A young founder in the United States has shared an emotional reflection on grief and growth after wearing her late grandmother’s saree during a visit to the US Department of State, a moment she described as deeply personal and symbolic.
In a post on Instagram, Samiksha Khadka opened up about her journey through loss, ambition, and the promise she made to her grandmother before her passing. The green saree she wore, she said, belonged to her grandmother and has now become a meaningful part of her milestones.
“The green saree I’m wearing belonged to my late grandmother. In our very last conversation, she gifted me these words: “Travel and explore the world. Be highly educated, build a career, and make money.” I smiled and whispered, “We are going to do that together,”” Khadka wrote.
She further shared how she coped with grief by immersing herself in work and staying constantly active after her grandmother’s death.
“When she passed, grief surrounded me. Everyone survives loss differently; mine was to immerse myself in motion. I over-worked, pouring every ounce of heartache into hard work. Looking back, I’m amazed by how far that momentum carried me,” she added.
Khadka said her efforts eventually led her to the United States, where she was selected for the US Department of State’s YSALI (Young South Asian Leaders Initiative) programme focused on entrepreneurship and innovation.
“Out of the fog, I found my purpose, earned my degree, built my career, and earned seats at tables I never thought I’d sit at. This year, that relentless drive brought me all the way to the United States,” she wrote.
She added that engaging with entrepreneurs, officials, and academicians in the American tech ecosystem has been a transformative experience.
“But bringing it back to the saree. This has become my reserved attire for every high-stakes occasion. Years ago, I promised my grandmother we would explore the world together. She isn’t here physically, but she is traversing the globe right alongside me through these threads,” Khadka wrote.
Marking her birthday at a historic hall in the US Department of State, she added, “I promised we would see the world together, Ama. And look, we made it.”
The post resonated widely online, with users sharing emotional and inspiring responses.