MadMan has a post in the recent Bharatiya Blog Mela where he talks about what it is that makes him Indian and how he thinks he might be a misfit. In response to his post someone commented,
why dont you leave india and move to the west, where you are not likely to be a misfit?
First of all, I would rather that the society he lives in accepts his beliefs and rationalizations and not shun them by asking him to ship off elsewhere. Why? My simple answer is that if a society begins shunning anything different, it runs the risk of decay. Fresh and new ideas form the basis of a society that progresses positively into the future.
Personally, I have no answer to the question on what makes me an Indian. Honestly, I hope there is no one answer. The day someone is able to correctly point to what makes an Indian, will be the saddest day for all Indians. Diversity of thought and a freedom to express that thought and in the process be different is something that should be cherished and respected. It is an ongoing battle that not only Indians but people all over the world are facing.
In a few days the second largest democracy in the world will choose their leader. I can only hope that the people of this country use their power wisely and elect a leader that helps in protecting their freedoms and individuality.