What
is ABCD ? It is the acronym for " American
Born Confused Desi" "Desh" is the Hindi word for country.
"Desi" is countryman.
Americans
of Indian origin have been named ABCD's for a long time now. Many of
them seem "MUCH MORE SURE" of themselves than "CONFUSED" as
parents of these children seek to educate them in Indian culture and
values much more seriously than their Indians (from India)
counterparts.
Did
you know that January 20th is ABCD day.
SUNDAY
SCHOOLS IN THE US
: Today in many cities across the US the Indian communities
get together on Sundays for "Sunday School". These are
held either in the Hindu Temples, community centers or at peoples homes.
Besides teaching about religion, practices and beliefs the kids are
taught about India. Kids learn and recite many common Indian prayers,
and sholkas.
The
Sunday School program at The Hindu Temple of
Greater Chicago is designed
to provide children an opportunity to learn the many facets of Indian
religion and History of India. There is also a graduation
ceremony.
Still
walking the fine line between what is acceptable to their friends here
in the US and what is acceptable behavior at home for the parents is a
huge responsibility that rests on their young shoulders.
As
cultures "collide" and "melt" in the
US the new generation of the kids with Indian heritage enjoy a
well rounded view and in a way, the best of both worlds. There is always
knowledge, traditions, cultural practices and "what's in" to
be exchanged between kids growing up here and in India.
Did
you know that there is a movie by the name "American Born
Confused Desi"........whose name was shortened to
"American Desi"
Kris
Reddy (Katdare) is a young man born in America and out of touch with his
Indian heritage. But when he meets the captivating Nina Shah (Bedi), his
world is turned upside-down as he struggles to come to terms with his
culture in order to get the girl, who is deeply connected to her Eastern
roots. Along the way, Reddy discovers the colorful Indian-American
lifestyle full of wild parties and funky music.'
Views
Of A 10 year old ABCD
Growing up an ABCD : People
say that growing up Indian in the USA, isn't it confusing ?
I think it is pretty simple and not confusing. My
parents are very open and teach us Indian traditions as well as take pride
in being American citizens. We enjoy and celebrate the 4th of July and
sing the US national anthem with pride. At the same time, we are taught
about India and Indian culture through the day to day activities.
Like
my mom always says, "If you can make chappaties (Indian
bread) for your kids you have successfully carried on one part of the Indian
culture into your life" After all what you have grown up eating is
where you are from........ ...that's what I think ! Anyway, we can only learn so much, with the world growing small and so many
cultures coming together here in the USA it will be nice if we could learn
a little bit from each culture.......Just like they show on Sesame Street
!!
Mom, Why
do we offer a coconut when we visit an Indian temple?
In India one of the most common offerings in a temple
is a coconut. It is also offered on occasions like weddings, festivals,
the use of a new vehicle, bridge, house etc. It is offered in the
sacrificial fire whilst performing homa. The coconut is broken
and placed before the Lord. It is later distributed as prasaad.
Did you know that the fiber covering of the dried
coconut is removed except for a tuft on the top. The marks on the
coconut make it look like the head of a human being. The coconut is
broken, symbolizing the breaking of the human ego. The juice within,
representing the inner tendencies (vaasanas) is offered along
with the white kernel - the mind, to the Lord.
The
marks on the coconut are even thought to represent the three-eyed Lord
Shiva and therefore it is considered to be a means to fulfill our
desires.
The coconut also symbolizes "selfless
service". Every part of the tree -the trunk, leaves, fruit, coir
etc. Is used in innumerable ways like thatches, mats, tasty dishes, oil,
soap etc. It takes in even salty water from the earth and converts it
into sweet nutritive water that is especially beneficial to sick people.
It is used in the preparation of many ayurvedic medicines and in other
alternative medicinal systems.
Mom, Why
do we wear the bindi or as many of my friends call it the "dot"
? Being Indian is really nice. I really like it
when my mom does the puja in the house and I get to wear all the Indian
jewelery and clothes. It's a nice feeling.
Well dear this is what I know about why we wear a
bindi on the forehead? The
spot between the eyebrows, is known to be the seat of memory and
thinking. The tilak or bindi is put here. In the olden days, the bindi
was in the form of a powder or liquid and both men as well as women wore
it. They say, that the entire body emanates energy in the form of
electromagnetic waves – the forehead and the subtle spot between the
eyebrows especially so. That is why worry generates heat and causes a
headache. The tilak or bindi helps to cool the forehead, protects us and
prevents energy loss. Sometimes, people apply "chandan" or
"bhasma" over the entire forehead. Nowadays plastic and
bindi's are available in many shapes, colors and sizes to match your
outfits. Using plastic reusable "stick bindis" is not
very beneficial, although it serves the fashion point of view.
