I keep thinking about yesterday's school visits and all my school visits. I speak about #Hindi words in the beginning of my presentation and at the end of one of my visits yesterday the students RUSHED ME asking for autographs. But also asking me if I spoke Hindi and then... WE SPOKE HINDI and talked about our language. Growing up I was 1 of 2 Indian kids in my school. I didn't see books, authors or people in positions of authority who looked like me. So there I was, an artist and author, speaking to kids who look like me (and who don't) as a real representation of that reality. And we spoke Hindi without qualms or concern. They asked if I spoke Bengali, Punjabi and this wasn't the first time but it was the largest group of Indian kids. Later at another school they used PASHMINA to educate the kids about Diwali, rangolis, henna... and a group of girls practiced a DANDIYA dance that they performed for me ahead of my presentation. The school tried to give me credit for it but I told them it was all them. I merely provided a vehicle for them to educate their students about Indian culture. The love and respect for what I do, for Indian culture, overwhelmed me. I don't talk about this much (because I don't want to) but I had a crappy childhood. I remember many nights wishing for a sign that I wasn't utter garbage. I searched for love and didn't find it. But in my adult life - right now - I am flooded with love (which is partly why I started everyday love, as a reminder that love is everywhere). And as I spoke to these kids - who tell me they love drawing, they love writing and they want to try to do more and be like me... I feel like passing out from the knowledge that they won't have to fight to be seen and loved. And as I drove home, listening to Hindi music, I cried. I cried for the little girl I still am, searching for that love... and finding it. It may have come late but it's here. And I am so grateful. ❤️ @01firstsecond #nidhichanani #pashminacomic #pashminabook #indiancartoonist #indianartist