India Trip | Teen Ink

India Trip

June 15, 2017
By Nitya BRONZE, Rockville, Maryland
Nitya BRONZE, Rockville, Maryland
2 articles 0 photos 0 comments

I was born in America. My family has a nice house. I have two brothers, one older and one younger. The younger one gets on my nerves, but I can’t stand it when he goes to a slumber party with his friends. Even though he never admits it, he misses me quite a bit too. I also have a dog. She is a beautiful pomeranian about the height of two feet. I got her for my fifth birthday. While us three kids were growing up, my parents were allowed the luxury to stay home and raise us. As the only daughter of two immigrants who worked hard to achieve the so-called “American Dream,” I always walked on the street with my back straightened and my chin raised to the point that I could never see my shoes. I was proud of my heritage. My father and mother were born in Bihar, a province in India. The first cable channels we bought for television was Dish network, which featured Hindi television dramas known as “serials.” The only language we ever spoke in the house was Hindi. Moreover, we were part of a tight-knit Indian social circle. My parents carried their culture with them on that first plane flight to Newark about twenty years ago after their marriage, and promised to keep their traditions alive.
   

 My family took a trip to India every summer. We only ever went to New Delhi. That is where my grandparents lived. They had a great bungalow on the outskirts of the dusty, noisy, traffic-jammed city. New Delhi was identical to America in mostly every aspect, other than the clothes. Women wore saris and kurtis rather than jeans and shirts. Two years ago, while we were in New Delhi, my father came inside the dining room and told us to pack up. We were going to visit Bihar.
     

It was a beautiful area. As soon as we left the airport, I could see greenery on both sides of the single, rocky paved path. I witnessed enormous cows grazing. The black and white figures stopped and watched us wide-eyed as we drove by. The lush green fields rolled on outwards beyond vision. My father cranked the window down. The wind blew our hairs into tangled nests. We laughed and sung along the empty winding road. My family and I felt truly peaceful on that drive. It was too unfortunate that I would have to witness whatever I did after we got out of that car.
     

The amount of confusion in my mind was incredible. My parents had always talked about India as this marvelous paradise that was home to the creation of the number zero and the intricate architectural design of the Taj Mahal. When I heard the word “India,” I immediately thought of the Kohinoor diamond and the rich spices my mother crushed into a delicious masala. I was never expecting to be exposed to such blatant discrimination. I had never been talked down to as if I was a young babe. When we arrived at my relatives' house, there was one question my great uncle asked me after my father urged him on with praises of my good grades. He asked me what I wanted to be when I was older. It was a common question, but the tone he used to frame the question was hesitant and demeaning. I actually saw him lean over while asking me of the simple topic of a career. When I saw these subconscious behavioral mechanisms, I clasped my hands together, arched my back, and told him that I wanted to be a lawyer. He laughed, leaned back in his chair, and told me I had high aspirations. That was reality. I asked my mother about this newfound reality of sexism, and she said, “That’s just the culture here.”


The trip strained my energy and naive optimism in the world. I don’t know which social factor hit me the hardest. Was it that my mother did not allow me to wear shorts? Was it that my great uncle did not recognize me as a person with a story to tell? Was it that my brothers were seated at the table while I was expected to help serve the food? Or was it that I saw the horrors of the treatment in between the social relationship of my great uncle and his daughter-in-law? I still can’t organize the blur of emotions into chronological order. I remember feeling the horrendous emotions of sorrow, anger, pity, and somehow, guilt. I remember feeling guilty that I was a girl. I remember feeling sorrow as I ate in the kitchen with a daughter-in-law. I remember feeling jealous when my brothers were praised on how well they spoke in Hindi. However, I could still feel comfort in the fact that I was leaving the next morning. I furrowed my eyebrows, pouted my lower lip, and peered at the daughter-in-law. I felt true pity for her. I wanted to save her somehow. I wanted to grab her clothed shoulders and scream in her face that she could run away with us. I wanted to get her a green card and drag her to America so badly. I saw her cup her cheek with her palm and rest half her body mass on one elbow. I noticed her peering out of a small, circular window, looking at the young girls playing outside.
     

That’s all that happened. I could’ve placed my hand on her shoulder and told her that it would be alright. I could’ve stormed into the main lounge and confront my great uncle. I could’ve given a speech against the social discrimination of women in the household and the misdemeanors contrived in patriarchy. I was already writing out a sample speech in my head. But I didn’t. There was no heroic ending to that day. Throughout my childhood, I felt strong and empowered. I wanted to be a lawyer. I wanted to be a political figure. How could I be a political figure or an advocate for humans rights if I couldn't fix the horrid, sexist atmosphere and culture surrounding one small town in India? At that moment, I could not muster up the courage to help the situation in any way. I just felt pity, looked at the time, and went to bed. A few days later, I was back in America. I still had my family and the Dish channel. I still spoke Hindi fluently and was part of the Indian social circle. I have always felt regret about that day. Even though I know it is difficult to change the social structure and gender roles residing in that small, blue house in just one day, it aches knowing I could have offered comfort to a young, beautiful girl sitting by a windowsill in a broken-down kitchen.


The author's comments:

I now realize the intensity of my words and my dreams. Saying that I want to change perspectives or policies actually requires courage and determination. After that day, I took it upon myself to force myself to be outspoken and brave. It is important for people to admit that acting on these issues is harder than expected, because then they push themselves to make good on any beliefs or values they hold prevalent.


