The Pride of Both

I was born in Agra, India. 

I speak Hindi everyday. 

I know the Indian National Anthem by heart.  

I live in the Alabama, United States.

I speak English everyday.

I know the American National Anthem by heart. 

No matter how far I get in life, I will never leave behind where I can from. Because that’s what’s being a human being is all about. Growing everyday yet staying connected to our roots no matter how bad things get. But it’s hard to explain this to some people. 

I have friends whom are Indian and yet they know nothing about India. They don’t know a single language other than English. They don’t know a single word of the Indian National Anthem. That just bothers me for some reason.

They say they don’t have to know these these because they “weren’t born in India” so “Indian values don’t apply to them”. 

Umm ok. Well here’s my question: when you look in the mirror: do you see American or Indian. There’s your answer...

I hate how people are ashamed to be connected to their culture. My culture is who I am. Every decision I make reflects my Indian values. 

But whatever, it’s their life not mine. My only goal for this post was to convey my feeling about the matter. 

People should be connected to their roots because as science dictates; once a tree is disconnected from it’s roots, it dies. Breathing isn't the only thing that defines a person as living. 

I like to think that no matter how old I get or how far I get in life, I can always look back and have comfort in my culture. 

My culture is beautiful and I’m proud to have the honor of being included in it. Not everyone is. From the open arms for the whole world to the music inside my heart, everything I am comes from my nationality, my culture, my roots. 

My parents take me to the Hindu Temple every time there is a festival or a celebration because they want me to be a part of where I came from. The boundaries of a country or the flag that flies above it doesn’t define the nationality of a person. 

Now don’t get me wrong. I’m in love with the U.S. Every part of my current life is here. My friends, my parents, my future. I will always be proud to be a part of this beautiful nation. This will be a part of who I am always too. 

Some of the friends I’ve made here have become family and I don’t know where I’d be without them. 

I’m an Indian who’s future is in America. I’m very proud of that. Both India and America are my countries. 

Every time I hear the National Anthem of either, I will rise and salute to the brave front of both nations. I will commend soldiers from both countries. I will put my hand on my heart and stand still in the presence of each flag that waves. 

What’s wrong with that? Nothing from my view. Why have the pride of one nation when you can hold your head up high when 2 countries’ names are called?

But that’s just how I think..