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When my previous article came out over ten days ago, there have been mostly positive, grateful responses, with most members expressing the articulation of mana tangibly in my words. I would reflect that this is mostly a part of what makes us as Kiwi-Hindus more connected to this sacred geography of Aotearoa, not just as our KARMABHOOMI, but as a place where we have made an indelible mark to the identity of this modern, young nation. For those voices claiming that Kiwi-Hindus need to “integrate more and be part of the mainstream”, I humbly beg to differ, by stating that Aotearoa New Zealand has been quite welcoming and accommodative of the invaluable exceptionalism, skills and vibrancy we bring to this society.
More than just being part of the Kiwi society, I would add that we DEFINE the mainstream. Indian food is omnipresent, you hear Bollywood music everywhere, and most importantly, Kiwi-Indians are fairly visible in most social, academic and professional streams. I remember the inauguration of the large AUCKLAND sign at the base of the iconic SkyTower last weekend. I immediately remarked to my social circle that the figure depicted riding the escooter on the giant “L” sign seems to resemble me. For those well-intended voices calling out for “unity” and “social-cohesion”, let us add to those chorus , but also remind them that unity does not need translate to homogeneity. Our society can be more like a Thali (or a banana-leaf Indian meal), with different dishes, each with its own unique taste, laid out , with different permutations adding to the shared culinary delight on the taste-buds. A homogeneous society would be akin to a Khichdi, a standalone mixed, sometimes mashed, sometimes soupy dish, which, is preferably prescribed when you are sick.
However, this exceptionalism, regardless of which culture you align with, should expectedly only be adding to the bigger mosaic of the New Zealand society. As a Kiwi-Hindu, I am equally proud of my tupuna and whakapapa, my gotram (genealogy), whose contributions define modern Vedic Hinduism. This is akin to our fellow New Zealanders acknowledging their iwi affiliations et al, and their wider connections with their marae and whenua (land) , and other spaces of expression and belonging. In the modern Kiwi-society, my natural affinities towards centres of learning, intellectual rigour, knowledge, wisdom and excellence, mean that my voices, words and contribution are quite welcome and valued in spaces of learning and excellence, including academia, the local libraries and repositories of heritage and knowledge, and most recently, and remarkably, the Auckland Writers festival, which concluded the previous week, where I got to rub shoulders with leading Kiwi and international authors, including MULTIPLE winners of the Booker Prize. As our wise matua (elders) in the Kiwi-Hindu society would remark to me, metaphysical experiences like these would only be possible with the blessings of our ancestors, those who have passed before us, and who preserved and passed down this heritage and legacy of excellence and wisdom to us.
Indeed, with the current domestic and geopolitical environment around us, we would not be immune, and there would be mischief-mongers who would seek to profit from their unprovoked divisive rhetoric. As a Kiwi-Hindu, my advice to self, and my fellow Kiwi-Hindus would be pretty obvious : Be proud of your exceptionalism, as a member of the mainstream modern Kiwi society. Your Hindu values, as part of the wider mosaic, makes Aotearoa New Zealand more beautiful, and yes as someone who interacts with Aucklanders across two-hundred different cultures every month, I would not shy from my Kiwi-Hindu identity in any of these experiences, including perceptions and dietary preferences. So the next time you get this picture with the giant AUCKLAND sign at the base of the Sky-Tower, well, do check out the painting (and maybe thank me later).And if you spot me, do greet me Kia Ora/Namaste-:BY CVR SHASTRI