Kaushiki Desikan, singer

nAmong the many places I’ve had the good fortune of visiting, Hawaii remains at the very top on my list. I went there in 2000 after a three-and-a-half-month tour of the US, and it was a welcome break. I was with my father, Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty and we visited Hawaii University to attend a workshop and seminar. After the seminar, there was a concert at which I performed. We were in Hawaii for five days and a better time I’ve never had!

Everything about Hawaii reminded me of home ? the balmy weather, the beautiful hibiscus flowers and the warm, welcoming people. Hawaii is a perfect blend of Eastern and Western sensibilities. Being one of the states of America, Hawaii has a certain Western edge to it. At the same time, the people there take great pride in their native customs and traditions.

I didn’t have much time to go sightseeing, but I remember having such a great time on the campus that I didn’t really feel like venturing out.