We Were, We Are

Born in simple, middle class families of Northern India, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, both Nalini and Prabhat excelled in their chosen fields of education. Their honesty, simplicity, hard work and dedication to their families helped them to attain what they have today. In this story of their life's journey, they have very candidly analyzed their success and failures, admitting their own weakness with brutal honesty.

The story starts with the family history going back to almost three hundred years, moving from the era of mogul invasion to the migration of the Indian population to America. Born in the 1940s the two writers trace their life from their own childhood to their life in the twenty first century America enjoying the childhood of their grandchildren.

Nalini is a doctor, who loved treating patients. However, she loved her family too. She gives up her ambition to progress further in her chosen career and settles for less, in favor of caring for her family and spending time with them. How she describes her trials of this journey along with her problems at work that she overcomes with the love and support of her family, perhaps teaches us how your loved ones support you and care for you. Throughout her journey she has maintained contact with friends and relatives and that is also her strength. Her likes and dislikes could be yours too.

Prabhat is an engineer and a brilliant one. His one regret in life is that he did not grab the chance of migrating to USA in the 1960's when he was offered one. However, despite that he has achieved a lot and is satisfied with what he has attained. One is very devout the other is a nonbeliever, but these two divergent personalities have grown together with the years. This fascinating tale is witness to this miracle.

The book gives the reader a clear insight about the life of an average middleclass resident of India. Their customs, their rituals, and their thought process provide the reader with a thoughtful insight into their lives. The narrative traces the journey of both writers from childhood to the present day. This journey has been enhanced with a description of their lives, their sorrows and their joys. The clever interspersing of old and new photographs, depicting their lives, has added an additional charm to the saga.