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India. Their traditions are catching up with the world. This is because they are the experts at glamorising themselves. They know how to make a rickshaw ride look like a unique life experience. They know how to make ordinary women look beautiful in traditional saris. They get away with making samosas look like a must-have delicacy for those who visit India. Naturally, holi and mehndi, have caught up with the world.
How often do we bring, lets say, shalwar kameez to the world’s notice? I was recently impressed to see Sayeedah Warsi, (newly elected first Muslim woman to serve in British cabinet) wear shalwar kameez to an official meeting at 10 Downing Street. Foreign photographers took her pictures, loved the vibrant attire and sent her snaps around the world. This is just one example. We need a gazillion more.
There is no western culture ‘invading’ us. Cultures and traditions aren’t so fickle that they can be undermined that easily. We need to spend less time feeling threatened by the west and India and more time endorsing what we have. Celebrating Mother’s Day etc will not jeapordise our own traditions. Not promoting them well enough will.
Published in the Express Tribune, May 19th, 2010.
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