We didn't just raise a strong girl, we raised a warrior

Neeira-in the last 18 years you have brought us much pride, love, and laughter. We watched you become a remarkable person with a strong moral compass. You often taught us, that speaking up for something even in the most uncomfortable of situations was ALWAYS worth it. You never hesitated to break the silence for what needed to be said. You took on stigmas and cycles and chains for you believed they needed to end. Your loyalty to your sisters, your mother tongue, and your mother land is inspiring. And your diligence and discipline for anything you take on is admirable.

As you celebrate this milestone birthday on the cusp of the new adventure that awaits you, we wish that all your dreams come true. We hope a spicy plate of biryani will always bring you comfort, that you meet your favorite Bollywood stars someday, that you get to travel and travel and travel and go do a semester at sea. 

You have heard us saying ever so often 'life is unfair' and you will experience this yourself in a million different ways. But no matter what horrible thing is happening in your life, we want you to find the silver lining, for there is always something to be grateful for. No matter how dark it gets- remember the light is on its way; when you are unsure what path to take, remember sometimes the path is made simply by walking.

You have always been the soft and gentle one, but yet we have seen you be fierce and defiant when the situation warrented it. You have a fire inside you- we hope you never let convenience or comfort or the easiness of standing still put it out. Be brave, take chances and have the courage to go forward without needing all the answers.  Always, always continue to be brave enough to scream louder than the one who screams at you. Never submit, instead be unstoppable and unbreakable. But remember you can be couragous and yet feel fear and that's okay, because we have not brought you up to be fearless, but to engage with fear: Speake to it, get under it, understand it, don’t run from it. And don't hestitate to call on us when you need to- asking for help, being carried sometimes, is never a weakness. We maynot always be able to save you- but we will hold your hand while you save yourself.

At the same time when you see someone around you in a dark space, give them a little of your own light, because there is always enough light to go around.

In the next few years, take the time to figure out what moves you, what encourages your soul, what you deeply crave from life and have the courage to chase that. Believe that you are capable and worthy of curating the kind of life for yourself that lights a fire deep within you. 

Repeatedly, your grandparents, your teachers and friends have said they notice something in you, a spark, an essence that foretells you are going to go out and make a difference. We see it too and are excited to walk with you on this journey, or in time walk behind you, as you clear the path, shatter glass ceilings and uplift others along the way. 

We'll proudly say "she is ours, we have indeed raised not just a strong girl, we have raised a warrior."