Padma Lakshmi says the most Indian thing about her isn’t food: ‘Taking our shoes off’

Padma Lakshmi shares that the most Indian aspect of her identity isn't her love for food, but rather her parenting style. She emphasizes the importance of respecting elders, addressing people by titles like auntie and uncle, taking off shoes indoors, and showing deference to family members, particularly one's grandmother. Praising her close relationship with her biracial daughter, Lakshmi expresses her desire to maintain this closeness by sometimes adjusting her expectations.

Indian culture often allows family members to discipline each other without explanation, particularly when age is a factor. Lakshmi attributes her close bond with her daughter to her efforts to preserve that closeness, even when it requires bending some of her expectations. Organizational psychologist Gurleen Baruah notes that cultural values aren't instilled simply by telling children what to do, but rather by experiencing life within the cultural context.

Values are absorbed through observing how parents interact with elders, respect resources, and converse during family gatherings. Baruah emphasizes that meaningful messages about family respect, environmental stewardship, and shared human experiences resonate more with younger generations than rigid rules. She suggests that young people may internalize a deeper sense of purpose and emotional development by understanding how their actions impact others.

Baruah recommends fostering cultural connections through real conversations with elders, listening to family stories, and participating in shared practices. She believes that blending tradition with modernity through open dialogues, offline interactions, mentoring, and community activities can help bridge the gap between cultural heritage and contemporary values.