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Essay on Indian Heritage

English Essay on Indian Heritage

An introduction.

This article helps you in getting a gist of how to go about writing an essay on Indian heritage. So, continue reading to have a gist of various points on writing an essay on Indian Heritage.

The Indian Heritage

Indian heritage dates back several centuries. It is vast and vibrant. Flora and fauna, music, architecture, classical dance, and the innate secular philosophy of its people are the highlights of India's treasure. Ever since the beginning, we have preserved culture and tradition beautifully for our upcoming generations. We can never forget our tradition and culture as they are embedded in us and are an inseparable part of our lives no matter how far we plan to reach and how much we have progressed in all these years.

In India, people from numerous religious castes and creeds reside in the same country and so it is the land of diversified cultures and traditions. Each religion and caste has its own traditions and Customs. Each religious group follows the culture and has a deep unwavering faith and underlying roots.

Every religion has its own set of music, dance forms, festivals, and several other forms of art that have their own charming essence. Our respect towards our culture is equally divided in the culture and tradition of other religions as well, which is the reason for the survival of the vivid Indian heritage for centuries.

We take pride in our heritage and we also have a magnification of monumental Heritage. Most of the beautiful edifices exhibit a royal past that was built by the rulers and still stands tall.

Unity in Diversity

‘Unity in diversity’ - this depicts India very well. Thus the range of Indian heritage is also quite vast. As the number of religions is quite innumerable in India so does the diversity and so does the heritage sites. One will find various historical heritage sites in every corner of India (basically every state). These heritage sites are built decades ago and still stand alive with all the significance. These historical monuments and sites are proof of how India witnessed the footsteps of various religions, various dynasties, and traditions.

Below is a long and short essay on Indian culture and heritage that covers the richness of Indian traditions and the significance of the heritage sites.

Long and Short Essay on Indian Heritage

Sometimes we often stumble around to write an essay on any topic no irrespective of its difficulty level. Keeping that in mind, we have provided a few sample essays of Indian Heritage. These will help you to understand the structure of an essay and how to write it well during the exam.

Long Essay on Indian Culture and Heritage

If you get a question that reads ‘write an essay on Indian Heritage and Culture’, you must not be worried because you can now prepare yourself for the examination.

India is renowned for its rich history. From north to south, from east to west, every corner of India has its own story. Almost every state of India has one or more special Indian heritage sites which have now become the attractions of tourists. Some of the sites are so significant and ancient in world history that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has recognized them as world heritage sites. These sites have immense historical and cultural significance in today’s date.

Various Architectural Sites

Among all the Indian heritage, architectural sites are the treat to the eyes of travelers from all over the world. Besides, Indians’ love for its rich history keeps these heritage sites alive. It is the duty of the older generations to invoke the same love and respect for these sites. They shall learn the significance and keep their willingness to preserve the heritage for future generations.

There are so many architectural gems lying around surrounding us.

Starting from Ajanta Ellora caves to Khajuraho to Hampi, all these sites are really marvellous. These hold immense value to the Indian tourism industry. Many people’s lives revolve around these. Some other names which deserve to be mentioned are Taj Mahal, Lal Kila, Qutub Minar, Fatehpur Sikri, Bhulbhulaiya, etc.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Heritage sites don’t necessarily mean only historical monuments or sites, it also includes various forests, temples, churches, etc. India has a total of 38 total UNESCO world heritage sites i.e. 30 sites are cultural sites, 7 are natural sites and 1 is from mixed-criteria sites. Below are some of the world heritage sites in India recognized by UNESCO.

Ajanta Caves in India (Maharashtra)

Ellora Caves in India (Maharashtra)

Agra Fort in India (Uttar Pradesh)

Taj Mahal in India (Uttar Pradesh)

Sun Temple in India (Orissa)

Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram in India

Kaziranga National Park in India

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary in India

Churches and convents in Goa

Khajuraho in India

Hampi in India

Bodh Gaya in India

Red Fort in India

Sanchi in India

Chola Temples in India

Short Essay on Indian Heritage

It might not be easy to write a 100 words essay on Indian heritage, which is why we have provided a sample essay for the same below. Give it a read.

Indian history is as rich as its culture. If we look at the architectural marvels of the heritage sites such as Hampi, Khajuraho, Taj Mahal, Lal Kila, Qutub Minar, Fatehpur Sikri, Bhulbhulaiya, these still hold immense significance in terms of their marvelous art, engineering, construction, and labor behind each site. There are many ancient and historical monuments that stand alive. Some of them took literally one decade to hundred years to be built properly. Such beautiful heritage sites are very rarely seen these days if we talk about modern-day architecture.

Hence, as responsible citizens, it is our duty to take care of these Indian heritage sites and monuments so that these could be preserved and witnessed by our future generations as well.

India is one of the world’s oldest countries which is deeply rooted in the ancient history of human civilization. Hence these heritage sites still remain perfectly preserved to date. Hence it is our responsibility as a citizen of India to preserve these beautiful monuments for our future generations.

Our various art forms, literature monuments, tradition, and culture forms a part of our heritage. These works have been appreciated worldwide. We should be proud of such a vivacious culture that prevails in our country. India's natural heritage invokes a sense of pride in each and every citizen of this country. The diversity adds beauty and richness to this country.

FAQs on Essay on Indian Heritage

1. Name a Few UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.

There are 38 total UNESCO world heritage sites in India i.e. 30 sites are cultural sites, seven are natural sites and one is mixed-criteria sites. A few names are - Ajanta Caves in India (Maharashtra), Ellora Caves in India (Maharashtra), Agra Fort in India (Uttar Pradesh), Taj Mahal in India (Uttar Pradesh), Sun Temple in India (Orissa), Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram in India, Kaziranga National Park in India, Khajuraho in India, Hampi in India, Chola Temples in India.

2. How to Write an Essay on Indian Heritage and Culture Easily?

With the help of the internet, it is very easy to write essays these days. Here are many sample essays on Indian heritage and culture easily available online. You can visit any renowned ed-tech portal to get access to such samples.

