A Letter to My Nation
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As I reflect on my identity and the land I call home, I feel an immense pride in being born on this sacred soil — a place I often refer to as the land of the heart. It is a realm where culture flourishes, enriched by folk and classical music, vibrant dances, diverse dialects, rich languages, captivating art, exquisite textiles, and delectable cuisine. Here, many ancient traditions continue to thrive, and it was just 76 years ago that we courageously liberated ourselves from the shackles of 89 years of British colonial rule, all through the power of non-violence.
However, there is a sense of unease that permeates my heart. It appears that many of us have inadvertently surrendered to the patriarchal norms instilled by our colonial rulers. The pursuit of "money and a better life" has overshadowed our rich culture, traditions, and value systems. We find ourselves ensnared in a white capitalist framework, relinquishing our sacred Vedic wisdom to those who are steeped in rigid, artificial dogmas and are disconnected from the profound, ancient ways of life. In this disconnection, we risk deconsecrating our heritage.
If our sense of self-worth hinges on foreign possessions, prime real estate in our own cities, luxury cars, or the ability to indulge in international travel, we have forsaken our essence, placing value in the colonizer’s definition of wealth and success.
Let us remember that our true wealth lies within — in our hearts, our cherished cultures, our time-honored traditions, our farmers, spice growers, and communities. Our artisans, such as the talented weavers in Bhujodi, Gujarat, who intricately weave thousand-year-old folk tales into their saris, embody this wealth. Designers like Anita Dongre showcase the beauty and history of our craftspeople. We must take pride in our identity and understand the allure of modernity. Who determined that being modern is synonymous with being superior?
If we hold positions of power, let us wield that power to support our farmers in their struggle against corporate greed. If time permits, let us engage with Indigenous communities, collaborating to heal the wounds inflicted by colonialism. Let’s empower them to rejuvenate environmentally sustainable practices and inspire their youth to embrace their heritage and language, preserving unique cultural legacies before they fade into obscurity.
Our richness lies in our unparalleled diversity. We coexist harmoniously with wildlife, honor the flow of pristine rivers, and celebrate the vast array of culinary delights, languages, and the striking differences among our people from the southernmost tip to the northeastern borders.
We must address the unfortunate legacy of catcalling and the mistreatment of women; these behaviors echo the oppressive attitudes of our colonial past. Let us reclaim the principles that honored humanity and uplifted our communities.
Can we rise to protect one another, to stand by our farmers, our tribal communities, and our fellow immigrants? Can we remind ourselves of the immense wealth that resides within us?
When did we accept foreign definitions of womanhood, food, success, and wealth? We must not forget who we are.
For years, I have been a quiet observer, grappling with painful memories. A decade ago, I witnessed a white female spiritual teacher publicly berate my father at a prominent meditation organization in Los Angeles, asking him to leave simply because he did not fully understand English. I watched silently as he exited, a heart heavy with sorrow.
More recently, I observed an equally disheartening incident at the Vedanta Society of Hollywood. Three white monks confronted two Indian women—ironically from Kolkata, where Swami Vivekananda, the society’s founder, hailed from—demanding their exit during a sacred fire ceremony due to a misunderstanding about shoe etiquette. Once again, I watched them leave, but this time, silence felt unbearable. I reached out to the organization, addressing the issue of white supremacy and the disconnection from our roots, and received apologies from the head monks. Yet, the women, who bore the brunt of this humiliation, remained unheard.
Who granted the authority over something so integral to our identity to those who cannot grasp its significance? We must reclaim our narrative, advocate for one another, and ensure the sacredness of our culture is recognized and respected.
In unity, let us forge a path that honors our shared heritage and redefines wealth and success through the lens of our own experiences and values.
In solidarity,
Sej