Review of a recent Book on South Asian achievements.

Dr. Rashmee Sharma: Celebrating Success of South Asians

Acclaimed journalist, editor, educationist, and award winning author, Dr. Rashmee Sharma is best known for her journalistic contributions globally. With a wide range of educational experience in teaching from grade K-undergraduate courses, Rashmee has presented writing seminars internationally. She is also the US correspondent for the Femina Magazine, published from India. After arriving in United States in 1991, Rashmee sensed a distinct need to create a platform to promote Indian art and heritage in greater Seattle area.

As a founding member of India Arts & Heritage Society she has diligently worked to promote the organization. A decade later, the technology revolution distinctly altered the perception of Indians where India became synonymous with companies like Microsoft, IBM, Boeing and Intel.

As she continued to excel in my own discipline as published author, journalist, correspondent, educator, accomplished mother and voice of her community -receiving awards and accolades, a few questions continued to haunt her “What have we done to provide the compelling role models from within our community for the younger generation?” “If we don’t have our voice heard in the mainstream then who will be our spokesperson?” The genesis of Roshni: The Light of South Asia is her effort to demystify stereotypical perceptions of our community and list inspirational heroes of our times. The book was recently launched globally in Los Angeles, Harvard Club of NYC, Seattle, New Delhi and Mumbai. Prominent personalities like Victor Menezes, Rajat Gupta, Swati Dandekar, Sant Chatwal, Meera Gandhi and Vikram Chatwal were invited to attend. In Mumbai the book was launched by Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh. Rashmee continues via Roshni to reach the first and future generations by building a bridge to communicate pride, strength and sacrifice of the first generation immigrants. Her intent is also to focus on enlightening and making younger generation proud of our heritage and culture. Many of her poems are published in literary journals and nationally acclaimed magazines. She loves nature, travel, friends, solace, music, wine, books and movies including bollywood. Born in New Delhi and raised in the famous pink city of Jaipur, Rashmee graduated form Rajasthan University and completed Ph. D. in American Literature from the University of Washington.