"Time to Change."

Each February, I take stock on how my life has changed in the last year. While other people reflect around January 1 or after a relaxing summer, for me it happens this month—primarily because my birthday occurs in February, and there’s nothing like gaining a year to make you look back.

But this year, I don't think I'm alone. There have been a lot of changes in the world —most notably, the tsunami that ravaged many parts of South and Southeast Asia. And even though the world is dealing with a devastating tragedy, many in our South Asian American community are working to change the outcome. In this month's feature "A Wave of Destruction," Hershey Jayasuriya notes that "an event like this, as tragic as it is, can bring people together. We’ve seen it on this campus and we’re seeing it globally. It has really connected a lot of people." Her words couldn't be more true, and in "Picking Up the Pieces" (coming Wednesday, February 9), we profile two volunteers who have selflessly given their time and skills to help those in need.

And change isn't limited to tragedy. Last month, I had the opportunity to speak at the annual South Asian Awareness Network conference at the University of Michigan. It was an amazing experience, and I met so many talented, vibrant South Asian Americans who are committed to improving their communities and the lives of others through activism, entertainment, journalism and the arts. It made me excited to be a part of our growing community and everything it has to offer.

On a smaller scale, I've been making some personal changes in my own life. One is to eat more healthfully, so I was thrilled to share cookbook author Anjum Anand secrets on how you can preserve the flavor and not the fat of Indian cooking in "Currying Favour" (the British spelling is an homage to Anand's homeland).

I hope this issue of Nirali inspires you to make positive changes in your own life, and to give back to both the South Asian and world communities. There's never a better time to start than today.

Ismat Sarah Mangla
Editor-in-Chief