Archana Sepaha’s life reflects resilience and determination, qualities she cultivated in India and carried with her as a first-generation immigrant in the United States. Hailing from Karnataka, India, Archana was born in Bangalore on October 29, 1974. Her upbringing was shaped by her family’s diverse cultural background, her mother being from Uttar Pradesh, and her father from Madhya Pradesh. Her mother, Radha, was a creative homemaker, passionate about arts and painting, while her father worked as an aeronautical engineer for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This professional background gave Archana a unique perspective, as she grew up in factory towns centered around HAL, moving from Bangalore to Nasik, a historical city in Maharashtra.
In Nasik, Archana’s life was enriched by the diversity within the gated HAL community, where people from across India resided. She describes her childhood as a “mini India,” celebrating a variety of cultures and traditions. Despite Nasik’s deeply rooted regional customs, the gated town where Archana grew up provided a mix of languages, cultures, and traditions, offering her a richly inclusive upbringing. Archana also fondly recalls the privilege of access to a library and swimming pool within this community, amenities not as easily available to residents of larger cities.
Archana’s educational journey began in an English medium school, although Hindi was spoken at home. Her upbringing was steeped in spirituality and religion, with routines enforced by her mother that ingrained discipline and a strong spiritual connection. These habits, from morning prayers to cleanliness, deeply influenced Archana’s adult life, giving her a framework for positive habits.
Archana excelled academically, consistently ranking in the top five of her class, with a particular interest in science, especially physics. She also enjoyed subjects like civic living, which focused on societal values. Her interest in physics stemmed from its logical nature, which she found engaging. After completing 12th grade in 1992, Archana pursued a degree in computer science at a university in Pune, where her brother was already working. The move from Nasik to Pune was significant, as the bustling city life, long commutes, and heat contrasted sharply with her more relaxed and secure upbringing in Nasik. Nevertheless, she thrived in college and was actively involved in campus life, including year-end parties and cultural events.
After her graduation in 1995, Archana completed an additional year of diploma studies. Around this time, her sister, who had already settled in the United States, invited Archana to visit. Although she initially planned to pursue an MBA in India, her mother suggested that she stay in the U.S. to explore further opportunities. In 1996, Archana obtained her work permit and began her career in the pharmaceutical industry.
Archana’s transition to the United States was both exciting and challenging. She recalls being struck by the vast differences between the two countries, from the size of the cars to the variety of food, including fast-food chains like Taco Bell and Pizza Hut. The cold New Jersey winters were another shock, often leading to sinus infections and fevers as she adjusted to the climate. Despite these challenges, Archana found her footing, starting her career at Hoffman-La Roche, a pharmaceutical company, where she worked in regulatory archiving. She later moved on to roles at Merck and Bristol-Myers Squibb, where she contributed to maintaining financial systems and equipment maintenance schedules.
In 1997, Archana married an Indian man whom she had known through her sister. Although their marriage was arranged by their parents, Archana had the opportunity to vet her future husband. The couple settled in Edison, New Jersey, home to a strong Indian American community, before moving to North Brunswick to be closer to their workplaces. They welcomed their first child, a son, in 2002, which allowed Archana to obtain a green card. In 2005, their daughter was born. During this period, Archana enjoyed the flexibility of working from home, a privilege that allowed her to balance her career with her growing family.
As a mother, Archana prioritized her children’s education and cultural upbringing. She involved her son in Hindustani classical singing, which he pursued from the age of seven until he entered college. Archana herself stayed connected to her cultural roots by participating in Indian dance, including East Indian “temple dance,” and learning the “Pui Dance.” She also contributed significantly to the local Indian community by organizing cultural events such as “India Day,” where she directed skits and performances that showcased India’s rich heritage.
Archana’s commitment to her community extended to volunteer work, including teaching Zoom yoga classes, a practice she had begun at the age of twelve. Her dedication to both her personal growth and the growth of her community is evident in the numerous ways she has helped preserve and promote Indian culture in New Jersey.
Archana’s story is one of adaptability, as she navigated life as a first-generation immigrant, building a successful career and family in the United States while maintaining strong ties to her Indian heritage. Through her personal and professional achievements, as well as her cultural contributions, Archana has left an indelible mark on her community, setting a strong example for her children and others in the Indian American diaspora. Her life is a testament to the strength and resilience of immigrants who forge new paths while staying connected to their roots.