Preserving Roots

We have often heard of the quote, “Be a Roman when in Rome." But what about the roots? How can one preserve it while living outside one's own country?

Most of those who make a foreign country their home turn into either an 'atavist' (nurturing native roots even in a foreign soil) or the 'assimilator' (absorbed in foreign soil). However, both perpetually appear to struggle for peace within.

We have to play different roles wherever we are. To play them perfectly, each role demands a different treatment and a different attitude. There are serious implications of carrying a single identity in all the roles. That’s what probably happens with atavists and assimilators. Atavists carry their native identity everywhere, while assimilators do the same with their adopted identity. Both refuse to change as per the situation and tend to spoil the play.

There is no denying that our roots must be respected. But that is an internal matter. One may find a variety of ways to nurture them even in a foreign soil without conflicting with local customs. However, the customs of the foreign soil must also be equally respected when dealing with various entities in our day-to-day lives. Indeed, when one is firmly rooted in one’s own culture, the beauty of other culture can be truly appreciated. Mutual appreciation of each other’s cultures enriches both the cultures.