I get thrilled and excited when somebody asks me if I’m from India. Even though I was born in South Africa, and I’ve never been to India, I identify as Indian and I’m proud to tell anyone who asks that I am an Indian. As someone who has thoroughly studied studied Indian history, I appreciate the depth, substance and complexity of our Motherland. Being from one of the world’s oldest living civilizations should be a source of pride for every person of Indian descent. Whenever someone asks me “where are you really from”, I am eager to educate them on the rich history of pre-colonial Bharath. This may sound rather boastful, but no other civilization comes close to India, its depth, its reverence for Nature, the science behind our Hindu practices, the dance, the food, everything. I am happy to shout from the rooftops that I am an Indian.