Passionate people certainly change the world … and I’m not really thinking of inventing a new device or a cure for a terminal illness … no! I’m thinking of people who enrich their local communities by their everyday work, and who inspire others to take up new challenges. They bring smiles to people’s faces and make them realize that the word ‘impossible’ doesn’t really exist, unless we allow it to become a real obstacle, which prevents us from achieving new goals in our lives. I’d like to introduce you to Abhinav, a guy who travelled the world to find out his true self. In this short interview he will share a few thoughts with you on his passions, things which shaped him as a person, and his plans for the following future.
Passion Piece: Could you say a few words about yourself?
Abhinav: A passionate nomad who loves to explore what life has to offer. Originally from Mumbai India, I now call San Francisco my home. I moved to the US in search of my dreams and I have been able to realize a lot that I set out to do in life.
Passion Piece: What’s your biggest passion?
Abhinav: It’s difficult to pin down one, but two of the biggest passions for me are music and food. I love to explore food cultures of different countries around the world. Living in San Francisco, I am fortunate to be able to explore authentic flavors of many countries around the world.
Coming from a family of music lovers, I was exposed to everything from Ravi Shanker to BB King. After moving to the States, my love of music grew even further. When not thinking about food, you’ll find me learning new music for a classical or a pop song.
Passion Piece: How did you find it?
Abhinav: It was a mixture of friends and family. Being an 80’s child, I was exposed to rock like Aerosmith, Guns and Roses, Police and many others. I received training in Indian classical music, as a young child, which helped in developing a musical ear. As a teen, I started liking hip hop and jazz because of the musicality and rhythm in the music. I found friends, who had similar tastes as mine, when I moved to the US and that helped in furthering my knowledge of music.
If I wasn’t an engineer, I’d probably be a food critique or chef. I have always been interested in cuisines of different regions. My family travelled around every year to parts of northern India where cuisine is different from my home state. After moving to North Carolina, I came across North Carolina and Texas style barbecue, Japanese, Korean and Saudi Arabian cuisine. I had friends from all of these countries in graduate school and one of our favorite activity was to cook dinner for friends. What would be a better way to get introduced to cuisine of a region than to eat home cooked food? After finishing grad school, I travelled around the southern part of America experiencing cuisine of the region in all its true glory before settling in California.
Passion Piece: How has your passion changed your life?
Abhinav: My passion has made me who I am in large parts. Music and food allowed me to get out of my shyness and make friends, who share similar interests as me. These two passions have helped me in making the friends that I have today. Singing to me is one of the purest forms of expressing who you truly are. A genuine expression of music brings people together transcending cultural bounds.
Passion Piece: What’s the most difficult in following your passion?
Abhinav: Time is a scarcest commodity with a 9 to 5 job. I work as a software engineer by day and it takes constant learning to be at the forefront of tech, which stretches beyond the job. Finding time to fulfill my passions is the hardest thing right now, but I am glad to be able to do justice to them.
Passion Piece: What are your other interests?
Abhinav: I am a nature and reading buff. Whenever there is an occasion to go out in nature, I do it.
Passion Piece: Can you imagine your life without passion?
Abhinav: No. My passions are an integral part of who I am, and they have helped me being a better individual.
Passion Piece: What are your plans for the future?
Abhinav: I would like to study wine making and continue vocal training to be a better singer.
Passion Piece: What motto would you like to share with my readers?
Abhinav: Don’t let anyone or anything else define who you are. Take risks in life, as tough times show you who you truly are. Learn from your own and others experiences, as life is too short to experience everything first hand.
Passion Piece: Thank you for your inspiring words! I hope that my readers will enjoy reading your story!
Abhinav: Thank you.
If you want to share your passions and thoughts on my blog, please drop me a line and I’ll be more than pleased to introduce you to my readers!
See you around!
Yours,
Passion Piece
*The interview includes the original words of my interviewee.
Photo by A.Ch.
I love this post! I love the part where it's talked about what it means to change the world not by doing something crazy big, but just changing things within a community can do so much!
The biggest miracles happen at our fingertips ... it's the same with finding valuable people in our community. :)
This was an amazing post, and such a great inspiration showing you can really do what you put your mind to do. Great writing.
Thank you for your comment! Motivation is one of the most important aspects in this case. Thriving for a better life can make us stronger and more consistent. :)
Another great post! Your posts are always soooo good! I love the interview!
Thank you, I'm trying to do my best! I'd love to take up writing professionallu one day! :)
great post! "don't let anyone define who you are" totally agree
We even don't know how much we can ruin someone's life if we define him/her wrongly. That's why, we should first think then say some words. :)
This is so wonderful! It is always so great to read about individuals that follow their passions in life and find ways to integrate them.
It's not easy and demands strength of character, but the future prospects are amazing. :)
This is a wonderful story. I hope that he gets to continue finding what he is searching for! :)
I think he's not going to stop pursuing his dreams. :)
Great post! We need more people like Abhinav, who lives with passion and purpose. I hope he will be able to accomplish his dreams and continue to make a positive impact in others' lives.
I also hope that he will keep following his dreams in the future. :)
This is great! Those are some good passions! You can’t go wrong with music and food.
Music and food connects people all over the world. :)
What a great interview! I loved reading this and the shout out to NC bbq!!! xo Taylor www.reeseshardwear.com
Thank you for your comment ... NC bbq must be the best! :)
Great to know Abhinav! It is commendable that he is working his dreams true.
Everyone should find courage to follow his/her dreams. :)
How cool! Travel changes your perspectives on the world!
It really does! I've already learned many new things while travelling. :)
Tyle zinteresowań, każde z goła inne.. i do tego zawód programisty :) jestem w szoku! Fajny człowiek :)