My forefathers are from India, and while I am attending PBD, my parents are searching for their roots in Bihar. It has been a hundred years since we lost contact with our ancestors, but my parents are close to tracing our forefathers.
I had visited India three years ago. My father used to say that his grandfather came to South Africa because he wanted to work and send money home. After so many years, there is no back home any more. Home is where we live now. Then we realised that if not for the decision of some people, we would not have been living in South Africa. We would not have the kind of life we lead there.
That is when we decided to find who our people are and whether they need any help. We have already decided on some educational programmes for that area.
There were 300 applicants for the KIP programme from Durban, where I live, and five were chosen from our area. Outside of India, Durban has the largest Indian population and a lot of youngsters want to know about their roots.
Though there is no obligation on any of us to do anything, it will be great if we can contribute at least a little to India. I feel the youth should contribute something to India, whatever they can, because it makes a lot of difference.
When I go back, I am going to learn Hindi because I plan to make further trips. I had thought I would feel like a foreigner but I find that I am not a foreigner here. Nobody treats me like a foreigner till I open my mouth!
Image: Trishal Sharma from South Africa.
Also see: NRIs who made India proud
Advertisement
