Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Nupur Panjabi
Thank you Nupur Panjabi, Founder of Anna Sudha Kitchen Community Kitchens, for being a spotlight for AAPI Heritage Month!
Where were you born and raised, and if it was someplace else, when and why did you come to Loudoun?
I was born and raised in the vibrant state of Rajasthan, India, and moved to Loudoun after my wedding in 2005
Tell us about Anna Sudha Community Kitchens and how long you’ve been in your industry.
Anna Sudha Community Kitchens was started in 2021 as part of my personal service journey. In less than 3 years it has snowballed into a movement of volunteerism and we donate 6000 meals a month to local shelters.
How did you get into this line of work?
Since 2019 I have been feeling a strong urge to spend all my active time in serving mankind. Hence, I sold my IT staffing business in 2020 and started the 501c3 kitchen in 2021, Seva (service) through Food came as a natural choice based on Indian culture and my upbringing.
Have you had any special mentors or inspirations that guided your career?
I was deeply influenced by Sudha Kesavaraju and Shachi Seth, both of whom I have seen dedicate their lives to serving humanity back in India
What is the best part of your job and why?
Meeting kind people who come to volunteer in the kitchen and blessings from people whom we feed are extremely satisfying
What is it like doing business in Loudoun/Northern Virginia?
Extremely comfortable. The community is so supportive and forthcoming. Our kitchen is in Dulles Town Center and the management team is extremely helpful and looks out for us
What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you?
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a significant time for celebrating the rich cultural diversity, history, and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in the United States. It’s a moment to recognize the invaluable impact AAPI individuals have had in shaping the nation’s social, cultural, economic, and political landscape.
For me, it’s a time to honor the resilience, achievements, and struggles of AAPI individuals throughout history and in contemporary society. It’s about acknowledging the stories of immigrants who came to the U.S. seeking better opportunities, the generations who fought for civil rights and equality, and the ongoing efforts to combat discrimination and injustice faced by AAPI communities.
Favorite things to do when you are not working?
Spend more time in the kitchen ❤️.