3. What is the Indian heritage?

It is an all-embracing confluence of traditions, customs, and religions. It is one of the world's oldest civilizations. Indian cotton textiles, the ethnicity of jewellery, the richness of silk, handiwork, and everything from ancient times still prevail and is kept alive generation after generation. Indian food is a part of Indian Heritage and is a legacy differing in taste and look in every state of the country.

4. What is the importance of our Indian heritage?

The heritage of our country provides evidence of evolution and our past. It helps us to develop an awareness of ourselves and examine our traditions and history. It helps us to explain and understand the reason for the way we are. Our heritage plays an important role in our business, society, worldview, and politics and is a keystone of our culture. It inspires, influences, and informs policy and public debate directly and indirectly.

5. Why is preserving our heritage important?

Heritage is fragile, it delivers so much in terms of enjoyment and important human experience. It allows us to define ourselves and enriches our lives but also needs consistent development and protection. The acknowledgment of the significance of our heritage is essential to be recognized by the government and reflected in inappropriate and reformed structures and increased funding. This ensures that the most suitable elements are passed on to our children and eventually to their future generations as well.

6. What is UNESCO?

The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization encourages the preservation, protection, and identification of the natural heritage around the world and is considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. The international treaty called the Convention is concerned with the protection of the world’s cultural and natural heritage which was adopted by UNESCO in 1972.

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Student Writing Contest

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Nine brilliant student essays on honoring your roots.

Read winning essays from our fall 2019 student writing contest.

For the fall 2019 student writing contest, we invited students to read the YES! article “ Native and European—How Do I Honor All Parts of Myself? ” by Kayla DeVault. Like the author, students reflected on their heritage and how connected they felt to different parts of their identities. Students then wrote about their heritage, family stories, how they honor their identities, and more.

The Winners

From the hundreds of essays written, these nine were chosen as winners. Be sure to read the author’s response to the essay winners, literary gems and clever titles that caught our eye, and even more essays on identity in our Gallery of Voices.

Middle School Winner: Susanna Audi

High School Winner: Keon Tindle

High School Winner: Cherry Guo

University Winner: Madison Greene

Powerful Voice: Mariela Alschuler

Powerful Voice: Reese Martin

Powerful Voice: Mia De Haan

Powerful Voice: Laura Delgado

Powerful Voice: Rowan Burba

From the Author, Kayla DeVault: Response to All Student Writers and Essay Winners

Gallery of voices: more essays on identity, literary gems, titles we loved, middle school winner.

Susanna Audi

Ethical Culture Fieldston School, Bronx, N.Y.

BRAZIL: MY HEART’S HOME

Saudades. No word in the English language sums up the meaning of this Portuguese term: a deep feeling of longing that makes your heart ache and pound like a drum inside your chest. I feel saudades for Brazil, its unique culture, and my Brazilian family. When I’m in my second home, Bahia, Brazil, I’m a butterfly emerging from its cocoon—colorful, radiant, and ready to explore the world. I see coconut trees waving at the turquoise waves that are clear as glass. I smell the familiar scent of burning incense. I hear the rhythm of samba on hand-beaten drums, and I feel my grandma’s delicate fingers rub my back as I savor the mouth-watering taste of freshly made doce de leite . Although I’m here for only two precious weeks a year, I feel a magnetic connection to my father’s homeland, my heart’s home.

My grandfather or vovô , Evandro, was born in Brazil to a family who had immigrated from Lebanon and was struggling to make ends meet. His parents couldn’t afford to send him to college, so he remained at home and sold encyclopedias door-to-door. My vovô eventually started a small motorcycle parts company that grew so much that he was able to send my father to the U.S. at age sixteen. My father worked hard in school, overcoming language barriers and homesickness. Even though he has lived in America for most of his life, he has always cherished his Brazilian roots.

I’ve been raised with my father’s native language, foods, and customs. At home, I bake Brazilian snacks, such as the traditional cheese bread, pão de queijo , which is crunchy on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside. My family indulges in the same sweet treats that my father would sneak from the cupboard as a child. Two relaxing customs we share are listening to Brazilian music while we eat breakfast on weekends and having conversations in Portuguese during meals. These parts of my upbringing bring diversity and flavor to my identity.

Living in the U.S. makes me feel isolated from my Brazilian family and even more distant from Brazilian culture. It’s hard to maintain both American and Brazilian lifestyles since they are so different. In Brazil, there are no strangers; we treat everybody like family, regardless if that person works at the local shoe store or the diner. We embrace each other with loving hugs and exchange kisses on the cheeks whenever we meet. In the U.S., people prefer to shake hands. Another difference is that I never come out of Starbucks in New York with a new friend. How could I when most people sit with their eyes glued to their laptop screens? Life seems so rushed. To me, Brazilians are all about friendships, family, and enjoying life. They are much more relaxed, compared to the stressed and materialistic average American.

As Kayla DeVault says in her YES! article “Native and European—How Do I Honor All Parts of Myself,” “It doesn’t matter how many pieces make up my whole: rather, it’s my relationship with those pieces that matters—and that I must maintain.” I often ask myself if I can be both American and Brazilian. Do I have to choose one culture over the other? I realize that I shouldn’t think of them as two different cultures; instead, I should think of them as two important, coexisting parts of my identity. Indeed, I feel very lucky for the full and flavorful life I have as a Brazilian American.

Susanna Audi is an eighth-grader who lives in the suburbs of New York. Susanna loves painting with watercolors, cooking Brazilian snacks, and playing the cello. On weekends, she enjoys babysitting and plays several sports including lacrosse, soccer, and basketball. Susanna would love to start her own creative design business someday.

High School Winner

Keon Tindle

Kirkwood High School, Kirkwood, Mo.

Walking Through the Forest of Culture

What are my roots? To most people, my roots only go as far as the eye can see. In a world where categorization and prejudice run rampant, the constant reminder is that I am Black. My past is a living juxtaposition: my father’s father is a descendant of the enslaved and oppressed and his wife’s forefathers held the whips and tightened the chains. Luckily for me, racial hatred turned to love. A passion that burned brighter than any cross, a love purer than any poison. This is the past I know so well. From the slave ship to the heart of Saint Louis, my roots aren’t very long, but they are deeply entrenched in Amerikkkan history.

