(Akshitha grew up in Oman, but was born in India)
I’ve spent my whole life abroad but never really describe myself as someone who “grew up abroad”. I grew up in Oman with a humongous Indian expat community in the Gulf. And trust me, being an NRI in the Gulf is a completely different thing from being one in say UK, America or Australia.
First of all, life actually never was so “abroad” for me. I attended an Indian school, studied the Indian curriculum, and lived among Indian friends, neighbours. Even though I was a foreigner in a foreign country, I never felt disconnected from Indian culture, in my case it was almost everywhere I turned.
In fact, I find that I relate more to those who grew up in India than NRIs from Western countries. But then there’s nothing like finding that person who also grew up in the Middle East. There is this instant feeling of knowing, you both know what it is like to exist in a space that is halfway Indian and still not really foreign.
It’s odd but comforting. I was technically abroad but never truly felt that way. It characterised me and honestly, I wouldn’t exchange it for the world.
Varsity 2026: We Are The Champions!
A Passport To Culture
