A Children's Book About Culture And Family

Sometimes children ask questions that stay with us forever.

For myself, one of those moments came when my son asked, “Mommy, am I Indian today?” while getting dressed in traditional ethnic clothing when he was very young.

That simple question sparked a deeper conversation about the grandparents, the struggles that they endured while building a life in America, traditions and culture. 

Both of my sons were born in America, and I realized how important it was to help them understand that being Indian is not limited to wearing beautiful traditional clothing on special occasions. It is something carried in family stories, values, traditions, experiences, and heritage every single day.

Mommy, Am I Indian Today? is a children’s book that encourages meaningful conversations about culture and family. Through beautiful illustrations and thoughtful storytelling, the book reminds readers that culture is not something we turn on and off. It is part of who we are.

Behind the Journey:

Last month, I was honored to participate in a special conversation about leadership, motherhood, and culture. During the discussion, I shared how my career evolved into leadership coaching and training, the experiences that inspired my writing, and the journey behind my books. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the defining moments that continue to shape my work and passion for helping others grow.

One of the topics we explored was my children's book, Mommy, Am I Indian Today?, which was inspired by a question my son asked about culture and identity. The book has opened the door to meaningful conversations with families about heritage, belonging, and the stories that connect us across generations.

That conversation made it especially meaningful to have the opportunity to give back through literacy this month. I was grateful to donate two boxes of Mommy, Am I Indian Today? to the Children’s Book Project, an organization that provides free books to children from under-resourced communities to support literacy, learning, and lifelong opportunity.

The impact of their work is remarkable. So far in 2026, the Children’s Book Project has received more than 47,000 books and given away more than 57,000 books. Since 1992, they have distributed more than 3.4 million books to children and families.

I am honored to support their mission of helping children build home libraries, discover the joy of reading, and see themselves reflected in the stories they read.

You can learn more about the Children’s Book Project and the incredible impact they are making in communities by visiting their website.