This country was made off of the backs of my brothers and sisters, many of whom have gone unrecognized in the grand scheme of things. From a young age, White children are told stories of heroes—explorers, politicians, freedom fighters, and settlers whose sweat and determination tamed the animalistic lands of America. They’re given hope and power through their past because when they look in the mirror they see these heroes. But what about me? My stories are conveniently left out of the textbooks; I have never been the son of a king or a powerful African leader, just expensive cargo to be bought and sold to the highest bidder. It seems we, as a people, never truly left the ship.

Even now, we’re chained to the whitewashed image of Black history. I can never truly experience the Black tradition because there are multiple perspectives. The truth is clouded and lost due to the lack of documentation and pervasive amount of fabrication. How am I supposed to connect to my heritage? America tells me to celebrate the strength of my ancestors, the strength of the slaves, to praise something they helped create. The Afrocentrics tell me to become one with the motherland, celebrate the culture I was pulled away from. However, native Africans make it clear I’ll never truly belong.

Even the honorable Elijah Muhammad tells me to keep my chin pointed to the clouds, to distrust the creation of Yakub, and to take my place among the rest of Allah’s children. Most people don’t have the luxury of “identifying with all of the pieces of [themselves],” as Kayla DeVault says in the YES! article “Native and European—How Do I Honor All Parts of Myself?”

They’re forced to do research and to formulate their own ideas of who they are rather than follow the traditions of an elder. For some, their past works as a guide. A walk through life that has been refined over generations. Others, however, are forced to struggle through the dark maze of life. Hands dragging across the walls in an attempt to not lose their way. As a result, their minds create stories and artwork from every cut and scratch of the barriers’ surface. Gaining direction from the irrelevant, finding patterns in the illogical.

So what are my roots? My roots are my branches, not where I come from but where this life will take me. The only constant is my outstretched arms pointed towards the light. A life based on the hope that my branches will sprout leaves that will fall and litter the path for the next generation.

Keon Tindle is unapologetically Black and embraces his African American background. Keon is an esports competitor, musician, and producer, and especially enjoys the craft of pairing history with hip-hop music. He is always ecstatic to dabble in new creative outlets and hopes to pursue a career in neuroscience research.

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Alexandria, Va.

Tying the Knot

The kitchen smells like onions and raw meat, neither unpleasant nor pleasant. Nainai’s house slippers slap against our kitchen floor as she bustles around, preparing fillings for zongzi: red bean paste, cooked peanuts, and marinated pork. I clap my pudgy hands together, delighted by the festivities.

Nainai methodically folds the bamboo leaves into cones, fills them up with rice, and binds the zongzi together with string that she breaks between her teeth. I try to follow suit, but when I try to tie the zongzi together, half the rice spills out. Tired from my lack of progress, I abandon Nainai for my parents, who are setting up the mahjong table.

After raising me to the age of ten, my grandparents returned to China. They dropped back into their lives like they had never left, like they hadn’t shaped my entire upbringing. Under their influence, my first language was not English, but Chinese.

At school, my friends cajoled me into saying Chinese words for them and I did so reluctantly, the out-of-place syllables tasting strange on my palate. At home, I slowly stopped speaking Chinese, embarrassed by the way my tongue mangled English words when I spoke to classmates. One particular memory continually plagues me. “It’s Civil War, silly. Why do you pronounce “L” with an ‘R’?” Civil. Civil. Civil.

At dinner, my dad asked us to speak Chinese. I refused, defiantly asking my brother in English to pass the green beans. I began constructing false narratives around my silence. Why would I use my speech to celebrate a culture of foot binding and feudalism? In truth, I was afraid. I was afraid that when I opened my mouth to ask for the potatoes, I wouldn’t be able to conjure up the right words. I was afraid I would sound like a foreigner in my own home. If I refused to speak, I could pretend that my silence was a choice.

In Kayla DeVault’s YES! article “Native and European – How Do I Honor All Parts of Myself?” she insists that “Simply saying “I am this” isn’t enough. To truly honor my heritage, I found I must understand and participate in it.” And for the first time, I wonder if my silence has stolen my cultural identity.

I decide to take it back.

Unlike DeVault, I have no means of travel. Instead, my reclamation starts with collecting phrases: a string of words from my dad when he speaks to Nainai over the phone, seven characters from two Chinese classmates walking down the hall, another couple of words from my younger sister’s Chinese cartoons.

The summer before my senior year marks the eighth year of my grandparents’ return to China. Once again, I am in the kitchen, this time surrounded by my parents and siblings. The bamboo leaves and pot of rice sit in front of me. We all stand, looking at each other expectantly. No one knows how to make zongzi. We crowd around the iPad, consulting Google. Together, we learn how to shape the leaves and pack the rice down.

The gap in knowledge bothers me. Does it still count as honoring a family tradition when I follow the directions given by a nameless pair of hands on YouTube rather than hearing Nainai’s voice in my mind?

Instead of breaking the string with my teeth like Nainai had shown me, I use scissors to cut the string—like I had done with my ties to Chinese language and culture all those years ago. And now, I’m left with the severed string that I must hurriedly tie around the bamboo leaf before the rice falls out of my zongzi.

Cherry Guo is a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Virginia. Cherry rows for her school’s crew team and plays the viola in her school orchestra. She spends what little free time she has eating pretzel crisps and listening to podcasts about philosophy.

University Winner

Madison Greene

Kent State University, Kent, Ohio

Carrying the Torch

I have been called a pizza bagel–the combination of a Catholic Italian and an Ashkenazi Jew. Over time, I have discovered the difficulty of discretely identifying the ratio of pizza to bagel. It is even more arduous when the pizza and the bagel have theologies that inherently contradict each other. Therefore, in a society that emphasizes fine lines and exact distinctions, my identity itself becomes a contradiction.

In the winter, my family tops our Christmas tree with the Star of David. I’ve recited the Lord’s Prayer; I’ve prayed in Hebrew. I attended preschool at a church, and my brother was a preschooler in a synagogue. Every week at Sunday morning mass, my maternal family donates money to the collection basket during the offertory. My paternal family has donated authentic Holocaust photographs to a local Jewish heritage museum. Growing up, none of this was contradictory; in fact, it all seemed complementary. My Jewish and Catholic identities did not cancel each other out but rather merged together.

