Lavanya Sunkara

Photo

Lavanya Sunkara is an Indian American freelance writer living in Long Island. When she's not reading or outdoors with her dog, she's organizing volunteer events, traveling to exotic places and exploring New York with her friends. She grew up in India and spent time in California after graduating from Fordham. Her work has recently appeared in Yourtango, The Frisky and NY Resident.

Stories from Lavanya Sunkara

On Skirts and Chopped Noses

By: 
Lavanya Sunkara
Date: 
Friday, January 20th, 2012
Lavanya Sunkara

Yesterday, I paid a much needed visit to the orthopedic doctor to get my knees checked. No, it's not because I am getting older (turning thirty does feel fantastic by the way). Thanks to all that hiking and running I did in my twenties, I have a nice bod but weak knees to go with it. I  feel awful that I can't even go on a real run with my dog without being in pain. It truly is sad because I love, I mean looove running in the rain with her!

Anyway, back to the doctor's office-  dressed in my pretty wavy skirt and knit top, I figured I was dressed appropriately- no need to lift up awfully long pants to my thighs for the exam. Little did I know I had to lift my damn knees for one of the x-rays! Ah ha. Had I not gotten so dark from all that summer sun, the specialist would have seen my embarrassed red face as I tried my hardest not to flash him. Then comes in the doctor. The true professional that he was, he didn't even bat an eye. He did the exam, suggested a bit of physical therapy to ease my pain and said I'd be back to running in no time. Phew.

A review of Familiar Voices: A Reaction to the Crisis in Darfur

By: 
Lavanya Sunkara
Familiar VoicesFamiliar Voices: A Reaction to the Crisis in Darfur

Over 400,000 dead. 2.5 million displaced. A genocide that most of the world ignores. Darfur, a place many sympathize with but rarely think about is brought to the spotlight in the riveting documentary Familiar Voices by Danny Mendoza.

China: The Rebirth of an Empire film review.

By: 
Lavanya Sunkara
Rebirth of China
The film gives glimpses of the ways in which the communist government treats the indigenous, the minority and anyone it deems a threat. Shot in nine countries and tackling issues ranging from Islamic fundamentalism to free trade, the film provides a fascinating look at the impact the resource hungry China has on its neighbors. In both Pakistan and Afghanistan, China has been investing in infrastructure and aiding the humanitarian efforts and winning support, while being an abuser of human rights in Tibet and Muslim populated Xinjiang. Nothing is done without an ulterior motive- of Hegemony. In today's interconnected world, China's unprecedented growth and actions affect all of us, and the film offers an opportunity to gain awareness and to view the world differently.