Our most-read stories of 2024

From Benarasi sarees to New Jersey’s cricket scene, the stories we published this year shared a more nuanced picture of a community that has often been overlooked in New Jersey, even though it is one of the fastest growing.

Telling these stories is not just about a community seeking recognition, although that by itself is notable. These pieces also help neighbors understand one another, reduce misunderstandings and strengthen the connections we feel to one another as a community. They remind us that we are all human, and what makes us similar is more powerful than our differences.

Check out our most popular stories below. Maybe there are a few that you missed or that you’d like to read again. If you’re proud of the work we’re doing, perhaps you’ll forward this email to a friend and encourage them to subscribe for FREE or take the next step and sign up for a paid membership (cheaper than Netflix!) to keep this work going.

I wish you all a very happy 2025 and am grateful to you for being a part of the Central Desi community. We can’t wait to bring you another year full of rich storytelling.

Before signing off, I want to share that our writer Ifrah Akhtar, who just published a great piece on Benarasi sarees (#3 below), has been impacted by a house fire and is seeking assistance as her family rebuilds their lives.

Thank you for your consideration and support.

The most popular Central Desi stories of 2024

#1: Personal essay: I am my mother's wildest dreams

Our top story of the year, written by Central Desi Fellow Mariyum Rizwan, struck a chord with many of you. Rizwan writes about the struggles of immigrants and their children through the lens of her relationship with her mother. “In some ways, my mom and I grew up together and, over the last two decades, we have watered each other and helped the other blossom,” Rizwan writes.

#2: A Rutgers professor is helping retell South Asian history

We profiled Rutgers professor Audrey Truschke, whose upcoming book, “India: 5,000 Years of History on the Subcontinent” retells South Asian history by highlighting marginalized voices, including women and people from scheduled castes. Truschke also discusses the alteration of textbooks by the BJP-led government in India and contrasts it with her use of primary sources and material evidence to write a more inclusive and accurate history.

#3: Based in NJ, making Benarasi sarees for Bollywood stars

New Jersey is home to one of India’s most successful designers: Mitan Ghosh, who is beloved by the diaspora as well as Bollywood stars. Based in New Jersey, Ghosh preserves the art of Benarasi sarees while managing her business in India and internationally. As a designer, she believes in marketing her sarees for everyone—across ages, body types, and gender.

#4: Rutgers protest on Palestine ends, university accepts student demands

This year saw protests erupting on college campuses nationwide in response to Israel’s attack on Palestine, including an encampment at Rutgers University, New Brunswick. Our news partner NJ State House News Service documented pro-Palestinian student protestors celebrating after the administration agreed to meet most of their demands following a four-day occupation of Voorhees Mall. The protest saw heavy police presence and escalating tensions on campus, but it concluded peacefully as students disassembled their tents after securing the agreement.

#5: NJ’s cricket scene is 🔥

Republished in NJ Spotlight News, this piece highlights New Jersey’s cricket talent in the wake of the United States’ surprising victory over Pakistan in a T20 Cricket World Cup match in June. Some of the state’s players have gone on to play for the national USA team, and the state also has a thriving set of leagues where men and women compete in this sport that is such a sensation among South Asians—at home and among the diaspora.

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