Naan, a popular component of Indian-American cuisine, has a fascinating history linked to current social issues in India today. This article explores naan’s origins and relevance as a representative of South Asian cultures on the world stage.
When we are children, our worldview is often defined for us - by our parents, family, and teachers. We are inclined to accept this worldview as long as our life remains static. Growing up is often the disruption that is necessary for us to rethink ideas - about family, culture, and the place where we are from. My disruption was a gradual process: one that involved discussion, travel, and sincere reflection, which led me to rethink the supposed exceptionalism of my home state of California. This is my story about growing up - of how I became disillusioned with my “paradise” home yet still continued to love it and fight for it.