Different Strokes

“WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens: JUSTICE, social, economic and political; LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation...” That the Preamble of our Constitution meant well would most certainly be an understatement, but it can also not be denied that the ideals enshrined in there have been put to trial every now and again.

 

It has obviously been far from ideal for the community of Indians hailing from the north-east. Whether the continual insurgency and ethnic conflicts fuelled that feeling of second-class citizenship, or if it was the other way round is difficult to say, but for migrant north-easterners in the cities, it is a fact that there are few days when that us-and-them sentiment doesn’t prick them.

 

Ananya Barua hails from Assam and she came to Delhi in the spring of 2009 to pursue higher studies. During her stay in Delhi, she had to put up with names like “chinky” and other lewd remarks. “Chinky is something that hurts us the most,” she says, referring to the pejorative for their mongoloid features. The racism isn’t helped by their discomfort with the national language. Ananya rarely speaks Hindi, and it proved adverse to the hopes of blending into the bustling capital. She struggled through her study years with few friends, most of whom shared similar woes, and survived out of pure grit and determination. Today, she is a lecturer of Philosophy at the Hindu College.

 

When Ananya talks about her story, she divides India into NE India and mainland India, which stems from years of alienation and lack of identity as an Indian. But she is confident about changing the mindset of the people of ‘mainland India’ regarding their notions of the north-east. One such attempt, NETyme – the first fest of the North East – was a huge success and a great way to create awareness and to showcase to the people in Delhi much, if not all, of what the north-east has to offer. The fest included cultural dances, food and exhibition stalls representing the unique culture and traditions of the seven sister states.

 

While Ananya was of the opinion that the fest was a step forward to achieving “equality of status and opportunity” for the north-eastern folks, Anamika (from Sikkim), a student at Hindu College, thinks that some grievances may have been hyped. She believes it doesn’t help to be xenophobic, or to huddle themselves into closed groups or societies like the NE Cell (of which Ananya is a Councillor). Mixing around with other groups and being open and friendly to them would do away with half the problems, according to her. “If they call you chinky, just smile and let it pass,” she suggests. It did get me thinking – it is common to hear jokes about Sardars and their supposed inanity, even though they are known to be great businessmen Another case in point is the stereotype of the weirdly-accented south Indian. Not many of those seem to be getting offended and crying murder.

 

Ananya describes the people of the NE as “free spirits”, independent and strong. Each state in the North East is different from the other, so it is incorrect to sweepingly club them as the North East; each state in fact has plenty more tribes, customs and dialects. Assam has a matriarchal society where women are the head of the house. The NE states have been recognised as the nascent hub for music; they are also most enthusiastic about outdoor sports and adventure. And yet why is it that few north-eastern bands are in the mainstream music scene or that few names are known on the competitive sports circuit barring a Bhutia or a Mary Kom. There has to be an inherent problem which does not allow the NE to grow and flourish on a wide scale.

 

In Delhi University, most students I met were from Manipur, and as I interacted more with them, I realized most of them suffer from a lack of self-esteem and confidence. As soon as these people step in to the city, their self-esteem starts to diminish at an alarming rate. Asabu, from Nagaland, says her main problem is that she “trusts people easily”. It is the lack of self-confidence that makes the NE people act in two extremes – they either confine themselves to their own ethnic groups and remain aloof, or plunge themselves into wrong company in the rush for acceptance and approval. Either way, it doesn’t help their case.

 

Political solutions apart, it is only when the mainland Indians accept the NE Indians with an open mind and without any preconceived notions, can we hope to reinstate the faith of our brethren from the east in the values of Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity as envisioned by our forefathers.