Meditative Story Embrace every part of yourself, by Suneel Gupta
Jan 20, 2026
Suneel Gupta, a tech entrepreneur and author of Everyday Dharma, shares his journey of embracing his dual Indian and American identities. He recounts childhood experiences, including the impact of racial bullying that pushed him to hide his heritage. Inspired by civil rights icons, he transitioned from politics to tech, only to later confront his authentic self amid societal upheaval. By running for Congress, he learned to integrate his multiple identities, discovering pride in passing his cultural roots to his daughters and advocating for being true to oneself.
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Temple Singer Becomes Hidden Identity
- As a child, Suneel sings bhajans at his temple and feels like a rock star when the crowd responds to him.
- Outside the temple door he hides his Indian identity to fit in at school and avoid being bullied.
Choosing Silicon Valley Over Politics
- At Northwestern Law Suneel discovers speechwriting as a way to blend his Indian and American influences.
- He later chooses Silicon Valley over public office, fleeing his original political dream to feel safe among similar people.
Charlottesville Sparks A Reckoning
- Watching footage of Charlottesville on a plane, Suneel feels anger and shame for having hidden his identity for years.
- He resolves to stop running and to stop hiding who he is for the sake of safety.
