Umesh D. Wankhade

“Bhag Desi Bhag” 

In 2019, standing on the cusp of my forties, I had just undergone my annual physical. The doctor, scrutinizing my blood profile, delivered a sobering message. My LDL and Triglyceride levels were hovering at the borderline risk category, on the verge of tipping over. It was a wake-up call – my current lifestyle, characterized by indulgence in fried and unhealthy foods coupled with sedentary work, was a catalyst for pushing these levels toward dangerous territory. The aging process wasn't doing me any favors either. The doctor explained that as I aged, my liver, once a swift 100-meter sprinter in clearing triglycerides, had slowed down to a huffing and puffing stroll. In light of this, it was clear that changes needed to be made to avoid escalating health risks.

First and foremost, by cutting down on unhealthy fried food,  I prioritized addressing the extra weight around my midsection. Reflecting on a successful stint with treadmill running a few years ago – albeit a bit monotonous – I decided to take up the habit, this time opting for outdoor runs. Almost serendipitously, during that same week, I stumbled upon a group of Indians known as "Bhag Desi Bhag" who gathered for a run every Saturday morning. The notion of a community of Indian runners was initially peculiar but immensely exciting. As someone familiar with the saying that we Indians only gather where there's food and cricket, the discovery of this running group became all the more encouraging. It felt like a sign as if the universe had heard my inner dialogue about embarking on a healthier lifestyle. 

In late 2019, as whispers of a looming pandemic and the closure of borders echoed around the world, our running group embarked on a journey that would prove to be a source of strength and resilience during uncertain times. Our meeting point: the serene Two Rivers Park in the early hours of Saturday morning. Gathering in numbers ranging from 8 to 10, our diverse group, spanning ages 30 to 55, embraced a shared passion for healthier tomorrow. While our running abilities varied, the camaraderie and guidance from seasoned runners fostered an inclusive environment. With their expertise, we initiated a gradual approach – a blend of walking and running, ensuring accessibility for everyone. What started as a modest endeavor, with a mere mile or two covered at a time, transformed into a remarkable journey. Within a few months, we collectively achieved a significant milestone – conquering the formidable distance of a half marathon. The sense of accomplishment resonated especially with those among us who had never considered themselves runners. Inspired by our progress and motivated by a newfound sense of community, the majority of us made a bold decision: to participate in the 2020 Little Rock Marathon scheduled for March. As we eagerly anticipated the event, our shared commitment and mutual encouragement propelled us forward, turning our strides into a harmonious cadence of achievement.

Running, as exhilarating as it can be, also comes with its challenges – from physical exhaustion to the occasional pain in almost every part of the body. Yet, in these tough moments, the bond of our "Bhag Desi Bhag" group truly shines. Our diverse group, spanning various ages and running experiences, has become a support system like no other. Each member plays a crucial role in lifting one another up when the going gets tough. Whether it's adjusting the pace to accommodate slower runners or offering words of motivation, our group has cultivated an environment of encouragement and camaraderie. I consider myself fortunate to be a part of this uplifting community. Even in the dreary days of winter, when the cold seems unbearable and the sun is a rare sight before 7.30 AM, the anticipation of spending that precious hour or so running and chatting with the group becomes a example of warmth and motivation.

Being a part of a running group has not only brought me closer to the joys of running but has also transported me back to the heartwarming days of my childhood in India. While my running experiences may not have roots in India, the essence of community and connection feels reminiscent of the times when my village gathered around a bonfire in winter or enjoyed the evening breeze during hot summer nights, engaging in spirited discussions that ranged from politics to cricket, with figures like Vajpayee and Tendulkar making frequent appearances in discussions. It is no different on the running route these days, where our discussions frequently revolve around Kohli, Modi, Ranveer, etc. I'm delighted to share that as of 2024, our running group is thriving, and we are gearing up to participate in the upcoming Little Rock Marathon in March, with some of us aiming for a full marathon in March.

Artist: INDU SOORA

A supremely enthusiastic and active FOI member, Indu Soora is familiar to almost everyone in FOI. Indu is an incredibly talented artist, a fact she tends to modestly brush off as she recounts her journey in the world of colors and painting. 

Creativity, as they say runs in the family. This is certainly true in Indu’s family, with her grandma and mom being exceptionally talented and artistic and her sister quite a seasoned artist. Growing up under the shadow of so much talent around her, Indu dabbled in her passion of painting but didn’t think much of it.  Finding her niche in her skill has been quite a journey for Indu. A gentle teacher who removed roadblocks and an encouraging circle of fellow artists have helped her she says, and thanks Siva, an ardent supporter of her work, who truly motivated her early in their marriage to follow her passion.

Indu loves to create impressionistic art in acrylic, mixed media, and watercolors. She says she enjoys acrylic, because it is forgiving, but watercolor is her “true love” because it “maintains its purity and transparency till the very end” even though her work has been mostly in acrylic. Indu enjoys using bright and vivid colors because they bring joy and symbolize positivity she says. Some of Indu’s hallmark paintings depict sceneries of places she visits - adding silhouettes of herself or of family members or friends, a feature that has become her signature style.

Over the years, Indu has donated her paintings for fundraising events toward charitable organizations such as the United Cerebral Palsy, and the Harmony Health Clinic, a non-profit, free medical clinic for the uninsured that she and her husband Siva help raise funds annually. Indu says she finds giving is more satisfying than receiving and when gifting friends and family, she enjoys creating paintings that have special meaning for them. 

For Indu, painting is not just a hobby-it is an oasis of peace and repose. “I feel like a bird in the sky, light & free. To me painting is meditative-I forget everything. In fact, on some days, I wish I could just paint the whole day!”. 

Indu has sent some of her choicest paintings for us to enjoy: