Well that is an answer, which comes quite easily to some and not so easily to some other. If we are to delve into the philosophy of the question: it defines who we are?
But, isn't that a rather spiritual question, pondered for ages by men of wisdom? Well yes and no. While the very roots of our existence, may reside in how the world came to be, and our growth from mere micro-organisms. But, if we take a look at this from another perspective- who we are in fact defined by our beliefs, principles, and our actions.
We yeah! we are after all what we like, do and have faith in!
Recently, I listened to an interesting talk by writer Taiye Selasi. In her speech, she points out the basic error in assumption and the consequent "idea" of a person, based on his/her nationality. Nationality, as she points out is a concept. And how can you belong to a concept? Culture, rituals these are what are better definitions of who we are. Not, what our passport says.
She points out that there are multiple people, who identify with the customs, beliefs of one place-but may need a visa to actually be in that place. The concept of nations can be broken as the political lines and the power lines are defined. Interestingly, these also pre-define the concept of a person to others.
Oh, she is Indian, so she must be religious. She is Japanese, so he must know Karate. These are conceptions, which binds our mind and does not let us explore the various facets of each individual.
Sometime back, I read a book about this German-Japanese-Russian assassin. Born to Russian royalty, his father was a Nazi, German. He was raised in Japan, but fell in love and settled in the Basque country. How do we "define" this intriguing character? He who identifies with the Japanese way of life, is looking for Shibhumi (understated Japanese elegance), but is fascinated by the customs of the Basque country, which he calls home!
Home- is where we are from. Well true, a place where we feel at home is where we are from. But, it still does not explore the different facets of what defines us- our beliefs or our culture.
As an Indian, born to Bengali parents, I have been living in Bengal since birth. I'm local to Bengal, but is that my only identity? No, I've travelled to different parts and small corners of the world, and there is a lot I would still like to see. Through books, I've read about places and their customs- some as I recently found out during my trips- are not even known to the many nationals of the country!
I work almost 12 hours everyday for a country, whose language and culture is very much part of my emotions. I've visited the country once, and I've felt quite at home in a quaint town, sipping a hot cuppa alongside a canal.
Food is yet another aspect that defines so much of what makes us unique. With a palette quite different from the fish and rice staples known to Bengalis, I also prefer the spice of Mexican, the light subtle flavors of French cuisine, the robust flavors of Italian food, or the lovely food from Africa. I'm equally "at home" when I bite into a delicious sweet cottage cheese concoction from my local sweet shop, and also the dark bitter taste of true Belgian/Dutch chocolate! While I savor the taste of toasted greasy flat flour breads with chunks of spicy delicacy within, I'm also fond of the light flour wrap, encasing strips of lightly roasted meat with a yoghurt dressing.
So, what am I? who am I.
As I remarked to a colleague some years back, on "not knowing something because I'm am a Hindu by birth"- I'm a human being. I love food, travel, books, music, and poetry from world over. A trained Indian classical dancer, I also groove to the beats of waltz and Rhumba. I'm not one thing, I'm shaped by all my experiences (virtually and other-wise) and my beliefs.
That is who I am!
