In this episode of Chats Over Chai, CEO Lisa Singh is joined by Australian-Indian writers hailing from different parts of the diaspora in a powerful panel discussion celebrating our country’s diversity and their unique experiences growing up.
The discussion was conducted at the book launch event of “Growing Up Indian in Australia” by Aarti Betigeri in Melbourne. The anthology is a colourful and energetic collection of stories that offers reflections on identity, culture, family, food, and expectations, delving into the deep truths about the Australian and Indian identity. Preeti Maharaj, Shreya Tekumalla, and Tasneem Chopra, three of the 29 contributors to the book, along with author Aarti were panellists, exploring the importance of diaspora voices in our national identity.
Lisa and the panellists unpacked the motivation and inspiration behind their stories, and their legacy. They discussed their fears with raw honesty, revealing the constant struggle of navigating between cultural and national identity, while sharing more about the clash of their Indian heritage with the Australian landscape in shaping the way they approached every personal challenge.
The conversation explored the journey of reconciling the two distinct worlds that ultimately forged their current identities, blending the richness of their ancestral traditions with the expansive spirit of the land they called home.