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This article has 11 comments.


Sukirti said...
on Jun. 21 2017 at 12:08 pm
Nitya, I liked your essay. You were able to express your experience in words. People feel frustrated and as you write don't know what to do. But change begins with one.. one person expressing and raising their voice. I am proud of you . Keep it up. You should try for the internship in the court .

Smita said...
on Jun. 20 2017 at 5:02 pm
Sorry I was unable to complete my previous sentence as the screen disappeared on me. Nitya, your Essay is absolutely amazing. Your compassionate caring and tender feelings towards women in society would make you an ideal future leader to bridge the gender inequality in the globe.

Smita said...
on Jun. 20 2017 at 7:37 am
Dear Nitya,
You are an amazing writer, I am really touched by your thinking at such a young age. Your compassionate, caring

Shivendu said...
on Jun. 19 2017 at 10:01 pm
Nitya I liked your conversational style of writing. You are simply good. I wish you all the best.

Kumkum said...
on Jun. 19 2017 at 5:17 pm
Very well written Article Nitya Kumar!
It is incredible that at such tender age you have wisdom to analyze the situation and the surrounding around you and identifying gender discrimination. It is very unfortunate and I can totally relate to your article. The make dominant society of India makes its women habitual if this discrimination. Sadly in most parts discrimination against females starts with their births and continues through their lives. I am sure girls like you will rise above and make full contributions to change the norms of the society. Good job!

Mohita said...
on Jun. 19 2017 at 4:26 pm
Very nicely written Nitya! I could relate to all that you have written. I feel sad that you had to face this. But I'm very happy to see how brave you are and also commend you for the way you stand up for everything that you believe in. Keep your kindness to do good for others, intact. Always keep your head high and chin up. We need passionate young people like you to bring about a change in the mindset of people about gender biases. With every beautiful thought and article that you write, you are making a difference... making the world a better place! Waiting to hear more from you!

Neena said...
on Jun. 19 2017 at 3:56 pm
Nitya, I liked the way you approached to this incident you experienced and that experience framed you stream of thoughts very constructively. Keep writing .. keep thinking conservatively .All the best

Anish said...
on Jun. 19 2017 at 2:21 pm
Nice one Nitya... Keep writing... Best Wishes...

Niket said...
on Jun. 19 2017 at 1:58 pm
Nice article. Keep up the work!!!
Bless UP!!!

Gyanu said...
on Jun. 19 2017 at 1:37 pm
Nicely written piece Nitya! Keep it up!

Shiwangi said...
on Jun. 19 2017 at 1:23 pm
Nitya you amaze me. You've managed to pen down all these raw emotions so beautifully. I think you have tremendous potential. Keep up the good work!!

AjitK said...
on Jun. 19 2017 at 1:11 pm
Nice article. Well written.

Prakash said...
on Jun. 19 2017 at 1:02 pm
Excellent Nitya. Will you please permit me for publishing your article in a magazine ? If yes then suggest a headline. Should I suggest- 1. Gender inequality in India. My experience of visit to India 3.India in the eyes of a girl child. May be few more in your mind. Please respond.

Prakash said...
on Jun. 19 2017 at 1:02 pm
Excellent Nitya. Will you please permit me for publishing your article in a magazine ? If yes then suggest a headline. Should I suggest- 1. Gender inequality in India. My experience of visit to India 3.India in the eyes of a girl child. May be few more in your mind. Please respond.

rupam.verma said...
on Jun. 19 2017 at 12:53 pm
rupam.verma,
0 articles 0 photos 1 comment
wow Nitya Absolutely wonderful ! your article reflects your thoughtful side of making a nice change towards the gender discrimination . Well, this is a great start to pen down your words to the world to think about and act on that. well done and keep writing on the burning topics. I simply loved it.

Rashmi said...
on Jun. 19 2017 at 12:30 pm
First of all let me tell you how proud I am of you Nitya, not just for how your felt but how you decided to write about an issue that you hold close to your heart " women empowerment". I must tell you that you have taken the first step on this tough journey but I have full confidence in you Nitya that you will not take a step back, that you will keep pushing and keep moving forward. I have full confendence that you can make a difference in this space as a lawyer but don't forget that even stay home moms can make a huge difference by how they raise their sons and daughters. Loved every word of it, could feel every emotion that you felt and it left me angry but hopeful, sad but also happy. I will be eagerly waiting for your next writing! All the best and love you!!

Gurash said...
on Jun. 19 2017 at 12:29 pm
Great Job Nitya.
❤️ Your Article
Keep it up .

Bishakha said...
on Jun. 19 2017 at 12:11 pm
Nice article Nitya!!!
This social discrimination is still a deadly virus in our society

on Jun. 19 2017 at 12:04 pm
Really love this. Hope you can become the best lawyer there is. You are an inspirational figure. Hope you can overcome. This should go viral

Shibal said...
on Jun. 19 2017 at 11:56 am
What a delightful read, Nitya! And what a unique cross cultural perspective.. just a tiny word of advice from someone infinitely older.. Speak up for those who can't speak for themselves. Always. You may end up offending the powers that be, but you would have made a difference! As you have done, with this piece.
Lots of love from someone who used to live in a blue house, and look out the window too.. big, big hug