One nation, yes. One identity, possibly no. An authentic Indian belongs as much to a state as to India; perhaps to a particular area of that state. Sometimes the authentic Indian will carry two regional or religious identities, incorporating layers of diversity, if their parents are from different states or religions, The authentic Indian will often speak and certainly understand two or three languages, if not more; will sing and dance in many genres. The ideal and beauty of Indianness is to provide a unifying force for the authentic but contradictory Indian, who is large and carries multitudes.
Panelists : Annie Zaidi, Rakhshanda Jalil, Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty
Chair : Manreet Sodhi Someshwar