I'd like to introduce Sejal Patel, our Hinduism writer for WilmingtonFAVS.

She'll be writing about cultural as well as religious aspects of Hinduism. From time to time, her daughter Sesha and other members of Wilmington's Indian community may also contribute to her column over time.

Sejal Patel has lived in Wilmington for the last 12 years with her husband Shashin Patel and her daughter, Sesha.

She was born in Vadodara, India, a town in the state of Gujarat.

Her parents always found time to read mythological stories, visit temples and enjoy festivals. And she is grateful to her mother, who started her day with morning prayers in a small temple which has always been an integral part of the home and a tradition Sejal inherited.

Sejal's parents sent her and her brother to the Convent of Jesus and Mary to learn English and complete their schooling. Sejal went to medical school and eventually married her kindergarten sweetheart, Shashin, against an initial backlash from her parents and brother.

The pair moved to the United States in 2000, and Sesha was born in 2002. Now, Sejal works as a hospital medicine specialist with Wilmington Health and New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

She's excited to share the lives of brave kings, the unknown sacrifices of  moms, sisters and daughters, hospitality, the joyous festivals,  the colorful clothes, the delectable cuisines and faith of her native India with WilmingtonFAVS readers.