Chai Chat Press Coverage: Are you an ‘American-Born Confused Desi?’

By Reshma Melwani, IndiaNewEngland

	Local South Asian Americans talk at a “Chai Chat” held in downtown Boston.

BOSTON — “Are you an ABCD or a FOB?” asked Manoshi Vin to a crowd gathered on leather sofas and drinking chai on a recent chilly Sunday afternoon.

Thus began the year’s first “Chai Chat,” held at News Café and Lounge in Boston and hosted by the Boston chapter of the Network of South Asian Professionals, a nonprofit organization known for its happy hours, charitable events and social gatherings such as this one.

“Being labeled a FOB [Fresh Off the Boat] or an ABCD [American-Born Confused Desi] is something we’ve all battled at some point in our lives,” explained Vin, the network’s social chair.

As an icebreaker to the social gathering, all attendees took turns stating their names and if they were an American born confused Desi or fresh off the boat.

The diverse group of 40 — made up of well-heeled doctors, researchers, engineers, lawyers and financiers — introduced themselves and chose an affinity, some happily, others hesitantly. Among those South Asians sitting in the crowd was Chai Chat’s guest of honor, Sunil Lala, author of “American Khichdi.”

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