From The Peopling of New York City
Vikram Awasthi is a first generation Indian college student, who has greatly Americanized much of his social life. However, it is clear that some values, especially Hindu, have remained such as being a vegetarian. Even though Vikram has been on a high school football team for four years, where protein and muscle was everything, he found other ways to consume the protein he needed. Vikram still cherishes his Indian heritage, although he admits to being more Americanized then most and having "all white friends." He is usually that "brown guy," In my high school was referred to as "brown bear."
Where were you born?
Staten Island, New York. Staten Island University Hospital.
What part of India are you from?
Mother is from Mumbai and father is from Varanasi.
When did your parents migrate to America? Why did they?
Parents migrated to America right after they got married. My father had migrated here for education and better work opportunities and my mother followed him here because of marriage.
What are some Hindu/Indian practices in your daily life?
I pray daily after my shower every day. I have Indian food for dinner almost every night and we speak Hindi in our household. And of course, I am a Brahman in the Hindu caste system so I am a vegetarian.
What do you define yourself as (culturally)?
I’d say I am an American Indian. Or as many say an American Born Desi.
Do you feel it is necessary for you to have South Asian friends? Does having South Asian friends give you any sense of community?
I don't have many South Asian friends and am often criticized for it. I do feel it's necessary to have friends that share your same background and culture because Indian culture is such a large part of my life.
How has New York City, specifically, offered more opportunities for you and your family?
New York City has basically made everything for my family. My father and sister both work in the city: father as a civil engineer and sister as a teacher. It has also provided a great blend of American and Indian culture that I love today.
In what ways have you chosen to Americanize?
Ah this is a good question. According to family, I have Americanized in everything besides Indian food. I'd say since I'm not born and raised in India, it’s hard to answer this question because the American culture is my first culture. Given that, I do any type of Indian things my family does although I complain a lot since most of their Indian activities are boring and that’s really the extent of it.
How do you feel being an Indian youth in New York?
I don't really classify myself as an Indian youth, but more as just another youth. The one thing I feel that is different about my generation of Indians and others to come is that we are losing our title of Indians are more becoming like everyone else. It's hard for an outsider to understand but most of the time Indians separate themselves from others and only associate with Indians. I feel that kind of way of living is losing its influence and Indian youths, especially in New York, are becoming like any other culture in the melting pot that is America.
Have there been any instances in your life when you felt like an outcast for being Indian or Hindu?
I would definitely say so. From not eating meat to having a totally different religious philosophy, being Indian and Hindu definitely separates you from the rest. I feel my experiences are especially outcasted because I've grown up in all white neighborhoods and have attended all white schools my entire life because of this. I was always that "brown guy.” As much as I like being different, there were instances where it wasn't fun.
Do you have any siblings?
Yes. One Sister.
How do you get along with your sister?
We get along okay. When she lived at home we never got along because like most elder Indian siblings, she is very controlling of me.
What are her aspirations as a South Asian woman?
She basically wants to do her own thing. She loves her culture and participates in it much more than me, but I don't think she has a South Asian related aspirations.
What are your parent's opinions on marriage?
My parents have come to compromise with the American culture and say we can find our own spouses. This is a big change from their marriage which was arranged.
What are your opinions on marriage?
I like the idea that I can find my own spouse but also have a backup in arranged marriages. I think arranged marriages can definitely work and are not that big of a deal.
What are your parents’ opinions on education?
Education is everything! Enough said.
What is your opinion on education?
From my parents influence, education really is everything.
How do your parents attempt to keep Hinduism and South Asian culture in your life and in the household? (food, holidays, social groups)
All holidays we always get together and celebrate with foods and we pray and such. We often go to Indian movies and restaurants on the weekends. And against my will we often have gatherings with my parents' Indian friends and their children. (Not that I hate Indian gatherings, I just dislike my parents' friends and their children)
Has it Modernized greatly?
I would definitely say so. Everything has its own modern and American feel to it. Our Indian culture is the same as India's American culture.
Have you ever been to Jackson Heights? What do you do there?
I have been to Jackson Heights, often for food shopping and eating. Sometimes I have gone to temple there for prayers and ceremonies and such.
What do you think about the area, socially and culturally? What do you think it represents?
The area is very, very Indian and is a great place to go and practice your cultural and religious ways. I feel it represents how important Indian culture is to Indians. Not many cultures have areas such as Jackson Heights to celebrate their culture so it definitely shows the Indian community's commitment to their culture and religion.