AFNA Essay Competition 2017

As a child of immigrant parents from North East India, cherishing my unique roots from Assam is an integral part of my identity. Despite the geographical distance, my connection to Assam, a state known for its rich cultural tapestry, is a vital aspect of my life in the United States. The effort to stay connected to my roots involves participating in Assamese events, celebrating traditional festivals, singing traditional songs, cooking Assamese cuisine, and engaging with Assamese language and art. This ongoing journey of cultural connection not only honors my heritage but also ensures its continuity across generations.

Celebrating Assamese Festivals

One of the most profound ways I connect with my Assamese heritage is through the celebration of traditional festivals. Bihu, the most prominent festival of Assam, marks the Assamese New Year and is celebrated with much fervor and joy. In the USA, I join the local Assamese community to celebrate Bihu, ensuring that the essence of this vibrant festival is not lost. We gather to perform Bihu dances, sing folk songs, and enjoy traditional Assamese cuisine. These celebrations are not only a way to honor our culture but also an opportunity to teach the younger generation about our rich heritage.

Bihu celebrations in the United States are a vibrant affair. The community comes together to recreate the festive atmosphere of Assam. We decorate the venue with traditional Assamese motifs, wear traditional attire, and prepare authentic Assamese dishes. The highlight of the celebration is the Bihu dance, a folk dance that is an integral part of the festival. Participating in these dances and teaching them to younger members of the community helps keep the tradition alive. Singing Bihu songs, which are rich in melody and lyrics that celebrate the beauty of nature and life, further strengthens our connection to our roots. These celebrations foster a sense of

belonging and pride in our cultural heritage, making the miles between the USA and Assam feel shorter.

Participating in Assamese Cultural Events

Throughout the year, various Indian cultural events are organized by the Indian community in the USA. These events often include cultural performances, traditional music, and dance recitals. I actively participate in these events, either as a performer or a volunteer, helping to organize and promote them. Being involved in these cultural activities allows me to stay connected with other Assamese people, share our stories, and celebrate our common heritage. It creates a sense of community, making the geographical distance from Assam feel less significant.

These cultural events serve as a platform to showcase Assamese traditions to a broader audience. For instance, during Diwali and other Indian festivals, our community often hosts cultural programs where we perform traditional Assamese dances like Sattriya, a classical dance form of Assam. These performances are not only a way to entertain but also to educate others about our rich cultural heritage. Additionally, organizing workshops on Assamese crafts, such as handloom weaving, allows us to share the intricate art forms of Assam with a wider audience, promoting cultural exchange and appreciation.

Singing Traditional Assamese Songs

Music is a powerful medium that transcends boundaries and connects people to their roots. Singing traditional Assamese songs is one of my favorite ways to stay connected to my heritage. Whether it's during a cultural event, a family gathering, or simply at home, singing these songs brings a sense of nostalgia and pride. I often sing Borgeet, the classical music form of Assam,

and modern Assamese songs that remind me of my homeland. By practicing and performing these songs, I keep the musical traditions of Assam alive and introduce them to my friends and community members in the USA.

Singing traditional songs also allows me to connect emotionally with my heritage. The lyrics and melodies of Assamese songs often evoke images of the lush green landscapes, flowing rivers, and vibrant culture of Assam. Sharing these songs with friends and colleagues in the USA provides them with a glimpse into the beauty and depth of Assamese culture. Additionally, by forming or joining Assamese music groups, we create a community of like-minded individuals who share a love for our musical heritage. This collective effort not only preserves our traditions but also strengthens our cultural identity.

Cooking and Sharing Assamese Cuisine

Food is another essential aspect of my connection to Assamese heritage. Assamese cuisine, with its unique flavors and traditional recipes, is a crucial part of our cultural identity. I enjoy cooking traditional dishes like Pitha (rice cakes), Fish Tenga (sour fish curry), and Assam tea with my mom. Sharing these dishes with my friends and colleagues in the USA is a way to introduce them to Assamese culture. Cooking traditional food also serves as a reminder of my family's culinary traditions and keeps the flavors of Assam alive in my household.

Preparing Assamese dishes requires sourcing specific ingredients and using traditional cooking methods, which can be challenging but rewarding. For example, making Pitha involves using rice flour and jaggery, ingredients that are central to Assamese sweets. The process of preparing these dishes connects me to my ancestors, as I follow recipes passed down through generations. Sharing these meals with others not only introduces them to the unique flavors of Assam but also

creates a sense of community and belonging. Additionally, hosting Assamese-themed dinner parties and cooking classes allows me to share our culinary traditions with a wider audience, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation.

