The following post was originally published on our partner website India.com and is brought to you by our sponsor, Naseeb App.
A decade ago, South Asian matchmaking was all about the looks of the girl and boy, family background, and the income factor of the groom.
Usually, your aunt or neighbor or a family friend brought a bundle of marriage proposals accompanied by photos of the prospective bride or groom and, of course, horoscopes. Any event, such as weddings, parties, usually become the hunting ground for brides and grooms. Then came the matrimonial websites, probably the greatest gift to parents!
However, in this day and age, with dating apps, the task of finding suitable matches is like venturing out into a brave new world. One such app is called Naseeb.
Amar Bhakta, 30, is the CEO of Naseeb, an intuitive, South Asian dating app. Bhakta, who currently resides in Chicago, met his wife on Shaadi.com in 2013.
“If anything, the experience of using the mobile app was almost Tinder-like,” he said. “We’d get so many incompatible matches, going through them just became a matter of clicking ‘like’ if they had the right looks and not bothering to go through the huge list of categories they filled out.”
The process of match-making was hardly transparent. Often, the prospective brides and grooms are not even aware of their profiles being up on these sites, he added.
“Our other single friends had similar complaints about this process too, and after giving it much thought and seeing the success of the Tinder swipe-model, it made perfect sense to try and pursue this for Indians and South Asians,” Bhakta said. He made up his mind on pursuing the idea of building a South Asian dating app and the foundation of Naseeb was successfully laid.
Naseeb is a straightforward dating app and has a clean interface.
“Naseeb allows you to find who you want on your terms and on your schedule,” he said. “You don’t have to be in front of a computer to go through your matches. And because you can keep your search limited geographically, you’re more likely to actually get out there and date in real life than worry about getting to know someone over long distance through email or text,” Bhakta said. “Additionally, we’ll always be free. At its core, the ability to swipe and meet and chat will always be free. We’ll be adding some premium features that enhance the overall experience, but the basic features will always be free to users.”
However, a real challenge would be to convince the South Asian families about the authenticity of the app. Although, the match-making scene has undergone a paradigm shift, South Asian families, especially Indians still buy the idea that marriage is a union of two families and not just individuals.
“While having the traditional aspect is important, and family approval is definitely paramount, dating should still be fun. Times are changing, and we want to change the conversation about dating and relationships. It should be two people getting to know not just each other, but what they want out of a relationship,” Bhakta said. “A person gets to know themselves just as much as they’re getting to know someone else. I think parents are beginning to realize this more and more, even in the span of just a few years. Ultimately if their child finds a good match, how they got there will matter less.”
Bhakta said Naseeb is a blend of Tinder and Shaadi.com. Tinder avails users the advantage of deciding who they like with one swipe whereas Shaadi.com gives users a chance to see a great deal of information about another person. Both these features have been combined together in Naseeb.
“We looked at that and took seven most important categories South Asian singles look at the most, and let people fill out that information in a simple questionnaire when they first sign up. This allows people to have access to easily digestible information while not being bogged down with having to read unnecessarily long profiles and life stories,” he said.
Naseeb can also be tailored to suit the needs of the users. Not everyone is looking for marital prospects while dating.
If you are looking for a relationship with no strings attached, the app empowers you with the freedom to make your choice.
There are several options in this app to discover the compatibility factors of the prospective soulmate.
“At its most basic level, users can find matches based on 3 main options—distance from their current location, age, and what qualities they’re looking for,” he said. “There are even more options such as religion, education level, diet, dating preference, current relationship status.”
An outstanding feature of Naseeb is its inclusion of the LGBT community in their model.
Last year, gay marriages were made legal in the United States. Despite this, very few forums that accommodate the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community match-making.
“It always bothered me that there wasn’t any inclusion of the LGBT community when it came to matchmaking. There wasn’t any reason not to include them and even with our competitors there’s still no inclusion,” Bhakta said.
“We live in a civil society, one that should respect everyone’s choices, so to actively inhibit them from finding someone they want to meet, date, or marry, simply isn’t fair. We wanted to create an even playing field for everyone, and not favor one group over another. We want to give easy access to the LGBT community as much as the hetero community,” he strongly believes.
However, one of the primary growing concerns with dating apps or websites is privacy and security. People are becoming cautious about using online platforms to get into a relationship, as there is no dearth of internet predators in the world of cyber dating.
