A Decade of Namaste: LCAHouston Turns 10!

In the tenth year of LCAHouston International Society Magazine and the thirteenth year of the International Mother’s Day Gala, Editor/Publisher & Host Ruchi Mukherjee reflects with Mihika Basu on a journey shaped by growth and gratitude. Beyond the mechanics of an interview, this moment unfolds as a shared conversation between Ruchi Mukherjee and Mihika Basu under the Houston sun. At the lush lawns of the Shiva Temple, Mihika speaks with Ruchi about the perfect ten, plus a little extra. In Indian culture, we never stop at a perfect ten. A concept called “Shagun” signifies an added blessing that signals continuation beyond a milestone. So, for a ten year celebration, here are eleven questions, as a wish for a little extra love and celebration. Interview:

MB: In ten years, what’s the most “only in Houston” moment you’ve experienced? Something that just wouldn’t happen anywhere else.

RM: What feels uniquely Houston to me isn’t just diversity in the way people often describe it. It is the openness, and the quiet but powerful acceptance of people for who they are. I have seen it in how this city shows up, especially for those building something new, often from very different cultural starting points. There is an instinct here to support, to uplift, to make space. But what truly defines an “only in Houston” moment is this spirit of showing up. People show up in times of crisis, yes, but just as meaningfully, they show up in moments of celebration.

There is also a certain flair to how Houston celebrates life. Fashion here feels expressive and layered. Having lived here, I feel like I am part of a much richer fabric. There is an ease with which you can step into the community, become part of something larger, and grow alongside others. Houston does not keep you at the edges, it pulls you in. The community that Houstonians have created is so connected and so powerful – that is what is so unique to Houston, and truly special to me.

MB: If you had to sum up your last decade, covering the very best of Houston in one line, what would it be?

RM: The name of the periodical says it pretty well: “Lights, Camera, Action (LCA), Houston”.

It’s about what Houston is about: over the top glamour and generosity. But more seriously, I would say LCAHouston has helped amplify voices that are often misunderstood, particularly from South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian communities, and emphasizing their philanthropy, art, businesses, and deeply human stories. Houston itself feels like a big Bollywood film: full of emotion, color, and constant movement – you experience it in waves. Look at our catalog of our LCAHouston cover stories, which are all so unique and special.

MB: How has this city shaped the way you work, create, and show up in the world.

RM: In many ways, Houston has taught me to appreciate the fullness of life. It has made me confront love and grief, but it has also taught me how to welcome love again. Houston has given me every shade of emotion, personally and professionally. Moments like Hurricane Harvey stand as powerful reminders of the resilience of this city and its people. Those experiences stay with you. They shape how you process loss, how you find strength, and how you move forward. Personally, I had to face my own challenges as well; I had to fight my own battles, sit with my grief, and still choose hope. This city has taught me all of this – both in quiet and subtle ways, as well as distinct impressions.

MB: What stories do you personally want to hear more of?

RM: I find myself drawn more to happy stories. Stories of people who started somewhere and are going places. Stories that are big and impactful, as well as small and poignant – stories that manage to keep a sense of happiness and hope alive. One of my concerns with a lot of media today is that it often leans heavily into trauma. While those stories are real, I believe it is equally as important to celebrate life for what it gives us. I am especially interested in stories across our communities – the stories of individuals and women. My mind naturally goes there, because of International Mother’s Day. Essentially, I want to showcase people who bring a unique essence of compassion to the world.

I think of moments like when Dior hosted its first ever Diwali celebration with us. It was more than an event; it was a reflection of how cultures are being welcomed, honored, and shared in new ways. I want to hear more of these stories that uplift, connect, celebrate, and shape our communities.

MB: Looking back, what’s been your most unforgettable interaction or encounter through the magazine?

RM: I have seen incredible generosity – levels of kindness, and a spirit of ‘showing up’ that has restored my faith in people. But I can’t sugarcoat the fact that I have also seen the other side of that: greed, promises that are made and then broken. That being said, the bad experiences have taught me who to trust, who to stand with, and when to walk away.
Looking back, I would say that some of the most unforgettable interactions have been during cover shoots with Dr. Sippi Khurana. We both learned so much, and we made such beautiful memories. The most significant encounters from the last decade of LCAHouston have featured stories of women who have overcome adversity and made a successful life for themselves

MB: In 13 years of Mother’s Day celebrations, what has been the most delightful moment?

RM: It’s hard to point to just one moment, but what has been most delightful is watching women walk the runway, and seeing the shift in confidence it creates within them. What often begins as a formal connection has, over time, grown into deep friendships and a true sense of sisterhood. I have seen women leave feeling empowered, starting new ventures, walking away from draining relationships, or simply rediscovering themselves and what brings them joy. That transformation has been the most meaningful part for me. It has also been deeply personal. Having gone through my own journey, raising a young child and navigating similar emotions, I see parts of myself in them. That empathy and that shared experience makes it all the more joyful and delightful.

MB: What’s one Mother’s Day memory that’s stayed with you, and how has it shaped your relationship with your mom and daughter over time?

RM: Thinking about the answer to this question makes me tear up, Mihika. I started this publication and the International Mother’s Day celebration for my mother. She has always been my inspiration. Alongside that, I have watched my daughter grow into it – first helping me backstage as a child, and now, as an adult, I feel she has developed a unique ability to balance others. As her mother, I feel she even has that kind of calming effect on me. In many ways, this celebration belongs to all three of us. To my mother, to my daughter, and to every mother we honor. The most special memory must be the moment the three of us walked the ramp together. Three generations, three different energies and stages of life; one shared spirit.

MB: Where do you see the magazine heading next, and what does that future look like in your mind?

RM: I am not someone who plans or predicts too far ahead. I do not try to define the future, but rather I place my faith in it. My approach comes from the Bhagavad Gita. I simply ask God that if I ever stray, I am guided back to the right path. So, the future, to me, is not a fixed destination. It is a commitment to do honest work, to lead with good intention, to build meaningful relationships, and to follow the divine force. That, in itself, is the plan.

MB: One word for what you’re building toward, what is it, and why?

RM: Purpose. I want to create space for more voices, more stories, and more people to be seen and heard. I want to celebrate stories of all kinds, in the magazine and through Mother’s Day. There is no grand plan behind it. I simply feel like I have a role to play in someone else’s story, and this magazine is a platform for that. If I can be that person, that is my purpose.

MB: What would you most want to say to the readers who’ve been part of this?

RM: Gratitude, in every form. I thank everyone who has supported us, whether through a large sponsorship or a single ticket. I am deeply grateful for your generosity, participation, and openness. On a personal note, I feel immense gratitude for my husband, Walter. He has helped me rediscover joy in this journey. There was a time when I felt stuck; always moving but never going forward. He reminded me to slow down, to take it in, to feel the sweetness of it all. That has changed everything.

MB: If we could read your mind, what would it be telling us?

RM: You would sense a deep appreciation for our audience, and for the intelligence of that audience. Our readers are so engaged, open, and curious with other cultures, and willing to truly dig in and understand one another. That kind of thoughtful engagement means everything to me. It inspires me to keep seeking out and telling stories that are just as meaningful, layered, and intelligent as the people receiving them.