Teaching and Learning Assamese Language

Language is a key component of cultural identity. To preserve our linguistic heritage, I make an effort to speak Assamese at home and encourage younger members to learn the language. We read Assamese literature, watch Assamese films, and practice speaking the language regularly. This not only strengthens our language skills but also deepens our understanding of Assamese culture and traditions.

Teaching Assamese to younger generations is essential for preserving our linguistic heritage. At home, we make it a point to converse in Assamese, ensuring that the language remains a living part of our daily lives. We also engage with Assamese literature, reading works by renowned authors like Lakshminath Bezbaroa and Hemchandra Goswami. Since my childhood, we would have Assamese literary classes, along with stories like “Burhi Aair Xhadhu”.These literary works provide insights into the history, culture, and values of Assam. Additionally, watching Assamese films and listening to Assamese radio programs help us stay updated with contemporary cultural expressions from our homeland. By fostering a love for the language, we ensure that our cultural heritage is passed on to future generations.

Engaging with Assamese Art and Literature

Assamese art and literature are rich and diverse, offering a window into the soul of Assamese culture. I engage with Assamese literature by reading works of renowned authors like

Lakshminath Bezbaroa and Mamoni Raisom Goswami. Additionally, I explore Assamese art forms such as traditional handloom weaving and painting. These artistic expressions provide a deeper connection to my heritage and inspire me to appreciate and promote Assamese culture in the USA.

Engaging with Assamese art involves learning about traditional crafts like handloom weaving, which is an integral part of Assamese culture. Weaving is a skill passed down through generations, and Assamese textiles, especially the Mekhela Chador, are renowned for their intricate designs and craftsmanship. By participating in workshops and exhibitions, I not only learn about these art forms but also support and promote them. Similarly, exploring Assamese literature enriches my understanding of our cultural heritage. The themes and stories in Assamese literature often reflect the socio-cultural fabric of Assam, providing a deeper insight into our traditions and values. By sharing these artistic expressions with a broader audience, we contribute to the preservation and promotion of Assamese culture.

Conclusion

Living in the USA, my connection to my Assamese heritage is a source of pride and joy. Through celebrating festivals, participating in cultural events, singing traditional songs, cooking Assamese cuisine, and engaging with the language and art, I keep the essence of Assam alive in my heart. These practices not only connect me to my roots but also help preserve and promote Assamese culture in the diverse cultural landscape of the USA. Embracing my heritage allows me to honor my ancestors and ensure that the rich traditions of Assam continue to thrive across generations, no matter where we are in the world. The journey of maintaining this connection is ongoing, but it is a journey that fills my life with meaning and a sense of belonging.

 

 

 

Essay by Arnab Barua - 2nd Prize Winner

My True Identity

As a child of Northeast Indian immigrant parents in the United States, I often found myself navigating between two different worlds. On one side, I embraced the throbbing, cosmopolitan character of my adopted home, while on the other side, I reverently grasped the windows of culture and tradition that my parents divided between the two worlds they provided me. I think having this dual existence has heavily impacted how I live and that it has instilled a greater appreciation in my unique heritage. I've come to really value the many different parts of my identity and how they've molded me. In this essay, I'm going to talk about how I cherish such a beautiful inheritance, how it can be challenging but rewarding, and why it is so vital for me in my life to continue to preserve and celebrate my Northeast Indian roots.

Cultural heritage is not just about our customs, traditions or just about our language. It is a living, breathing tapestry woven together from the threads of past times that recites the story of our history, values, experiences and who we are collectively. For me, being embedded in my North-Eastern Indian roots means acknowledging the struggles and stories of the past that my ancestors have witnessed, and the trans-generational culture that they lived in, in order to instill all the values that they believed in.

I also cherish my heritage through tangible ways such as by physically engaging in traditional festivals and ceremonies. The various colorful and vibrant culture of Northeast India is incomplete without its festivals as every festival has its distinct regional appeal and significance. For instance, celebrating Bihu is a cherished tradition in my family. The term Bihu refers to a chain of festivals associated with the seasons in Assam; it is marked by traditional music, dance and feasts. Getting involved in these celebrations is one way for me to highlight my ancestry and include those same memories with other people who are now my friends and neighbors as well, thus creating a feeling of community and progression.

Food is also a great way that I keep the connection with my heritage going. Northeast Indian Cuisine is highly varied, and each dish is remarkable in its own way. My parents often cooked traditional meals as I grew up using ingredients and recipes that had been passed down from one generation to the next. Cooking and then sharing all these numerous dishes with friends and relatives not only helped me to equally preserve these culinary traditions, but also showed me the proper way to acquaint others with the rich flavor and siesta of the culinary heritage of Northeastern India.

