"Burger Kids."

That's what my father calls us—my sister, my brothers and me. It's an affectionate term, one he coined for us when he needs to explain away the differences between his children's second-generation thought processes and his own first-generation ones. To him, the hamburger is the most American of trademarks, and I can sense a combination of wistfulness, amusement and pride in his voice when he refers to us by that nickname. When he took the leap and immigrated to the United States from Pakistan 30 years ago, I wonder if he could have foreseen just how "American" his children would eventually be?

Because that's what we are—American in every way. My family has embraced this nation and the freedoms and lifestyle it affords us. We've grown up wearing blue jeans and tennis shoes, reading Mark Twain and F. Scott Fitzgerald, celebrating Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July. But even when he calls us "Burger Kids," my dad knows that deep down, there's more to us than just that. That's because my siblings and I also grew up straddling another culture, one in which we learned the joys of spicy food, the value of respecting your elders and the importance of stocking up on sale-priced toilet paper. (OK, so maybe that's not always a desi thing, but don't tell me we brown folks aren't a little bit frugal.)

And I don't think I would have had it any other way. As South Asian Americans, we come from a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of community, and we've been lucky enough to take advantage of what this great country offers. But there has been one thing missing in my journey thus far--the recognition of my unique identity in the magazines and media I've spent hours poring over. Vogue tells me what looks are hot for fall, and Time gives me a weekly roundup of news and culture. But there is very little out there that recognizes and celebrates the achievements of the South Asian American woman and helps her with her struggles and needs. And that's why we've brought you Nirali Magazine—to fill that void.

In this issue, we offer stories that help us take notice of our responsibility as Americans (Desperately Seeking South Asians), stories that celebrate the achievements of South Asian American women (Working Woman and Keeping it Real), stories that help us connect (or reconnect) with our cultural heritage (Desi Dishes Revisited and Old World Beauty Revealed) and much more. We hope you'll enjoy this premiere issue of Nirali Magazine and that in it you'll find a reflection of yourself. Join us on our journey as we explore the female South Asian American identity this month and in the future, whether you're a "Burger Kid" or not.

Ismat Sarah Mangla
Editor-in-Chief