So, after the few music related posts over the last few nights, I spent my late night tonight building a mix CD of music I have (or just found) that is influenced by Indian musical traditions. From Thievery Corporation to Jay-Z to Cornershop, at least in my limited collection. Anyway, I was googling something related and ran across this series of posts that led me to Rupa & the April Fishes (iTunes link).
I hope my sister can be inspired by this amazing woman, musician, and doctor. I know you think we’re not sure if this fellowship is right for you. Just do what you think is right and go for it. Wonderful things only happy when you follow your heart. Besides, what you’re doing isn’t anywhere near as crazy or intense as this woman. 
“As a doctor by day and a singer by night, third-year UCSF internal medicine resident Rupa Marya, MD, is living her dream.” – Sharon Brock, UCSF Today
I basically read this post, Rupa and the April Fishes @ Temple Bar!, at losanjalis.com which I found from this blog (check out Anjali’s bio on the right) which my sister might find interesting as well. All of this started from a post over here, which I include for completeness.
The music is pretty cool, by the way. It’s a weird and cool mix of songs in French, Spanish (I really like Poder), and English. I’m kinda bummed that she’s not coming out east anytime soon.
March 27th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
thanks, suj…. i agree that what i’m doing isn’t as crazy as this woman.
p.s. anjali is a former rockstar of AMSA (american medical student association), my home away from home during med school…she took a year off to inspire physicians[-in-training] and others to fight against disparities in health/for universal healthcare. i’ve only met her in passing, but it’s a good group…
March 29th, 2007 at 3:08 am
Sujal, thanks for the link to my blog and the nice words. And thanks to your sister for the even more flattering words! It made my day to see your post and link AND to see your sister’s comment above :> I’m sure your sister is very inspiring herself. You mentioned in your post that she’s doing a fellowship in something your family may not be completely into? interesting…
And on top of all of that, I met your friend Vishal at the Rupa and the April Fishes show last night. How did he come to know about the show and head over there? From your blog link, to my blog, to …the venue! He’s cool, we hung out with Rupa afterwards. She’s very inspiring and a barrel of fun too :>
The show was amazing. So much talent among the musicians. I’m a little swamped right now but hoping to post some photos and video from the show on my blog in the coming few days.
Thanks again!
-a
March 29th, 2007 at 10:57 am
ha… i directed vishal over there after reading all of the posts. he’s in LA and it seemed like a great experience! i was impressed that he went since i told him about it at 10:30pm PST– he ran right out the door! gotta love the energy/spontaneity.
i’m doing the new global version of the doris duke next year through Columbia… will be in South Africa (city as of yet undecided) doing clinical research/working some of my own passions for ~9-10 months. very exciting!
March 29th, 2007 at 9:03 pm
(Sujal sorry your sister and i are having a conversation on your blog)
S — strong work, congratulations! that is SO exciting. the new doris duke international fellowship looks absolutely amazing and you should be proud of yourself for being one of the chosen few for being accepted (and one of the bold ones who decided to take a year off of medical school to pursue something this amazing). when i took a year off to be Jack Rutledge Fellow at AMSA, my parents tried everything to get me to withdraw my application. they were so plagued with questions like will you now drop out of med school? how will this affect your residency search? why don’t you do this activisty stuff AFTER residency is over and you’re an established doctor? aren’t you getting older? this is absolute garbage, you can’t do it.
it’s surprising and quite scary how strongly indian parents (and likely other parents too) can push like this, about something they should be elated about.
strong work.
and vishal was spontaneous, yes. as i recall, the doorman had to pull him by his collar as vishal ran inside (thinking the show was already half-done) and had to remind him that there was a $7 cover. thankfully for him, the show hadn’t started yet. it’s quite a small world that he showed up after your brother found the post on losanjalis about the show! and he’s very good friends with a friend of mine in his med school.
the world is squishy small. it’s nice.
-a
March 29th, 2007 at 11:07 pm
Feel free to have a conversation. The post is for my sister, though I should apologize to her for its incoherence. It was late and was tired… I meant well, though.
April 1st, 2007 at 1:06 am
anjali- thanks for the words of support. despite the sincerity of parental intentions, the doubt is definitely one of the hardest parts of taking this year.
…it’s hard to feel like you’re disappointing those you love.
in other ways, i think it’s almost good… as sujal hinted, it certainly tests my conviction about the value of the work/education of the year– and i’m grateful for that!
…cheers to reasons for the 5 year plan… and to continuing the “activisty stuff” in residency [and beyond].
-sks