My Suzhou is a That's series when we ask a Suzhou-based somebody to tell us about their life.
Originally from Mumbai, Dr. Sai Waikar is a trained gynecologist and obstetrician. After 18 years in Colombo, Sri Lanka, her love for laparoscopic surgery brought her to Suzhou, where she is undergoing specialized training at the First Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University. She is also a founder member of the Indian Youth Association.
How did the Indian Youth Association come about?
Since moving to Suzhou two years ago, I attended a number of cultural events and gatherings of the Indian Association of Shanghai. One day, over breakfast, the idea of having an Indian Youth Association in Suzhou came across my mind, as there are many young people working towards a brighter future in China. I got in touch with a very close friend of mine, Pranjali Lanjewar, and she was very enthusiastic and immediately on board. Thus began our journey. Pranjali is pretty much the spinal cord to the anatomy of my ideas for the Association.
What can people expect at the Pre Diwali Bash 2018?
Diwali, festival of lights, where good triumphs over evil, is celebrated very extravagantly in India. The Pre Diwali Bash 2018 is a one-of-a-kind event, where people from all communities and walks of life are invited to come under one roof to have a glimpse of the warm and welcoming nature of Indian culture.
There will be traditional Diwali decorations and Aarti (a devotional song sung for the goddess of money, Laxmi), yoga sessions (which originated in ancient India), an array of Indian food and delicacies and, last but not the least, Vermicelli Kheer, which is very commonly eaten during Diwali
We all love Indian food. What are your top recommendations in Suzhou?
Indian food culture is a challenge to master, as it varies from kebabs to curries, but most of the Indian restaurants in Suzhou have achieved the authenticity, like Indian At The Cross, Mehandi, Namaste and Ganesh. Everyone has their own favorite. In my opinion the go to place for authentic Indian delicacies is Indian At The Cross. Folks who are craving Indian food, but are on a specific diet and looking for something lighter can opt for the healthy Thali at Namaste.
What other events does the Indian Youth Association have lined up?
2018 being the birth year of the Indian Youth Association, it is still in its infant stages. After an auspicious launch with the Diwali festival, our vision is to bring the Indian community in Suzhou closer to each other, and to spread the love and culture to all other communities.
You have Bollywood dancing at the event. If people were to watch just one Bollywood film, which should it be?
Personally, I would recommend Amir Khan’s 3 Idiots. It is a true story based on the struggles faced by the younger generation due to the so called rat race and peer and parental pressure in society. I feel every family must watch this movie in order to understand how, not only grades in academics, but also overall life experiences help in shaping a better citizen of a country. It aptly portrays the age we live in.
Pre Diwali Bash 2018, Nov 4, 11am-4pm, RMB90 presale (up to 24 hours before, scan the QR code to pay, or email dr.sai.waikar.2011@gmail.com for more details) or RMB100 and RMB70 for students on the door. Season Whisper, see event listing.
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Images via Dr. Sai Waikar
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