“We want our users to know that we have done everything in our power to set up a safe way to meet and communicate with potential matches. Locations and full names are never given out, users can be reported for harassment and abuse, and anything said in the chat window stays there,” Bhakta said. “Moreover, a great deal of it is also dependent on the user as well. It is also their responsibility to make sure that their experience is safe.” After all, with freedom comes responsibility.
“Our goal is to be the number one app-based dating service in the market. So as much as we may have come into the market later than our competitors, we’ve been able to pick up on their mistakes, utilize our advantage, and we will leverage that to being the number one dating service for any and all South Asians globally,” Bhakta said.
The ideal Naseeb customer base comprises of the youth population.
Bhakta said: “Anyone between 18 to 35 and needs a new way to find and meet new people, and anyone who’s always on their mobile phone.”
Youngsters are eager to see a change in the dating scene. Especially the diaspora population. They want to emulate the western pattern of the society but not by going against their families.
“The ideology that marriage is a union of two families should never go away. Nor it ever will,” he said. ”At the end of the day what makes an Indian marriage that much more special is that it really is two gigantic families coming together based on the happiness of two individuals. That being said, the marriage should be between the two families, not the dating process.”
“There’s a very traditional mindset that the person you’re dating is really just the person you’re getting ready to marry,” he goes on to say. “In some cases, love comes after marriage. Why is that? It shouldn’t have to be that way if a person doesn’t want that for themselves. The idea of choice is what should drive dating decisions between two consenting adults, not societal expectations or what others want to see of your relationship.”
This app aims to bring a refreshing change in the South Asian dating culture without them away from their roots.
Naseeb wants to make dating for South Asian singles easy. The team’s goal is to make dating efficient and free of social stigma. They are keen on building a space for everyone to find what you want with whoever you want, however, you want it. ‘Find your Naseeb.’ Currently available for Android and iOS. Follow Naseeb on Facebook.
Poorvi Adavi is a freelance web content writer and editor in San Diego, CA. She is inspired by observing people around her and being aware of things happening in the world. She has completed her Masters in Communication from Christ University and also has a Business Management Certificate from UC San Diego.
June 21, 2023June 22, 2023 4min readBy BrownGirlMag
The following open letter is written by Hindus for Human Rights, an organization advocating for pluralism, civil and human rights in South Asia and North America, rooted in the values of Hindu faith: shanti (peace), nyaya (justice) and satya (truth). They provide a Hindu voice of resistance to caste, Hindutva (Hindu nationalism), racism, and all forms of bigotry and oppression.
Dear President Biden,
As Indian-Americans, human rights organizations, and concerned allies, we are writing to urge you to engage publicly and meaningfully to push back against the Indian government’s escalating attacks on human rights and democracy, especially ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the United States.
Despite objective evidence that India’s democracy is under critical attack, you have not spoken out about this crisis. In early 2023, Indian authorities conducted retaliatory raids on the BBC’s Delhi and Mumbai offices for releasing a documentary about Prime Minister Modi. The week before the Summit for Democracy, the Indian government made three successive attacks on Indian democracy. First, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party expelled Rahul Gandhi from Parliament. Second, the Indian government shut the internet down in Punjab, severely impacting the rights for Sikhs to peacefully organize and protest. And third, the Indian Supreme Court ruled that Indians can be found guilty by association for terrorism. And yet, not one representative from the Biden Administration said anything about even one of these developments. Instead, while Islamophobic violence gripped India in late March, you invited Prime Minister Modi to speak at the Summit for Democracy. Mr. Modi visits DC at a time when the state of Manipur has experienced heavy communal and anti-Christian violence after Modi’s ruling party pushed an initiative to undermine Indigenous rights in the state.
“As privileged members of the diaspora, it’s our duty to challenge the repressive practices of the current regime in India. We stand in solidarity with those … opposed to the government’s attempt to reshape the country into a Hindu nationalist state. https://t.co/RxU9wUy2Zy
— Hindus for Human Rights (@Hindus4HR) June 19, 2023
Even when confronted with questions by Indian reporters about human rights in India, your administration has only had private two-way conversations about how both of our governments can always improve. Quite frankly, we find it unacceptable to see such equivocation on Indian democracy from an administration that has been strident in its defense of American democracy and the rule of law.
