Vasudhev Kutumbakam

‘The world is one family.’ Is my school’s motto and as a child, I wondered what it really meant? 30 years later, the answer revealed.

After settling down, I joined a gym and met a few ladies there, one with whom I had an interesting conversation with:

Lady: Where is your home?
Me: Bedfordview
Lady: (slightly confused) Are you South African? 
Me: No, I am from India. Came here because of husband’s job.
Lady: So, your home is in India
Me: (gave her a confused smile) my home is here, now (I guess)

Isn’t the phrase, ‘Home is where the heart is’, pertinent? My heart is where my husband and child are. I was born and raised in Delhi—yet, I never felt like a complete Dilliwallah due to the Bengali environment I was brought up in, which sometimes clashed with the Delhi culture. So, what defines home? 

Expat life, I guess, is all about breaking the notion of permanence and creating your ‘home’ wherever you land. This idea of starting from scratch is arduous but highly fulfilling. 

Why you may ask? 

It is a unique opportunity-- to learn, unlearn and relearn that makes us more flexible, accepting other’s opinions and cultures and in the process learning something new about ourselves. Maybe as a first-timer, it seems all exciting to me, but I am grateful for this experience, especially for our son, who, hopefully, will grow up to having many homes.

On Saturday, the adrenaline of the country was high as South Africa reached the finals of the Rugby World Cup, my husband was all upbeat, which confused me as Rugby isn’t a popular sport in India. Then realisation dawned, this is his home now and when SA won, Ihaan and he collectively shouted, “South Africa came first!” oh, what joy!

                                           Celebrating South Africa’s epic win at the Nelson Mandela Square                    

 For me, home is not only one thing. It is a potpourri of the values, culture, and familiarity you have been brought up with while adding onto what you learn from your experiences. 

The world is indeed one family or home (as I interpret it) if we accept each other’s thoughts, views, and cultures even if we don’t necessarily agree with it. 

Ultimately, HOME is where you are your natural, true self. A place where you can be YOU without the fear of being judged, misunderstood and feel limitless love and warmth. 

For now, my home is in Johannesburg 😊








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