In a culture where others constantly attempt to define individuals, how does one determine their identity for themselves?
Nandana -
Nandana, Maya's daughter and Sripathi's granddaughter is a very special little girl. Like her mother, she manages to make those around her immediately fall for her with a few endearing, curious words. Her identity is still in such a state of evolution because of her young age that it is difficult to pinpoint the effects of many influences, however certain transformations are so immense that they are obviously related to who she is and what she went through. Losing her parents was extremely hard on her. Nandana's stage of denial and refusing to believe that her parents were not coming back to get her soon lasted a long time. Her silence is evidence to how much she tried to cut herself off from this very different, very mysterious world around her. She wanted no part in this life, just to go back to her old one, in Vancouver, with her two loving parents. Nandana's transformation, her settle into her identity, occurs through acceptance. Like her mother, Nandana is a girl who is in control of herself. She wants independence, to be the one making the decisions. But her identity as she lives in this limbo of denial is not her true identity. Like it or not, she is part of the Rao family now, as she had always been unknowingly. Accepting her parents' death and embracing the culture that is in her blood is the first giant leap she risks in finding herself. This moment is marked by her beginning to talk again. She understands. She finally knows that her parents are gone forever, and that the Old Man and Mamma Lady in the Big House are who will take care of her. In accepting this fact, the second part, becoming a part of the life and culture in Toturpuram, follows naturally. Nandana will always hold on to the aspect of her identity that makes her Canadian, but allowing herself to open to this new world is just as important. In finding her voice again, Nandana is opening herself up. |