Nima Lele is the owner of Traveler’s Choice, a travel agency that has consistently received high ratings for customer satisfaction. The agency, established about ten years ago has become the focus of life. Her original training is in painting and she was a potrait painting instructor at the Tennessee Technological University for several years before she trained to become a travel agent. In addition, she has done a lot of community service. She was the president of New England Marathi Mandal for two years. She created the first Marathi curriculum for Shishu Bharathi. She has run culture camps for Indian American children. She is a mother and a grandmother who feels her life has been truly enriched by raising a deaf child who lost her hearing at the age of one. Nima talks to Lokvani about the many facets of her life.

Lokvani – How did you get interested in the travel business?

Nima – I taught painting for several years in Tennessee. I also used to have a portrait painting business. But when my daughter Aparna lost her hearing after a Meningitis attack, I had to quit my job to take care of her. At the age of eleven, she moved to a boarding school for the deaf. My older children Avinash and Aruna had already moved out of the home and I desperately needed something to fill the emotional vacuum in my life. I tried several different things and finally realized that travel was my passion. I trained to be a travel agent and began working for a travel agency and then decided to start my own. I must say that it has been one of the most positive and wonderful experiences of my life.

Lokvani –Your clients rate Traveler's Choice high on customer satisfaction. What can you attribute that to?

Nima – We have excellent knowledge of our product and a thorough understanding of our clients needs. We believe we are travel counselors and not booking agents. We try to match the client’s needs to the right airline and the right itinerary. We issue tickets only when we hold confirmed reservations. We therefore provide worry free travel for our clients. We process refunds for cancelled tickets promptly. We try to use technology as much as we can to avoid wasting our customer’s time. Most importantly we try to provide the high quality service that we expect from our own travel agent.

Lokvani –The war is upon us. Should people worry about traveling at such times?

Nima – I think air travel has always been extremely safe. If there is even the slightest danger, the airlines will ground their flights. Hence, I would like to allay any fears that people have about travel at this time. But on the other hand some people are not comfortable with the idea of travel during war. I respect that and for them it may be better avoid flying during such times unless absolutely necessary. In general I think Indians are fearless and I see no impact of the war on their travel plans.

Lokvani –Are your customers primarily traveling to India?

Nima – No, though International travel is our focus. We have a good amount of corporate client base who do a lot of US-Europe travel. But we also have a large number of customers who travel to India.

Lokvani –What suggestions do you have for people wanting to buy a ticket to India?

Nima – Often people are looking for the lowest price. For some that may be the right thing to do but for others there may be more important criteria. Often for a few dollars more you can find a better itinerary. Miles that you have accumulated could allow an upgrade to business class There is also the new concept of "Travel Plus" class on some airlines, which is very comfortable. Your travel agent would be able to give you the right itinerary at the right price.

Lokvani –Do Indian Americans vacation primarily in India? How can we improve that experience? Do you have alternate suggestions for vacation?

Nima – A large percentage of Indian Americans do vacation in India. Often such travel is focused on the needs of mom and dad rather than on the kids. I would encourage finding activities that are not confined to visiting relatives but rather expose children to the beauty and culture of India. There is so much to see. We have many special tours that we can arrange in India. Having raised children myself, I must say that the one thing I wish I had done more of was to take a “Non-India” vacation with just our family and may be with some families of my children’s friends. These could be all-inclusive short one-week vacation to the Bahamas or Caribbean that include wonderful activities like scuba diving for children. The vacations are great value for the money. Cruise is also another idea though the budget needed there is higher.

Lokvani –You obviously care a lot about children. You have three very successful children. Aparna, your youngest is deaf. Could you tell us a little about your experiences as a mother?

Nima – I have one regret in life and that is that God did not give me the opportunity to adopt ten children. I think being a mother has been one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. I am pleased that I have two children that have been raised Indian-American and one that has been raised Indian-American-Deaf. I think my children have had the opportunity to take what is good from the Indian and the American cultures. Aparna is particularly special to me for she introduced me to the deaf culture.

Lokvani –Could you explain as to what you mean by deaf culture?

Nima – Deaf people have a different life style. They have a different language and literature. My daughter is a talented actress and she has performed in many deaf plays. Watching them is a treat. Since I know their language I am able to be part of that very special experience.

Lokvani –Raising a special needs child must not have been easy. Could you tell us more about that experience?

Nima – It was not easy. I cried continuously for five years after Aparna lost her hearing. Then one morning I told myself to stop crying and decided to take a positive attitude towards everything. Once I was comfortable with Aparna’s hearing loss, handling it was easy. Of course we had to discover new ways to live. When she was young, if I lost her in the mall finding her was nightmare. If she was angry and closed herself in a room there is nothing I could do to talk to her. But we slowly worked through all the difficulties. She is very athletic and adventurous. My heart stopped when she learnt to ride her bike. Allowing her to drive a car was a very difficult decision.

Lokvani –How is Aparna doing now? Any advice for moms with children who have special needs?

Nima – She is doing great. She went to the college for the Deaf in Washington. She works at WGBH improving the Deaf curriculum. She is going back for a Master's degree in Education and wants to teach. She is a good actress and dancer and takes part in professional plays in Boston. Most importantly she is content.

To moms of children with special needs, I would say become comfortable with the special need. Find resources. Encourage children to find their own resources as well. Make the child feel special instead of having a negative attitude towards their problem. Remember that each one of us has special needs.

Lokvani - We wish you and your daughter well.Thanks so much for your time.

Nima - It has been a pleasure chatting with you. I do want to add one very important note. My life has had its good moments. But there are some moments that have been very difficult. I could not have come this far without the support of my husband, Dr.Shreedhar Lele who has been a pillar of strength and support for me. Our life is a great partnership and I am grateful to have a partner like him in my life.

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