Being American Is Much More Than Acquiring The Right Accent
Elle India|August 2018

In the United States of today, writer Sharmila Sen, a first-generation immigrant, weighs in on the question of belonging, as she shares her hopes for tomorrow and trusts in the wisdom of time.

Sharmila Sen
Being American Is Much More Than Acquiring The Right Accent

From 1916 to 1918, my paternal grandfather was a prisoner in a British jail in Comilla (in present-day Bangladesh). He was branded a “terrorist” by the British for agitating against the Empire for India’s independence. In 1947, my future in-laws fled to Delhi from West Punjab. That made them refugees. In 1977, their son (my future husband), a young Punjabi Sikh boy, who had grown up in London, arrived in Youngstown, Ohio, making him an immigrant twice over. In 1982, I moved from Calcutta to Boston with my parents. That made me an immigrant.

In November 2001, a baby girl was born in New Delhi, whom we adopted a few months later and brought to the US. That made Ishani, our eldest child, an immigrant just like her parents. In the following years, I gave birth to two boys, Milan and Kabir. Born in Boston, our two sons are native-born US citizens. Whether our three children will one day choose to migrate to yet another country, I do not know. One family can contain a multitude of stories about national belonging and historical movement. Mine is no different.

When I arrived in Boston, Ronald Reagan was in office and the Cold War was on. Margaret Thatcher ruled from 10 Downing Street, and Indira Gandhi from 7 Race Course Road. India’s liberalisation was just around the corner, as was the fall of the Berlin Wall. The age of the Internet and social media awaited us farther down the road.

Denne historien er fra August 2018-utgaven av Elle India.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra August 2018-utgaven av Elle India.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA ELLE INDIASe alt
Bridal Trends, 2024 Edition
Elle India

Bridal Trends, 2024 Edition

Bralettes, corsets and mermaid skirts emerge as the new must-haves when it comes to wedding dressing

time-read
4 mins  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024
All The Feels
Elle India

All The Feels

Maahi Shah takes a deeper look at the big little moments in a bride's life as she prepares for her wedding day

time-read
5 mins  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024
ISLAND ESCAPADE
Elle India

ISLAND ESCAPADE

Here's why Fiji is the ultimate destination to celebrate your love.

time-read
1 min  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024
ROMANTIC ESCAPES
Elle India

ROMANTIC ESCAPES

Wondering where to head for a honeymoon getaway? Isha Mayer recommends five luxurious destinations for your honeymoon

time-read
3 mins  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024
The Taste Of Weddings
Elle India

The Taste Of Weddings

What goes behind planning those extravagant grazing tables and indulgent bites at weddings? Top gourmet caterers let Isha Mayer in on their processes

time-read
4 mins  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024
Challenging Convention One Ritual at a Time
Elle India

Challenging Convention One Ritual at a Time

Maahi Shah speaks to five female priests who have been breaking new ground while upholding faith and pursuing a passion for learning

time-read
6 mins  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024
FIJI: A TROPICAL FOR INDIAN HAVEN WEDDINGS
Elle India

FIJI: A TROPICAL FOR INDIAN HAVEN WEDDINGS

From pristine beaches to cultural familiarity, discover why Fiji is the perfect destination for Indian weddings.

time-read
2 mins  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024
MAKE YOUR WEDDING FANTASY A REALITY
Elle India

MAKE YOUR WEDDING FANTASY A REALITY

The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace offers luxurious venues, exquisite dining and unforgettable moments

time-read
3 mins  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024
SHINING BRIGHT EVERYWHERE
Elle India

SHINING BRIGHT EVERYWHERE

Lab-grown diamonds for every occasion—luxury and affordability

time-read
1 min  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024
BRIDAL BEAUTY, REDEFINED
Elle India

BRIDAL BEAUTY, REDEFINED

Christine Ko, CEO of Moira Cosmetics, shares her insights on makeup for brides and the art of achieving radiant skin.

time-read
1 min  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024