dippu.com

I was born in India, left when I was young to the Gulf, then eventually came to Canada. Then you have others like daycruz, who was born in Libya, went back to India, and then eventually came to the US. And you have still others who were born in North America, and have no real connection to India. Then also, you have those people like bobby who came here to study, from India and the Gulf. Somehow or other, this diaspora of people of Indian origin, still are considered Indians whether or not they're Westernized or still FOBs. I find it amazing myself that even when we've grown up in a country that we call 'home', we still consider India as our 'real home'.

For some time this was unsettling for me. Why should I consider myself Indian, if the only thing that holds me to it is that it's where I was born? Or for those who weren't born there, why should you consider yourself Indian if you weren't even born there? It's a question that deepens the meaning of home and community, but must be answered in all seriousness, because of its heavy nature. What makes me Indian, and why do I consider myself to be one? Is it the colour of our skin? Or that most of us still have arranged marriages? Or is it cause we all go back to India, once every couple years? If you were to ask yourself why you are Indian, what would you say?

Another thing that unsettles me, if I do consider myself Indian, what is my identity in a multi-cultural society like North America? What sets me apart that will clue others into realising that I'm Indian? Could it be the second language you converse in to your desi friends? Or is it that monthly Indian association meetings you attend? Or could it be the Indian church you go to on Sundays?

For a long time, I wanted to be considered as an international person, but not specifically an Indian one. I was used to American customs, and going to American church, speaking English all the time...you know...the usual stuff. I just wanted to be considered different to a point, but not farther. As I think about it now, I realise more and more that I now embrace my Indian heritage, and my Indian extended family, and the Indian food my mom cooks...etc. I just wish that I had realised this maybe 10 years ago, then I could have at least learned an Indian language fluently. But I guess it's just a realisation that comes over an individual, not something you plan to happen. I realise now that I'm Indian for a purpose. I wasn't placed into my Indian parent's home for any other reason. I am an Indian, and sometimes forsaking your identity in that, leaves you stranded out on an island by yourself. You realise you're different from people, but you don't know how to approach it. I guess I realised this all too late, but it's certainly better late than never.

So ask yourself, the questions I pose to you, and answer without a bias. I want to hear your comments...