However, the compatibility of my Catholic-Jewish identities was in upheaval when I decided to become acquainted with the Jewish community on campus. While attending Hillel events, I felt insecure because I did not share many of the experiences and knowledge of other Jewish students. Despite this insecurity, I continued to participate — until a good friend of mine told me that I was not Jewish enough because of my Catholic mother. She also said that families like mine were responsible for the faltering of Jewish culture. I wanted my identity to be validated. Instead, it was rejected. I withdrew and avoided not only my Jewish identity but also my identity as a whole.

I soon realized that this friend and I look at my situation using different filters. My Catholic-Jewish identities have evolved into a codependent relationship, and I am entitled to unapologetically embrace and explore both aspects of my identity. I realized that even without my friend’s validation of my identity, I still exist just the same. Any discredit of my Catholic-Jewish identities does not eliminate my blended nature. So, after a few months of avoiding my Jewish identity, I chose to embrace my roots; I resumed participating in the Jewish community on campus, and I have not stopped since.

Kayla DeVault’s YES! article “Native and European – How Do I Honor All Parts of Myself?” describes the obligation to one’s ancestral chain. The best way to fulfill this duty is to fully dedicate oneself to understanding the traditions that accompany those cultural origins. In this generation, my mother’s Catholic-Italian maiden name has no men to carry it on to the next generation. It is difficult to trace my last name past the mid-1900s because my Jewish ancestors shortened our surname to make it sound less Semitic, to be less vulnerable to persecution. Given the progressive fading of my family’s surnames, how do I continue the legacies of both family lines?

On behalf of my ancestors and for the sake of the generations still to come, I feel obligated to blend and simultaneously honor my Jewish and Catholic heritage to ensure that both prevail.

Now I know that whether I am sitting next to my Jewish father at my young cousin’s baptism, or whether I am sitting at the Passover Seder table with my mother’s Catholic parents, it is up to me to keep both flames of my ancestry burning bright. The least I can do is hold each family’s candle in my hands. Imagine the tremendous blaze I could create if I brought the flames of my two families together.

Madison Greene is a Communication Studies major at Kent State University. Madison is also pursuing a minor in Digital Media Production. She is currently the president of her sorority.

Powerful Voice Winner

Mariela Alschuler

Behind My Skin

My roots go deeper than the ground I stand on. My family is from all over the world with extended branches that reach over whole countries and vast oceans.

Though I am from these branches, sometimes I never see them. My Dominican roots are obvious when I go to my abuela’s house for holidays. My family dances to Spanish music. I fill my plate with platanos fritos and my favorite rice and beans. I feel like a Dominican American girl. Maybe it’s the food. Maybe it’s the music. Or maybe it’s just the way that my whole family—aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins— laugh and talk and banter in my grandparents’ small, beautiful apartment.

Even though I am blood to this family, I stick out like a sore thumb. I stick out for my broken Spanish, my light skin, my soft, high-pitched voice and how I do my hair. I feel like I don’t belong to my beautiful, colorful family, a disordered array of painted jars on a shelf.

If my Dominican family is like a disorganized and vibrant shelf of colors, then my European family is a neat and sparse one with just a hint of color. For Christmas in New York, there are dozens of us crammed in the small apartment. For Thanksgiving in Massachusetts, there are rarely more than twelve people in the grandiose, pristine house that looks like something out of House Beautiful . I adore my grandparent’s house. It is expansive and neatly painted white. After growing up in a small house on a school campus and visiting my other grandparents’ small apartment in New York, I thought that their house was the greatest thing in the world. I would race up the stairs, then slide down the banister. I would sip Grandma’s “fancy” gingerbread tea, loving the feeling of sophistication. There, I could forget about the struggles of my Dominican family. I was the granddaughter of a wealthy, Jewish, Massachusetts couple rather than the granddaughter of a working-class second-generation Dominican abuela and abuelo from the Bronx.

I don’t fit in with my European family either. My dark skin and my wild hair don’t belong in this tidy family. In Massachusetts, the branches of my Dominican family, no matter how strong and extensive, are invisible. The same way my European roots are lost when I am in New York.

So what am I? For years I have asked myself this question. Wondering why I couldn’t have a simple garden of a family rather than the jungle that I easily get lost in. As Kayla DeVault says in her YES! article “Native and European—How can I honor all parts of myself?,” “Simply saying ‘I am this’ isn’t enough.” And it isn’t. My race, color, and ethnicity do not make up who I am. I am still a daughter. A sister. A cousin. A friend. My mixed identity does not make me less whole, less human. I may have lightly tanned skin and my lips may not form Spanish words neatly, but behind my skin is bright color and music. There is warm gingerbread tea and golden platanos fritos. There is Spanish singing from my abuelo’s speaker and “young people” songs that play from my headphones. There is a little, cozy apartment and a large, exquisite house. Behind my skin is more than what you can see. Behind my skin is what makes me me.

Mariela Alschuler is a seventh-grader at Ethical Culture Fieldston School and lives in the Bronx, New York. When she’s not in school, Mariela likes to read, write, do gymnastics, watch Netflix, and spend time with her friends and family. She hopes to be a doctor and writer when she grows up.

Reese Martin

University Liggett School, Grosse Point Woods, Mich.

A True Irishman?

Similar to Kayla Devault in her YES! article “Native and European-How Do I Honor All Parts of Myself,” I hold holistic pride in my cultural identity. As a descendant of Irish immigrants, my childhood was filled with Irish folk music, laughter, and all things green. I remember being a toddler, sitting on my Popo’s lap wearing a shiny green, slightly obnoxious, beaded shamrock necklace. There, in the living room, I was surrounded by shamrocks hanging on the walls and decorations spread throughout, courtesy of my grandmother who always went overboard. My father and his siblings were Irish fanatics, as well. My aunt, whom I loved spending time with as a child, was notorious for wild face painting, ear-splitting music, and crazy outfits on St. Patrick’s Day. The holiday typically started in Detroit’s historic Corktown for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade with the promise of authentic Irish corned beef and soda bread at the Baile Corcaigh Irish Restaurant following the festivities. Charlie Taylor, a local Irish musician, belted folk songs from Baile Corcaigh’s makeshift stage. It was one of the few days a year my father and his large family came together. Although my aunt and grandparents have passed, our family’s Irish pride is eternal.