Language plays a big role in keeping my cultural identity alive as well. Although I speak English everywhere I go, my parents ensured that I spoke my cultural dialect (Assamese) at home, further establishing a stronger connection to my foundation. Growing up bilingual allowed me to connect with my family and friends in northeast India and it also

deepened my connection to my cultural roots at the same time. Being able to speak and understand these languages gave me access to a bundle of literature, music, and folklore that I wouldn't have had otherwise.

Maintaining a connection to my foundations was not a singular person task. It often included support and involvement from my family and my parents’ native community. Family gatherings such as holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions, were opportunities for me to practice my cultural values and traditions. These events were not just about celebrating turning points, but they were also about sharing stories, passing down legacies , and stimulating a sense of belonging.

In addition to family, the broader community of Northeast Indian immigrants and their descendants played a significant role in preserving and promoting my cultural heritage as well. Community organizations, cultural events, and social gatherings provided a platform for me to come together with my respective cultural community, celebrate my shared heritage, and support one another. These networks of support were invaluable in helping me navigate the challenges of living in a different cultural environment while maintaining a strong connection to my roots.

One of the most scorching experiences for children of immigrants is the balancing of dual identities. On one hand, we want to assimilate and belong in the larger society of our adoptive homeland and on the other, we need to stay connected strongly to our cultural foundation. Sometimes it is very tough to work out the scales of balance, but it proves all the more highly rewarding. Embracing both identities allowed me to leverage the strengths and values of both cultures to create a richer, more nuanced sense of myself.

Preserving the connection to my foundation came with numerous challenges. It brought in an element of the pressure to conform to the dominant culture where, at times, I felt alienated and caught between two worlds. It also became difficult for me to keep in touch with my family and communities back in northeast India, because I was geographically far from them. Due to this obstacle, I was forced to find a tougher alternative way to overcome these difficulties. One way I did this was to exploit the use of technology.

I feel technology has made it easier to keep in touch with distant family and friends. It's just like a bridge that brings distant relations and communities closer to one another. Staying in touch could not be any easier with all the advancements we have today. Social media, video calls, and internet cultural events are just a few means by which I can stay in contact and take part in the cultural life at home despite being in the U.S. Technology has connected me and planted a sense of sure and powerful identity provided by the traditions and values set forth by my ancestors. This type of upbringing gave me all the strength and

flexibility I need to be resilient in the complexities that surround such diversity in living in a multicultural society.

Additionally, embracing my cultural roots has enriched my life in many ways. I was exposed to new forms of education, discovery, and interaction. Therefore, experiencing the music, dance, literature, and cuisine of my background gave me much more insight into the world and the position I take inside it.

When I look back at my connection with Northeast India, I sometimes find myself getting lost in the profundity and complexity of the question as to whether I really feel the need to be connected with this land of vibrant diversity. The answer, I believe, lies not just in a simple affirmation or denial but in a nuanced understanding of identity, belonging, and the intrinsic value of cultural heritage. For me personally, as a person who is actively engaged with the rich and beautiful traditions of Northeast India, I am certain that I definitely feel the need to maintain this cultural identity.

Northeast India is a brilliant notepad full of diverse lives, customs, and nature's sanctuary; for this reason, it is particularly dear to me. It is a land of remarkable diversity, with each state, tribe, and community adding to a collective mosaic that is at once intricate and beautiful. In my little way, I keep the rich cultural heritage of Northeast India alive so that it remains extremely multi-dimensional and continues to inspire the many generations to come.

However, this relationship is not one without problems. The demands of modern life combined with geographical distance can sometimes create a sense of disconnection. However, it is in these moments of disconnect that the need for purposeful and mindful engagement becomes increasingly clear. All efforts to bridge the gap - participating in cultural events, connecting with my community, or simply sharing stories and traditions with others - strengthen my connection to Northeast India.

Furthermore, being connected with Northeast India means being connected with their ongoing struggles and aspirations. The complexities and ecological building are all part of the story. By engaging in their struggles and complexities, I am not just keeping my foundations alive, but I am also keeping the solidarity with the people of the Northeast; hence supporting their cause, fighting for them and their benefits.

In conclusion, the need to maintain a connection with Northeast India is a multifaceted and deeply personal endeavor. It is a journey to keep the heritage alive; it is a vision for cultural continuity, even as it necessarily becomes part of a collective narrative of a land that has been historically and dynamically modernizing. These relations, fostered

with much purpose and sensitivity, add meaning to my knowledge of self and origin; they connect and give meanings to a life that has to be lived, celebrated and savored in this dynamic world. It is then through these connections that a deeper and better appreciation of the diverse beauty of Northeast India comes to light, kept alive by legacy and inspiring future generations.

