Hi! Thank you for taking out the time to read this. Please read my essay and provide constructive criticism. The topic is “Describe where you live and how it has influenced you.”
A kaleidoscope of colors cascades past my eyes, brilliant azures, fiery crimsons and scarlets, vivid emeralds. Majestic elephants in satin sheaths stomp past. A massive crowd throngs the street as military contingents in regimental attire parade by. Helicopters hover, showering the crowd with blossoms. Projectiles and missiles launch, performing breath-taking aerial acrobatics. The President unfurls the Tiranga, followed by deafening applause. The Independence Day Parade evokes sentiments of unanimity and honor in the hearts of hundreds of thousands of Indians, functioning as the unifying factor between members of a myriad of castes, classes, colors, religions and political predilections.
I was born to a city of chaos, pandemonium and motion. I like to think the glimpse of vibrant saris fluttering in the breeze, kites dancing in the wind, of multifarious bodies clad with the varying hues of Holi, of marigold petals drifting past centuries old edifices, of poetic simplicity-- maybe that was how I began to perceive beauty, in natural, un-manicured experiences.
My location has had a significant impact on my personality. From the Indian morals and ethics imbibed in me since childhood, which comprise touching the feet of elders, supplicating their blessing and greeting people with a “Namaste,” meaning “I honor the light, love, peace and beauty within you, because it is also within me. In sharing these things, we are united, we are the same, we are one,” to my love for Bollywood films, and for the traditional dance forms I am devoted to, passionately spending hour after hour practicing. The Hindu gods and goddesses are revered by all, irrespective of religion. Indian culture, where a Hindu fasts alongside her Muslim friend in Ramadan, as well as attends church with her Catholic companions, is unparalleled. It has instilled a sense of tolerance and inclusiveness in me. I’m always ready to welcome a newcomer with open arms, irrespective of our differences. In a culture where guests are treated in a manner comparable to god, warmth and hospitality come naturally to me. I’m proud of my achievements, but there is also humility, as I take of my black blazer each day, deeply humbled by the impoverished children on the streets, not much older than I am, working hard to support their families, deprived of education. Their deplorable predicament motivates me to work more and more indefatigably every day, so that maybe one day, I can make a change in their lives.
The erudite and dedication of talented scientists such as CV Raman has provoked my intellectual passion and love of learning. The remarkable altruism and courage of Mahatma Gandhi has taught me to always asseverate my beliefs and motivated me to take initiative in a variety of charitable activities. Mahendra Dhoni inspires me each day to strive towards success in my sport. Rabindranath Tagore has educated me about the significant impact literature can have on society, and M. F. Husain has inspired my love of the visual arts and influenced my artistic style.
The existence of India is a demonstration of people’s capacity to exist collectively, in harmony, creating from a multitude of distinctive faiths, customs and propensities, an individual identity: Indian.