India is one of the fastest autocratizing nations in the world, mostly thanks to the current government. Freedom House has rated India as a “partly-free” country for the past three years, and has blamed Prime Minister Modi’s government for a rise in discriminatory policies, including persecution against Muslims and caste-based violence against Dalit and Adivasi communities; harassment of civil society, protestors, academia and the media, and the targeting of political opponents. It has also rated Indian-administered Kashmir as “not free,” citing violations of human, civil, and political rights after the Modi government revoked the territory’s autonomous status. In Reporters Without Borders‘ press freedom ranking, India has dropped to 161 out of 180 countries in 2023. India has appeared in the Committee to Protect Journalists’ Impunity Index — which examines accountability for unsolved journalists’ murders — every year for the past 15 years and currently ranks in 11th place worldwide. According to PEN America’s Freedom to Write Index, in 2022, India was one of the top 10 countries that jailed writers globally. The Varieties of Democracy Institute characterizes India as an “electoral autocracy” and blames India’s descent into autocracy on Prime Minister Modi. And the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum has said India has been one of the top 15 countries at risk for a mass atrocity event every year since 2017, which reflects the toxicity of Indian politics under Modi.
“If the President meets with PM Modi, then the protection of the Muslim minority in a majority Hindu India is something worth mentioning…if you do not protect the rights of ethnic minorities, there’s a strong possibility India starts pulling apart.” Thank you @BarackObama! https://t.co/RhcMNfiqaR
— Hindus for Human Rights (@Hindus4HR) June 22, 2023
Given the magnitude of this crisis, we ask you to engage directly with Indian-American and human rights civil society leaders to explore solutions to address India’s human rights crisis. We also ask you to employ the tools at your disposal to ensure that the Indian government cannot attack Indians’ human rights with impunity. As the 2022 Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor report details, several government individuals have committed human rights violations that, under U.S. law, would qualify them to be sanctioned under the Global Magnitsky Act. Indian security forces that have engaged in human rights violations should have security assistance rescinded, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
Finally, we urge you to publicly call on the Indian government to honor its commitments to human rights, including calling on Prime Minister Modi and his cabinet to halt the use of anti-terror laws to arbitrarily detain political critics. You can publicly denounce the rising numbers of political prisoners and the weaponization of the rule of law in India to shut down criticism. Even if you are not willing to personally criticize the Prime Minister, you have ample opportunity to criticize the Indian government’s misuse of public trust and public institutions to consolidate power and undermine the will of the Indian people.
This morning in DC, on the lawn of The White House at the welcome reception for Modi.
As President of the United States of America, you hold a unique position to lead the fight against authoritarianism. Prime Minister Modi will listen to you when you speak. But he and his allies will only change if you take a stand publicly. We urge you to listen to those of us who care about India and ensure that one man cannot steal the futures and the rights of our loved ones in India.
— Signed by countless organizations and individuals leading the charge (linked here).
January 25, 2023June 22, 2023 2min readBy BrownGirlMag
Indian-American commercial real estate and land consultant Anita Verma-Lallian launched Camelback Productions at an event held in Paradise Valley, Arizona, Jan. 7. Billed as the state’s first women-and South Asian-owned film production and entertainment company, it will focus on South Asian representation and storytelling, according to a press statement issued by Verma-Lallian. The announcement follows “Arizona Governor Doug Ducey’s $125 million film tax credit for film and TV production that was introduced in July 2022, “ the statement added.
The Jan. 7 private launch party and meet and greet introduced investors and supporters to what’s ahead for Camelback Productions.
Noting the “major push to see minority groups represented in the media over the past few years,” Verma-Lallian said she wants to see more South Asians represented. “I want my children to see themselves when they watch TV. I want my daughter’s dream to become an actress to become a reality. Skin color shouldn’t be a barrier to that.”
The event opened with remarks from Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, who has served as the city’s 62nd mayor since 2019. She welcomes the company to “the greater Phoenix community.” She expressed confidence that “the team will attract some of the country’s top talent to the Valley.”
Guests at the event included actor and comedian Lilly Singh, actor Nik Dodani, Aparna of Netflix’s “Indian Matchmaking,” Bali Chainani and Anisha Ramakrishna of Bravo’s “Family Karma” fame, and Paramount+ executive P. Sean Gupta, to name a few.
The company is Verma-Lallian’s first venture into the film industry. She is known for providing full concierge services for land seekers and developers of all types of sites and assists investors in discovering viable properties in the Phoenix area through her company, Arizona Land Consulting, the statement added.
