Dear Akash Bobba,

 Dear Akash Bobba,

You could be my child, Akash. And if you were, I would be so worried for you right now. Your poor mom—I can’t imagine what she must be going through. Maybe she supports you, maybe she’s proud, but I would be terrified. As a mother, I would be deeply worried about the choices you’re making and the weight of the world on your shoulders.

At just 22, you stand at a crossroads in history. The decisions you’re making right now will affect the future in ways you can’t possibly imagine. You have the power to influence a generation, but with that power comes an immense responsibility—a responsibility that, if misused, could have catastrophic consequences.

You might feel like you’re at the top of the world, surrounded by influential people, caught up in a whirlwind of excitement and ambition. But I urge you to take a step back and really think about where you are. Do you understand the gravity of your actions? The choices you make now could leave a mark on humanity’s future that is far beyond what you or anyone else could fix.

If you continue down this path, your name may be forever tied to the destruction of democratic principles and the erosion of justice, fairness, and equality. People like Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and others have built a system where power is concentrated in the hands of the few, and the consequences are being felt by millions. Do you really want your legacy to be part of that system?

As a mother, I would ask you to think about the long-term impact of your choices. Seven generations from now, what will they say about you? Will they see you as someone who helped avert disaster, or someone who helped speed it up? The choices you make now will affect not just your future but the futures of your children and their children—and the future of humanity itself.

And to the Indo-Canadian and newcomer community, I ask that you also consider writing to Akash, to speak your truth as Canadians who are deeply concerned about the impact these choices could have on the world. Many of us live here in Surrey, BC, where there’s a large Indian population, and we know how deeply connected we are to families both here and abroad. We are all watching what is happening in the US with growing fear. Many of you have family members living in the United States, and I know you share the same worries we have about the state of immigration and how ICE is treating our brothers and sisters.

As Canadians, we understand that the world is interconnected. What happens south of the border affects us all, and we fear for the safety of those in vulnerable positions. How do we protect our loved ones when the actions of powerful individuals seem to threaten everything we hold dear? How do we prevent the machinery of fear and division from spreading further?

We ask you, Akash, to think not only about your legacy but about the impact your choices will have on families, communities, and future generations. Please, take a moment to reflect on what really matters—the values of compassion, justice, and humanity.

Choose wisely, Akash. You have the power to change the course of history.

Sincerely,
Tina Winterlik 
Surrey, BC