There was, however, one peculiar thing about our Irish heritage— none of my family looked classic Irish. My father and his five siblings have nearly black eyes and fairly dark skin, not the typical Irish traits of blue eyes and light skin. DeVault wrote, “When I was older, the questions came, which made me question myself.” I fell into a similar predicament, questioning my heritage. It truly came as a shock when a couple of my paternal aunts and several cousins took DNA tests through 23andMe and AncestryDNA. The results revealed the largest percentage of our ethnicity was Lebanese and Middle Eastern, not Irish.

It felt like a punch to the gut. I was clueless on how to move forward. According to the numbers, we possessed an insignificant amount of Irish blood. How was it possible to be wrong about such a huge part of my identity? Not only was I confused about my culture and history, but I also experienced a great deal of shame—not of my newfound Middle Eastern heritage, but the lack of Irish DNA, which I had previously held so close and felt so proud of. It felt as though I was betraying the memory of my late grandparents and aunt.

Even amidst my confusion, I found this new heritage intriguing; I was excited to explore all that my newly found Lebanese culture had to offer: unique foods, unfamiliar traditions, and new geography. In addition to the familiar boiled and mashed potatoes, my family now eats hummus and shawarma. I also know more about the basic facts, history, and government of Lebanon. One thing dampens my enthusiasm, however. I wonder how I can fully develop a love for my newly discovered culture without being too deliberate and appearing to be insensitive to cultural appropriation.

It is here, in the depths of uncertainty and intrigue, I relate most to DeVault’s question, “How do I honor all parts of myself?” Although my Irish ancestry may not be as authentic as I once believed, I still feel a strong connection to the Irish culture. I’ve found that to truly honor all pieces of my identity, I must be willing to accept every aspect of my ancestry. I don’t need to reject Lebanese ethnicity, nor disregard the Irish memories of my childhood. I am allowed to be everything all at once. At the end of the day, with both Irish culture and Lebanese heritage, I am still simply and perfectly me.

Reese Martin is a junior at University Liggett School in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan. Reese plays hockey and soccer, swims competitively and is a violinist in her school orchestra. She enjoys volunteering, especially peer tutoring and reading with young children.

Rowan Burba

Saluting Shadows

On the floor, a murdered woman lays bloody and dead. Two young boys stare in horror at their dead mother. At only 10 years old, my great-grandfather experienced unfathomable suffering. A generation later, my grandfather and two great-uncles grew up under an abusive roof. My great-uncle Joe, the youngest of three boys, endured the worst of the abuse. Joe’s scarred brain altered during the sexual and emotional abuse his father subjected him to. From the time he was 18 months old, trusted adults of Joe’s community violated him throughout his childhood. These traumas spiraled into a century of silence, the silence I am determined to break.

My father’s lineage is littered with trauma. Our family doesn’t openly share its past. We constantly masquerade as “normal” so we can fit in, but the alienation we experience is understandable. In Kayla DeVault’s YES! article “Native and European—How Do I Honor All Parts of Myself?” she explains her numerous identities, which include Shawnee, Anishinaabe, Eastern European, Scottish, and Irish. Although I don’t have her rich ethnic ancestry, I question my roots just as she does. I have limited photos of my deceased relatives. There are only two prominent ones: my paternal grandmother as a child with her siblings and my maternal grandmother’s obituary photo. These frosted images hide the truth of my family’s history. They’re not perfect 4″ x 6″ moments frozen in time. They’re shadowed memories of a deeply disturbed past.

For 17 years, my family was clueless about our past family trauma. Two months ago, my great-aunt explained Joe’s story to me. Joe developed Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) as a result of his abuse. By the age of 18, his brain contained 95 alters (fragments of his identity that broke off and developed into true individuals), causing Joe to appear as the “weird one,” the one who my family dismissed, the outcast of my dad’s childhood. My dad only learned one year ago, long after Joe died, about Joe’s DID. My family’s adamancy to hold secrets outweighed accepting and helping Joe. The shadows around these secrets quickly dispersed.

The silence and shame from a mother’s death a century ago still have a chokehold on my family today. My family appears a disaster to outsiders. My mom’s side is so religious they would never fathom a conversation about these harsh realities. In addition to Joe, my dad’s side has uncles who struggle with codependency and trauma from past abuses. Joe’s brother coped by latching onto another “normal” family, and my grandfather coped by never talking about issues. My parents married soon after my maternal grandmother and three of her four siblings died within a few weeks of each other. Despite years of therapy, my parents divorced when I was 11 years old. I grew up surrounded by dysfunction without recognizing it.

How do I honor my roots? I work to break the silence and stigmas of abuse and mental health. I’ve participated in therapy for about five years and have been on medicine for about two. I must reprogram my brain’s attachment to codependent tendencies and eliminate the silence within me. I’m working through my intrusive thoughts and diving into my family’s past and disrupting harmful old patterns. I’m stepping away from the shadows of my ancestors and into the light, ensuring that future generations grow up with knowledge of our past history of abuse and mental illness. Knowledge that allows us to explore the shadows without living in them. Knowledge that there’s more in life outside of the frames.

Rowan Burba, a junior at Kirkwood High School in Missouri, loves to participate as a witness in Mock Trial competitions, build and paint sets for the KHS theatre department, play viola in her school orchestra, and do crafts with kids. She is involved in politics and wants to help change the world for the better.

Mia De Haan

Estrella Mountain Community College, Avondale, Ariz.

What Being a Part of the LGBTQ+ Community Means to Me

Being queer is that one thing about me I am most proud of, yet also most scared of. Knowing that I am putting my life at risk for the simplest thing, like being gay, is horrifying.

Let’s talk about my first crush. Her name was Laurel, and she was always in front of me when we lined up after recess in first grade. I remember wishing that girls could marry girls because she had the prettiest long, blonde hair. I left these thoughts in the back of my head until middle school. I couldn’t stop staring at a certain girl all day long. That one girl who I would have sleepovers with every weekend and slow dance with at school dances—but only as friends. She changed my life. She was the first person to tell me that I was accepted and had no reason to be afraid.

