Independence Day 2026: Where am I from? The complicated meaning of home for Indians abroad

In the bustling atmosphere of Times Square, New York, during a scorching afternoon, a question caught the attention of a U.S.-based Indian professional. The query, "Where are you from?", posed by Ale, a Brazilian soccer fan, appeared to be a simple inquiry, but the individual hesitated before answering. The reporter, who was born in India but had called Sweden home for the past 20 years, chose to respond with a roundabout answer: "I was born in India, but Sweden is my home now."

However, she admitted that she had not mentioned her time spent in the U.S., feeling a sense of homesickness in America. This question of origin, posed by Ale, revealed the complexity of home for Indians abroad, as it became a way to place individuals on their mental map. Migrants often find themselves in a trap when faced with this question, as it can reopen complicated geographies and emotions.

The reporter shared her own experiences, including her time in Texas where she felt a sense of belonging but longed to see a different America. She realized that she did not have to confine herself to one origin and that her identity was a combination of various experiences. In the end, the reporter suggested that the answer to the question of one's origin depends on which part of the self the inquirer is asking about.