 

 

 

Essay by Sonakshee Phukan - 3rd Prize Winner

You know the times when you just can’t sleep at night? A sickening feeling in your stomach, or a haunting thought that just won’t get out of your mind. The times where you feel as though you don’t deserve to be in such a nice place like where you live right now, and how have you come so far? It used to happen to me quite often before, as much as I’m embarrassed to admit. People tell us all

the time to embrace our roots-especially since we usually come from immigrant parents, moving thousands of miles away to the west away from their families and tiny beginnings, just to make their young dreams a reality and make their family proud.

 

It’s easy enough for elders to say that embracing your roots is a way that reminds you of home and makes you truly remember to be grateful for wherever you are in life. But in such a modern age where trends, fashion, and stereotypes exist, even in schools, it’s hard to do so. We’ve surely been through a phase at some point where we wanted to be someone who we weren’t: Paler, thinner, better fashioned, being fed Americanized lunches, and what not. Connecting to our family in India was a very complicated thing to do, as I felt like I didn’t fit in in either side of my life-too American to be purely Assamese, too Assamese to be purely American.

 

Even during holidays like Bihu, as much as I used to really try to get to like all the sweets that I was treated to and dive into the cultural dances and songs that surrounded me in the annual events. I used to be bothered; frustrated that I had to attend a function and socialize with other Assamese kids my age as an early pre-teen. I thought my parents couldn’t let go of the past, couldn’t live in the moment. I used to forget any existence of Assamese traditions, or any thought of India for that matter, unless someone mentioned it. I thought that bringing Masor Tenga (sour fish curry) to school would make me a joke of the school. I didn’t want to go out in public wearing a mekhela chadar and gamkharus while going to the events, even if it was just a walk to the car or photos my mom wanted to take for long lasting memories and post online.

When we went to Assam in the summer, I complained it was too hot, the food too unhealthy, the place too unhygienic. I would pout in vain when we would go on a road trip where my dad would reminisce his childhood days at school and show me his home in Dibrugarh, or when I would meet my cousins in Guwahatiand Amguri, staring judgingly at the bumpy roads and trees through the glass window of the car. I felt so foreign, so vulnerable there, I just wanted to go back home and curl up in the air conditioning. My aunts and uncles would give me a questioning stare of doubt, wondering why I wouldn’t eat their Aloo pitika that they made for me with love. When I came back from the ‘vacation’- as I would say sarcastically, I would sigh of relief- as if a huge weight lifted of my shoulders.

I tried to make myself a person that was unrecognizable, someone so different than I was before. I frequently saw a select few of classmates in my class snickering softly as a different colored man was shown on the screen on an educational video, or when a new substitute teacher spoke with an accent that wasn’t American. I decided that if I was supposed to fit in, I was going to have to keep my identity to myself. And that was how it was for a while, but I still felt something so off, something incomplete when at solitude

Sometimes when we were asked to share, students would proudly dress in sarees and lehangas-and not just for India, kids from my class shared their food and festivals in class, pupils from other classes shared information and dressed up gallantly in their culture’s etiquette. My Social studies teacher even taught us the world religions and rich history from each dynasty, carrying on to the modern times now. And I kept asking myself-why am I so ashamed of being a person who I naturally am, when the kids in front of me don’t care what others think? Why am I so self-conscious of what a few students think of me, and why am I trying so hard to fit in with them? I knew I was different, but it was definitely not in a bad way.

It took a while for sure; I was a little reluctant to start expressing my true self, to truly ‘embrace your roots’ as elders would say, and start being confident in my traditional outfits while being in public, but I got into it soon enough. I decided I wasn’t going to hide who I was. I brought in til pithas and ladoos to lunch, even if I got weird looks from onlookers. Ironically, they liked the sweets when I shared with them. I realized not all people are hateful to who you truly are. Think about it-how can we live in a country that is known to be ‘diverse’ if all of us just try to be like a blonde barbie doll?

I kept that thought in mind as I cherished moments with my family in Assam, joining them online during hakkams and other poojas that happened. When mygrandparents came over to the U.S. for a couple months, I was overjoyed. And I wasn’t disappointed. My grandma brought in boxes of homemade pitha and narikol ladoo (coconut ladoo). I finished a box of sweets in just 2 days, and even brought loads to school! I maintained a connection with my culture, as I knew that defined who I was, and I certainly wasn’t going to let my unique painting-my identity, fade away just because there are some judgmental people here. I was going to shine and carry on my traditions for future generations to carry on too.