Being part of the LGBTQ+ community isn’t all rainbows and Pride parades. It is watching your family turn away from you in disgust but never show it on their faces. It’s opening Twitter and learning that it’s still illegal to be gay in 71+ countries. It’s astonishing that we had to wait until 2015 for the U.S. Supreme Court to make it legal to marry in all 50 states.

My identity is happiness yet pain, so much pain. I hated myself for years, shoved myself back into a closet and dated my best friend for two years because maybe if I brought a boy home my family would wish me “Happy Birthday” again or send me Christmas presents like they do for my brother and sister.

When I began to explore my identity again, I asked myself, “Am I safe?” “Will I still be loved?” I was horrified. I am horrified. Legally, I am safe, but I am not safe physically. I can still be beaten up on the streets for holding a girl’s hand. Protesters at Pride festivals are still allowed to shout profanities at us and tell us that we are going to burn in hell—and the cops protect them. I am not safe mentally because I still allow the words of people and homophobes in the media and on my street get inside of my head and convince me that I am a criminal.

When I read Kayla DeVault’s YES! article “Native and European—How Do I Honor All Parts of Myself?” I could feel how proud DeVault is to be Shawnee and Irish. While we do not share the same identity, I could tell that we are the same because we both would do anything for our cultures and want to show our pride to the rest of the world.

I honor my LGBTQ+ identity by going to Pride festivals and events. I also participate in an LGBTQ+ church and club, where, for years, was the only place I could be myself without the fear of being outed or harmed. Whenever I hear people being ignorant towards my community, I try to stay calm and have a conversation about why our community is great and valid and that we are not doing anything wrong.

I don’t know if the world will ever change, but I do know that I will never change my identity just because the world is uncomfortable with who I am. I have never been one to take risks; the idea of making a fool of myself scares me. But I took one because I thought someone might listen to my gay sob story. I never expected it to be heard. If you have your own gay sob story, I will listen, and so will many others, even if you don’t realize it yet.

Amelia (Mia) De Haan was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. Mia has devoted her entire life to art, specifically theatre and dance. While she has struggled to figure out what she wants to do for the rest of her life, she does know that she wants to inspire people and be a voice for the people of the LGBTQ+ community who still feel that no one is listening. Mia dreams of moving to New York with her cat Loki and continuing to find a way to inspire people.

Laura Delgado

Spring Hill College, Mobile, Ala.

I moved to the United States when I was eight years old because my father knew Venezuela was becoming more corrupt. He wanted to give his family a better life. My sense of self and belonging was wiped clean when I moved to the United States, a country that identified me and continues to label me as an “alien.” On U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) documents, I am Alien Number xxx-xxx-xxx. I will not let that alien number define who I am: a proud Venezuelan and American woman.

In her YES! article “Native and European—How Do I Honor All Parts of Myself?” author Kayla DeVault says that “to truly honor [her] heritage, [she] found [she] must understand and participate in it.” This is why during Christmas I help my mom make hallacas (a traditional Venezuelan dish made out of cornmeal, stuffed with beef, pork, chicken, raisins, capers, and olives, wrapped in a banana leaf that is boiled to perfection), pan de jamón (a Christmas bread filled with ham, cheese, raisins, and olives—the perfect sweet and salty combination, if you ask me), and ensalada de gallina (a chicken, potatoes, and green apple salad seasoned with mayonnaise, salt, and pepper). While the gaitas (traditional Venezuelan folk music) is playing, we set up the Christmas tree and, under it, the nativity scene. The smell of Venezuelan food engulfs our small apartment. Every time I leave the house, the smell of food sticks to me like glue, and I love it.

We go to our fellow Venezuelan friend’s house to dance, eat, and laugh like we were back in Venezuela. We play bingo and gamble quarters as we talk over each other. My favorite thing is how we poke fun at each other, our way of showing our love. There is nothing better than being surrounded by my Venezuelan family and friends and feeling like I belong.

My ancestors are Spanish settlers, West African slaves, and Indigenous Venezuelans. To my peers, I am a Latina woman who can speak Spanish and comes from a country they have never heard of. To my family, I am a strong and smart Venezuelan woman who is succeeding in this country she calls home.

I was immediately an outcast as a young newcomer to this country. I was the new, exotic girl in class who did not speak a word of English; all of that led to bullying. Growing up in a country that did not want me was—and still is—hard. People often ask me why I would ever want to identify as American. My answer to their question is simple: This is my home. I knew that the chances of us going back to Venezuela were slim to none so I decided to make this country my home. At first, I fought it. My whole life was back in Venezuela. Eventually, I made lifelong friends, had my first kiss and my first heartbreak. I went to all of the homecoming and prom dances and made memories with my best friends to last me a lifetime. Yes, I was born in Venezuela and the pride of being a Venezuelan woman will never be replaced, but my whole life is in the United States and I would never trade that for the world.

I am Venezuelan and I am American. I am an immigrant and I am Latina. The United States government will always know me as Alien Number xxx-xxx-xxx, but they will not know that my heritage is rich and beautiful and that I am a proud Venezuelan and a proud American woman.

Laura Delgado is a Junior at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, majoring in Graphic Design and minoring in Hispanic Studies. Laura and her family migrated to the United States from Venezuela in 2007 to escape the Chavez regime. She is a DACA recipient and a first-generation college student who has a passion for graphic design and hopes to one day open her own interior design company.

Dear every human who wrote in this contest or thought about writing,

I want to start by addressing all of you.

I think stepping out of your comfort zone and writing your truth—even if you think you aren’t a writer— is a brave thing to do.

I want you to understand that not being selected does not mean your story isn’t valid or that your identity wasn’t “enough.” Remember, you’re always enough. You’re enough to God, to Allah, to your Higher Power, to the Flying Spaghetti Monster in the sky, to your parents, and to your ancestors who endured long enough for you to come into existence.

As I read through the various essays, I saw a common thread of food . Whether it’s the pierogi sales at churches in Pittsburgh, the neverias around Phoenix, or the soul food joints in Birmingham, the history of our ancestors’ movements have left their impressions in our cuisine.

Another theme I found in several essays was a “uniformed diaspora.” Some of you talked about not being able to fully trace your lineage, having your history stolen by some method of political racism, and even grappling with finding that your genetics are not all you thought they were. As a Native person, I know all too well that we had much taken from us. I know that the conquerors wrote our history, so ours is recorded with bias, racism, and flippancy.

