This year has been an amazing exploration of who I am, where I live, the history that came before me, and what I hope for in the future.

This run is especially meaningful to me in that I'm a child of immigrant parents.

My mother grew up with little means. She would wake up early morning to tend a farm, then walk miles to school barefoot in the only uniform she owned, after school she would run home to continue the work on the farm and then after all the chores were done, she would sit and study by candle light in preparation for school the next day. She did this with great determination and  motivation for a better life. Her hard work paid off as she graduated with a degree in nursing. Nurses were in demand in the United States so she accepted the offer to work in this country. She worked hard, day in and day out and experienced many hardships. She would send money home to help her family but also to help other children in India gain the chance for a better life.  She did all of this in a Saree. We moved away from wearing this beautiful garment to fit in but today I have this urge to wear it as my everyday wear as it symbolizes a lot of who I am and honors those who have come before me.

When I look back at history, my personal history, the history of others, the women's suffrage movement. As women we continue to fight the good fight for what's right. For the betterment of our loved ones and our community. Right here in Bucks county I have met the most  incredible women who do a great deal to improve society. I am so honored to call them my friend.

This run for me is to honor my mother, her memory, all my friends here in Bucks County so that we can move towards a better life for all and where everyone belongs.

Please donate to my run and please come join us on March 27 from 1-4pm at Doylestown Central Park.  Registration for the run can be found on the main page here or at desisofdoylestown.org.

Your donation will be tax-deductible as Arva Yoga is a registered 501 (c) 3 organization. Proceeds of the run will benefit three women's education charities and will fund future Desis events and programs here in Bucks and Montgomery county.