Why Indians in USA Call themselves as 'Desi' ?
Millions of South Asians have a common cultural link known as "desi," which has a weight that is both personal and collective. However, there is some intricacy to this terem. Is Desi a racial identity, a cultural identity, or something more nebulous that defies classification?
Desi, more than skin color, speaks to a communal memory for many. This word unites the many elements of South Asian history, such as the vibrant colors of diwali and Eid and the pungent taste of biryani and dal in all of its forms. Desi is not racial; it is cultural. It displays common customs, values, and life experiences among South Asian people, including those from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. The word's root, desh (Sanskrit for "homeland"), has evolved throughout time to denote a feeling of inclusion in the subcontinent and its diaspora.
Desi, more than skin color, speaks to a communal memory for many. This word unites the many elements of South Asian history, such as the vibrant colors of diwali and Eid and the pungent taste of biryani and dal in all of its forms. Desi is not racial; it is cultural. It displays common customs, values, and life experiences among South Asian people, including those from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. The word's root, desh (Sanskrit for "homeland"), has evolved throughout time to denote a feeling of inclusion in the subcontinent and its diaspora.
Some people wonder where the lines are drawn. According to a recent online conversation, this term has a very complicated connotation. One indian Tamil participant called Pashtuns and Nagas, who have a unique cultural identity, Desi, whereas Sindhis, Assamese, and Punjabis are not. The argument just serves to highlight how being Desi is a more flexible than rigid concept. In fact, identity frequently changes among diasporans as a result of tradition and the varied environment they live in. Being Desi ultimately comes down to accepting variety, which is what makes South Asia so distinctive.