And now to the essay winners:

To Susanna: Obrigada for your story. I encourage you to keep exploring your identity and how it informs your existence today on Lenape, Rockaway, and Canarsie traditional lands (New York City). Your imagery reflects saudades well. I think there is an intriguing and untapped story embedded in your father’s experience from Lebanon, and I encourage you to explore how that merges with your Brazilian identity.

When I read that passage about Starbucks, I thought about how the average young American seems to be private in public, but public in private—meaning this culture and its technology isolates us (private) when we are around other people (public), yet so many of us share most about ourselves on social media (public) where we can pick and choose if we want to engage with someone (private). By the way, I, too, played lacrosse… Did you know it has Indigenous roots?

To Cherry: 非常感谢你! Don’t listen to the American stereotypes of who you are, as hard as that can be. You sadly may always hear them, but hearing is not the same as listening. People undermine the things they don’t understand because the things they don’t understand scare them. While it is not your job to feel you have to educate them, you do have the freedom to choose how you navigate those spaces.

I understand how it may feel inauthentic to learn how to make traditional foods like zongzi from a YouTube video. For me, I have had to learn beading and other crafts because I was too ashamed to learn them when I had the elders still in my life. I tell young folk to know their elders now while they can. Furthermore, please speak every language no matter how imperfect because it’s a gift. Also, I’ll eat your zongzi any day, even if all the rice falls out!

To Keon: The imagery and symbols of slavery you use, powerfully describe a revisionist history that further blocks access to what would be a culturally-rich ancestry.

I remember standing on the shores of Ouidah, Benin, from where the majority of slaves left, looking through La Porte du Non Retour (The Door of No Return) memorial, and hearing a local say, “Our relatives, they left these shores for the ships and then… we never heard from them again.” And so we come to realize our stories are known only so far as they have been carried.

I see hope in the way you have embraced your roots as your branches to move forward. I believe that, in looking towards your branches, you have actually found your roots. You are a product of all the stories, told and untold, remembered and forgotten. I encourage you to keep writing and exploring how your seemingly contradicting and somewhat unknown roots shaped your ancestors and shape their product: you. Don’t hold back.

To Madison: Grazie and תודה. First of all, pizza bagels are delicious… just saying… talk about the best of both worlds! You write about the challenge of fitting into your communities, and I can certainly see how religious differences can become contentious.

I am sorry that you had a negative Hillel experience. In the end, we can’t let the persecutors steal our ancestral identities from us because that allows them to win. Cultures are fluid, not rigid and defined as peers might bully us into thinking. It’s rotten when people label us with things like “pizza bagel,” but if you boldly embrace it, you can turn it on its head. So I encourage you to be the smartest, wittiest, and most deliciously confident pizza bagel out there, writing your experience for all to read!

To Laura: Gracias , you write with a motif of sorts, one that conflates your identity to a number and the label of “alien.” For people in the United States to be dismissive of immigrants and judgmental of their cultures and languages is for the same people to forget their own origins, their own stories, and their own roles (as benefactors or as victims) in this age-old system of oppression for gain. It is also rather ironic that we call people “aliens;” unless they are from an Indigenous nation. Are not nearly all Americans “aliens” to some degree?

You write about being bullied as the new, exotic girl in school and I have also experienced that as my family moved around a bit growing up; however, I have also had the privilege to speak English.

It’s sad that these experiences are still so proliferate, and so I think it is vital that people like you share their experiences. Perhaps your background can inform how you think about spaces as an interior designer.

To Mariela: Gracias and תודה for the story you shared. You write about a complex existence that is a mix of poor and wealthy, white and brown, warm and cool. Learning to navigate these contrasting sides of your family will help you work with different kinds of people in your future.

I can understand your point about feeling out of place by your skin color. Lighter skin is largely considered a privilege in society, yet for those of us with non-white heritages, it can make us feel like we don’t belong amongst our own family. We have to walk a fine line where we acknowledge we may be treated better than our relatives in some circumstances but we have to sit with the feeling of not being “brown enough” other times. I encourage you to keep exploring your branches and sharing your feelings with your relatives about these topics. Perhaps one day you can use your deep understanding of human relations to inform your bedside manner as a doctor!

To Mia: Thank you for your brave piece, despite your fears. Your emotional recollection about the first girl you loved is very touching and powerful.

I am sorry that you don’t feel as though you are treated the same by your family on account of your identity and that you have to take extra steps to be accepted, but I believe your continuing to be your authentic self is the only way to prove you mean what you mean.

I hope the utmost safety and acceptance for you. I also thank you for seeing and relating to my pride that I have for myself, and I encourage you to consider creative outlets— maybe even podcast hosting—to uplift your story and the stories of others, spread awareness, and facilitate change.

To Reese: Go raibh maith agat . That’s how you thank a singular person in Irish, if you didn’t know already. I enjoyed your piece because, of course, we have an Irish connection that I understand.

I find it pretty interesting that you came back with a lot of Lebanese results in your family tests. Understand those tests only represent the inherited genes, so if both of your parents were a quarter Irish but three-quarters Lebanese, for example, you would get half of each of their genes. You might get half Lebanese from both and you would appear full Lebanese—or any other variation. My point is those tests aren’t exact reports.

I am excited you have found new aspects of your heritage and I hope you will continue to explore—as best you can—what your ancestral history is. And, by the way, I, too, play hockey and the violin—fine choices!

To Rowan: Many families put up a facade, and it’s only the brave ones, like you, addressing the trauma head-on who will be able to break the cycle that causes intergenerational trauma.

When we explore the parts of our identity, many of us may find how much trauma —including historic policy, racism, and displacement—has impacted our ancestors, perhaps centuries upon centuries ago. Learning about my family history and about religious factors has revealed stories of abuse and secrets that have been hushed wildly, even within my immediate family. Photos can be sad when we know the stories behind them and even when we never knew the person; they’re still a part of us and we can honor them by remembering them. I think you choosing to write about your Uncle Joe and the effects of trauma in your family— especially as you process and heal yourself—will be a tremendous resource both internally and for others. Thank you for sharing and I hope you find happiness in those frames.

