown Rhode Island somehow got my number and has already offered to bring us food every night to the hospital. Dilip Patel from the Hawthorne Suites has also already called to offer his hotel for our entire family at no cost. Even my Dad’s heart surgeon, a desi, has offered to keep my Dad in the hospital longer if there is room so that we can figure out our plan first.
I had never been so overwhelmed with support from people I didn’t even know. But I guess that’s what it means to be a Desi. Today is the day I realized how special it is to be South Asian. No matter how far away from home you are, and no matter what situation you are in, you will always have the family through the Desi Connection…
Sincerely,
P. Patel
The desi connection is definitely helpful. I was on my way to Austin when I blew out one of my tires. I pulled over to one of the hotels on the side of the road and it was a desi at the desk. While the tow truck came, i was able to sit inside a nice air conditioned room and wait. He also gave me food
Only because I was desi too
Patel - first of all, good luck to your dad - hope he gets well soon. I am glad that you are surrounded by our desi community - this is what matters at this part of time.
All should be fine, take care. Write about your dad’s health next time.
Reemas,
PrivateMarriage.com
my story about the desi connection…
when I was in Texas for the Hurricane Rita, we had to drive out of Houston in the massive congestion that took place…when we were about 50 miles outside of Houston, we determined that we wouldn’t have enough gas to even reach Austin. BUT, we had nowhere to go or sleep. So, we pulled over to a hotel, and all of the rooms were booked. there was a desi who owned the hotel, and he offered to take us in for the night until we could figure out what to do in the morning. Truly amazing and compassionate. We’ll never forget that.
I personally have never had such experiences with desi people. I am glad to read that such people truly exist. I wish each and every one of you goodness, as well as those who have helped you. Pay It Forward…
After reading your stories, I am even more inclined to help others when in need!