Ever since the age 16, I’ve been solely fascinated with the Indian culture. From it’s regularly practiced religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism), to its modern day “bollywood” movies; India has kept me engaged for the past 4 years.
My personal relationship with India began in 2006. Mimicking somewhat of an Indian marriage, I celebrated my 16th birthday decked in colorful saris while indulging my taste buds in my families West Indian made “curry”. By the time I turned 18, I decided to tattoo right leg with India’s most familiar symbol: The Ohm.
“Ohm” or “Aum”, whichever you prefer, simply signifies “eternal peace” or “absolute peace”. The symbol is often found with certain mantras such as Ganesh or can be pictured with India’s most famous lotus flower. For those of you that don’t know, Ganesh is said to be the Hindu god of wisdom. Commonly known for the god with the body of a human and the head of an elephant, Ganesh is also the god who removes obstacles.
Christmas of 2008 came around and my sister-in-law blessed me with one of my favorite books in my personal “novel-reading” history: Sister of My Heart. Author, Chita Banerjee Divakaruni, couldn’t have produced anything less than the greatness it was. Exposing me to the culture, traditions and love, I felt as if I were an extra in the Anju and Sudha household.
Then there was tonight. After a long day at my internship, I decided to come home and relax. Browsing for a movie on hulu.com I was automatically drawn to a photo of a woman in sari. I immediately clicked on the link and appeared the title: Kama Sutra. Every bit of the movie was moving. In one word the movie was about women. Women in love. Women in lust. Women in hurt. And women in envy. While watching the movie, I’ve realized that I’ve known a woman in pain, as Tara. And I’ve loved a man as Maya did Rasa Dive. Tonight, I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m still on this road of never ending love and I’m happy to proclaim my love as…INDIA.
