I was 9 years-old when I arrived in America. I was unable to speak English and I couldn't have imagined that one day I would be a respected doctor, business owner, and candidate for Snohomish City Council.

My father’s family was displaced out of their ancestral home/property with the partition of India and Pakistan so were very poor thus he enlisted in the army at the age of 16 and served until immigrating to American.  My father, a decorated Indian Army veteran who fought in four wars, and my mother, whose formal education ended in fifth grade but whose wisdom knew no bounds, instilled in me the values that would shape my life: hard work, education, and service to others. My mother wasn’t allowed to have further education due to being a female and not being allowed to travel to the next town

Our family of seven lived in a one-bedroom apartment attached to the motel that the whole family managed. While my parents worked multiple jobs, I had learned English, excelled in school, while holding seasonal jobs working at the local farms in the Kent/Auburn area. I had other part time jobs after school and weekends, and eventually earned my way to the University of Washington. Taking city buses across Seattle to attend classes, i pursued her education with unwavering focus, becoming the first in my family to earn a doctorate.

After completing my optometry training and residency, I could have practiced anywhere. I chose Snohomish. For nearly three decades, I have provided compassionate care to our community through my woman-led small business, the Eyecare Center of Snohomish, a historic practice I purchased and modernized while honoring its legacy.

But my vision extends far beyond our town. I have traveled to seven countries with Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity, bringing sight to those in need across the globe. My dedication to excellence and ethical practice was recognized when the governor appointed me to serve two terms on the Washington State Board of Optometry.  I am always willing to help any patient with eyecare or glasses regardless of their ability to pay.  Also, I volunteer for Lions Club program to provide eyecare to the uninsured by offering free exams and providing glasses to uninsured children and elderly