This Independence Day Ask Yourself, “What It Means To Be Indian?”

On Monday, August 15th, 2016 India celebrates its 69th Independence Day. The school children can be heard practicing for the flag raising ceremony, which will happen on Monday. The patriotic energy can be felt in the air as the day approaches and preparations for celebrations are underway. Looking out of my modern high rise flat, I sometimes question whether this is still the same India at heart? Our freedom fighters fought to remove the British from our land, yet here we are today with many youngsters wanting to flee their country and travel to the very country that once had us under their thumb. What is the reason for the attraction to the western world, for so many Indians? Why is being an NRI something to boast about? Why is a person wearing western wear somehow thought to be more educated, cultured and more sophisticated to one that has not forgotten their "Indian-ness" and adorned in Indian wear? Why do young men want a bride that is modern, speaks English, and resembles a westerner rather than a girl who is still Indian and has not lost her heart to her mind? [Mind Activation Classes Pune]

If you were to ask a foreigner what they think of India, they will tell you about the overcrowded cities, the pollution, the poor people, etc. But one thing they will all agree on, there is a softness and gentleness amongst the Indians that is apparent to them. Indians are people of the heart, not the mind. Just take a look at our country, the politics, and the people, it is a wonder how anything gets done in this country or even how it gets done. Somehow through all the chaos the people seem to thrive and find a reason to laugh, open their hearts and homes to those around them. But this is not the India of the cities, but rather the towns and villages, which most of India still is. Cities are only a small percentage of the country. Just drive out of Pune and into Lonavala and you will see India, as it is, with people full of love in their hearts and people who still look Indian, wearing traditional wear. People who will invite you to their homes, fill your bellies with home cooked meals, Indian meals of dal rice, chapathi and sabzi. These small towns and villages are filled with people who have no idea about the lives of the people in the cities. In fact they have no wish to know about them. They are content living the simple life that existed 50 years ago. Of course, the infrastructure has changed and perhaps some of their children are itching to leave their small paradise for the cities they are mesmerized by, but a majority of the people are happy living their lives as Indians. Indians, who have not forgotten their culture, their language, their clothes, and their open hearted nature.

This is the India, I moved back from abroad to see, live in and experience. While the western world may have modern comforts, they have lost their hearts and souls to materialism and capitalism. Why are we trying to emulate this, when they are fleeing their countries and flocking to India to re-discover the secret to living a happy life, which every Indian knows instinctively? You may not know what it is because the people of this country who have not been bitten by the western bug are still living simple lives with open hearts. That is the secret to living. Living as you are and being true to yourself, which is Indian. So, for those of us in the city who have forgotten or got lost, we can easily get back in touch with what we have lost or that which is hidden deep inside by embracing our culture once again. Instead of taking belly dancing classes, enroll in Bharatanatyam classes or instead of learning the guitar, learn the sitar. Re-discover the Indian that is deeply hidden inside and awaken your heart again by embracing your culture and tradition as Indians.

Anu a modern “traditional” Tamilian, brought up in Canada, now resides in Pune, India, with her husband. She draws upon her life experiences, when writing, having been exposed to the lifestyle and cultures of both countries. She is simple, fun-lo