Named in honor of the iconic Camelback Mountain in the Valley, Verma-Lallian says she wants her production company to have the same indestructible foundation. Camelback Productions plans to begin its first project later this summer.
February 25, 2023April 5, 2023 4min readBy Anita Haridat
Saheli Khan
From singing and acting to drawing immaculate figurines, Saheli Khan, 11, has made her debut in the North American Broadway tour as young Anna in Disney’s musical “Frozen.” As a first-generation Indo Caribbean, with roots in India and Pakistan, she continues to pave the way for young people with similar backgrounds.
Khan has always enjoyed entertaining those around her and she continues to have the motivation to pursue her passions. In school, she always sought to lead her class in songs and she was encouraged by her parents and teachers to enroll in music and acting classes, even at a young age. These ventures fueled her passions even more.
Continue reading to learn more about her journey!
What do you like about acting the most?
I like to portray different characters. Specifically, I like playing characters who have strong personalities and those who portray a sense of bravery, especially during problematic occurrences.
As a first generation Indo Caribbean actress, how do you feel about your journey as a young Disney princess? Do you feel that you are paving the way for other Caribbean and South Asians who want to pursue similar paths?
Diversity has always been important to me, but in today’s society, I feel that most people would like to be accepted and encouraged. As a Disney Princess, I am simply helping to broaden the field for all young people to see that skin color should not matter.
Saheli in Hidden Folk outfit| Photo courtesy of Saheli Khan
What do you like about your character, Anna? Is there anything that you may dislike?
Young Anna is a ball of sunshine! She is happy, funny, and a delight to be around. Despite having a troubled childhood, she grows up to be just as joyous, but she is also courageous as she goes on a journey to find her sister. I love everything about young Anna and she truly embodies who I am as a person.
Who is your inspiration and why?
My parents are my inspiration. My mom is beautiful, loving, and she works hard without ever giving up. No matter the task, she finds a solution and keeps on going with a smile on her face. She always tells me, “Whenever you feel overwhelmed, remember whose daughter you are and straighten your crown.” And my dad is my best friend. He’s insanely funny, caring and knows all the best places to eat! My parents are exactly how I want to be when I grow up.
If you had a magic wand, what show would you do next?
I would love to be Annie on Broadway or play the lead in a series or movie.
What is the one last thing that you do before you step out on stage and the curtain goes up?
There are many things I do before I step on stage. I do fun and silly things quietly with my “Frozen” sister, Mackenzie Mercer, and play with my Anna pigtails for good luck.
What are your other passions?
I love to sing, act, and spend time with my younger cousin, Ayla. I also love to draw and color since it makes me feel relaxed. I was told I have a great ability to draw and make figurines ever since I was a child. And I love exploring new cities and eating at great restaurants with my family.
Saheli dressed in her “Young Anna” costume | Photo courtesy of Saheli Khan
What advice do you have for young people who are just starting their careers, specifically within the field of musical theater?
To have a positive mindset, practice diligently, and enjoy every moment within the journey. I have learned that there may be some occurrences that may not take place the way that you want them to, but there’s always an opportunity to learn from them.
Aside from your career, how do you balance your schoolwork and acting?
I attend school virtually, which is essential when I am on tour. Each day I have scheduled school hours that allow me to focus and complete all school assignments. Once that is done, I have most of the day to work on extracurricular activities, go on outings, and hang out with my friends. Though performing takes a large chunk out of my day, it helps that I enjoy it, so it doesn’t feel like work.
What types of roles do you see yourself playing?
I love to play humorous characters such as young Anna from “Frozen.” I truly enjoyed this role as it captures who I truly am.
Khan’s debut marks the start of a budding career. With her array of talents and future goals, we are bound to see more of the young actress in the future and more representation of Indo Caribbeans in mainstream media. If you would like to purchase tickets for Disney’s “Frozen,” click here.
Naseeb wants to make dating for South Asian singles easy. The team’s goal is to make dating efficient and free of social stigma. They are keen on building a space for everyone to find what you want with whoever you want, however, you want it. ‘Find your Naseeb.’ Currently available for Android and iOS. Follow Naseeb on Facebook.
Poorvi Adavi is a freelance web content writer and editor in San Diego, CA. She is inspired by observing people around her and being aware of things happening in the world. She has completed her Masters in Communication from Christ University and also has a Business Management Certificate from UC San Diego. 
