Sasmita and I are traveling to Odisha, her birth state, in Eastern India, from late May to mid-June 2014. The reason: to be married in a Catholic Mass about 30 minutes away from the village Alligonda where she grew up. None of her family attended our August 2012 wedding in New Jersey. The plan has always been to return… Continue reading We’re going back to India – to marry again.
Category: Love
Why is science fiction unpopular in India?
The Atlantic recently published this piece, entitled, “Why the West Loves Sci-Fi and Fantasy: A Cultural Explanation.” The story examines why science fiction movies are huge moneymakers in the West, but not in India particularly. The author briefly touches on Japan and China’s embrace of fantasy. However, she seems confused about why India is seemingly… Continue reading Why is science fiction unpopular in India?
Quick Response to Reuter’s Adoption Piece
I am working on a longer post about “The Child Exchange”, Reuters exposé about the underground internet market in adopted children called ‘private re-homing’, and will publish something soon. However, I wanted to get the Adoption Policy and Reform Collaborative’s statement below into the blogosphere immediately. Adoption Policy and Reform Collaborative (APRC) Response to the… Continue reading Quick Response to Reuter’s Adoption Piece
Happy 4th Birthday to WorldCitizensBlog!
Dear Readers, Sunday marked four years of putting my thoughts on the web as a blogger. It continues to be an incredible journey for me. On Father’s Day in 2009, I began this blog. I am amazed by where it has gone since.
My ‘fairy-tale’ narrative in voice: A podcast interview.
My ‘fairy tale’ story, through a podcast, in three 10 minute segments from the Land of Gazillion Adoptees blog.
Marrying an Immigrant – Part 1
As some of you know, I married the love of my life Sasmita in August of 2012. After a courtship conducted primarily over Skype for over a year….But this post is not about her background, but rather what it’s like to be married to someone who had never left India and came to the US for the first time in mid-July 2012.
“Joseph, No Last Name”
His birth certificate read ‘Joseph, no last name given’. An American couple adopted him; 32 years later, AJ Bryant returns to District Three Hospital in Kottayam where the mother he’s never met gave him birth…
Dear Readers,
Below is a re-post from Land of Gazillion Adoptees as promised.
I’m also in the midst of re-designing this blog.
One of the more surprising revelations after living in India in 2011, was learning that the Dalits, formerly the “untouchables,” are no fans of Mahatma Gandhi. Coming from the United States and Western society in general, the Mahatma is held up as a paragon of non-violence and civil disobedience. I would guess that most in the US consider his life and his work as one of the most selfless, incredibly beautiful and inspiring of the modern world. The belief is less in India.
Back from India, Now a Master
Hello everyone. I’m back. Or more accurately, this blog is back. It has been months since I updated, but I’m working on some new posts to be published in the following weeks. I have been stateside (mostly adjusted by now) since mid-June, finished my MA degree in Conflict Resolution in August and now I’m in… Continue reading Back from India, Now a Master
A Whole Other World–My Dalit Village Visit.
The plastic glass of water teetered precariously on a simple metal tray. An unknown amount of eyes were glued on me, riveted to my every movement. The water before me was mixed with lemon; I could see the seeds floating in the water, along with pieces of pulp. No doubt, it would clench my thirst.… Continue reading A Whole Other World–My Dalit Village Visit.
Does Transnational Adoption=Cultural Genocide?
Recently I’ve heard people discuss international adoption and those who decry the practice say it’s a form of “cultural genocide.” Really?! It was referenced here as a reason some people are against international adoption.” I have a real problem calling international adoption “cultural genocide.”
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Friends, Greetings from snowy, cold, New Jersey. I am here with my entire family celebrating Christmas and it’s been wonderful. I hope you are all having a beautiful time with your families and loved ones this Holiday Season. I would like to thank you so much for reading and responding to my blog. It has… Continue reading Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Children of “their own.”
I happened upon this article last week and it brought up a few long standing topics in the adoption arena. But there’s one particular issue I’d like to examine today and that is the idea of an adopted child as “second best.” “Adopting a New Attitude” I get really annoyed when I tell people I’m… Continue reading Children of “their own.”
Elton John and Celebrity Adoptions
Once again another celebrity is getting into the adoption game. A number of people want to know my thoughts about celebrity adoption, you are about to hear them.
From Indifference to Love: How my Affection for India Evolved –Part Two
The 2nd part of my personal journey from being ashamed about my Indian birth to fully embracing India as “mine.”