Again, thank you all for your essays. It is exciting to see the youth writing. I am grateful for my piece to have been chosen for this contest and, I hope I’ve encouraged readers to consider every part that makes up their whole and how it has informed their life experiences.

Kayla DeVault

“ In seventh grade, I went to an affinity group meeting. And all I remember was being called a bad Asian again and again. I was called a bad Asian because I couldn’t use chopsticks. I was called a bad Asian because I didn’t know what bubble tea or K-pop was. Time and again, I was called a bad Asian because I didn’t know the things I was expected to know, and I didn’t do the things that I was expected to do. That meeting made me truly question my identity. “ . —Sebastian Cynn, Ethical Culture Fieldston Middle School, Bronx, N.Y. Click here to read the entire essay.

“It’s difficult being Dominican but born and raised in New York. I’m supposed to speak fluent Spanish. I’m supposed to listen to their music 24/7, and I’m supposed to follow their traditions. I’m supposed to eat their main foods. I’m unique and it’s not only me. Yes, I may not speak Spanish. Yes, I may not listen to their kind of music, but I don’t think that defines who I am as a Dominican. I don’t think I should be discriminated for not being the same as most Dominicans. Nobody should be discriminated against for being different from the rest because sometimes different is good. “ —Mia Guerrero, KIPP Washington Heights Middle School, New York, N.Y. Click here to read the entire essay.

When I hang out with some of my older friend groups, which are mainly white, straight kids, I don’t mention that I’m Asian or Gay, but as soon as I’m with my friends, I talk about my identifiers a lot. A lot of them are part of the LGBTQ+ community, and 11 out of 14 of them are a person of color. With my grandparents, I am quieter, a good Asian grandchild who is smart, gets good grades, is respectful. And I don’t act “Gay.” … Why do I have to act differently with different people? Why do I only feel comfortable with all of my identities at school?

—Gillian Okimoto, Ethical Culture Fieldston Middle School, Bronx, N.Y. Click here to read the entire essay .

“ Torah, Shema, yarmulke, all important elements of Jewish identity—except for mine. All these symbols assume the existence of a single God, but that doesn’t resonate with me. Religion is a meaningful part of my family’s identity. After all, wanting to freely practice their religion was what brought my great-grandparents to America from Eastern Europe. Being very interested in science, I could never wrap my head around the concept of God. Can I be Jewish while not believing in God? “ —Joey Ravikoff, Ethical Culture Fieldston Middle School, Bronx, N.Y. Click here to read the entire essay.

“ Yes, I am transgender, but I am also a son, a friend, an aspiring writer, and a dog trainer. I love riding horses. I’ve had the same volunteer job since sixth grade. I love music and trips to the art museum. I know who I am and whether other people choose to see me for those things is out of my control. Holidays with my family feels like I’m suffocating in a costume. I’ve come out twice in my life. First, as a lesbian in middle school. Second, as a transgender man freshman year. I’ve gotten good at the classic sit-down. With hands folded neatly in front of me, composure quiet and well-kept, although I’m always terrified. “ —Sebastian Davies-Sigmund, Kirkwood High School, Kirkwood, Mo. Click here to read the entire essay.

“ No longer do I wish to be stared at when civil rights and slavery are discussed. In every Socratic seminar, I shudder as expectant white faces turn to mine. My brown skin does not make me the ambassador for Black people everywhere. Please do not expect me to be the racism police anymore. Do not base the African American experience upon my few words. Do not try to be relatable when mentioning Hannukah is in a few days. Telling me you tell your White friends not to say the N-word doesn’t do anything for me. “ —Genevieve Francois, Kirkwood High School, Kirkwood, Mo. Click here to read the entire essay.

“ I often walk into the kitchen greeted by my mother sitting on her usual stool and the rich smells of culture—the spicy smell of India, the hearty smell of cooked beans, or the sizzling of burgers on the grill. Despite these great smells, I find myself often yearning for something like my friends have; one distinct culture with its food, people, music, and traditions. I don’t have a one-click culture. That can be freeing, but also intimidating . People who know me see me as a fraction: ¼ black, ¾ white, but I am not a fraction. I am human, just human. “ —Amaela Bruce, New Tech Academy at Wayne High School, Fort Wayne, Ind. Click here to read the entire essay.

“‘We just don’t want you to go to hell. ‘ I am not an atheist. I am not agnostic. I have no religion nor do I stand strong in any one belief. My answer to the mystery of life is simple: I don’t know. But I live in a world full of people who think they do. There will be a day when that capital G does not control my conversations. There will be a day when I can speak of my beliefs, or lack thereof, without judgment, without the odd stare, and without contempt. The day will come when a life without religion is just another life. That is the day I wait for. That day will be Good. “ —Amara Lueker, New Tech Academy at Wayne High School, Fort Wayne, Ind. Click here to read the entire essay.

“¡Correle!” yell the people around him. He runs to the grass, ducks down and starts to wait. He’s nervous. You can smell the saltiness of sweat. He looks up and hears the chopping of helicopter blades. You can see the beam of light falling and weaving through the grass field … out of a group of thirteen, only four were left hidden. He and the others crossed and met up with people they knew to take them from their own land down south to the opportunity within grasp up north. That was my father many years ago. I’ve only asked for that story once, and now it’s committed to memory. “ —Luz Zamora, Woodburn Academy of Art Science & Technology, Woodburn, Ore. Click here to read the entire essay.

“ How do I identify myself? What do I connect to? What’s important to you? Here’s the answer: I don’t. Don’t have a strong connection. Don’t know the traditions. Don’t even know the languages. I eat some of the food and kinda sorta hafta** the major holidays but thinking about it I don’t know anything important. I think that the strongest connection to my family is my name, Mei Li (Chinese for “beautiful” Ana (a variation on my mother’s very American middle name: Anne) Babuca (my father’s Mexican last name). “ —Mei Li Ana Babuca, Chief Sealth International High School, Seattle, Wash. Click here to read the entire essay.

“ My whole life I have felt like I don’t belong in the Mexican category. I mean yeah, I’m fully Mexican but, I’ve always felt like I wasn’t. Why is that you ask? Well, I feel that way because I don’t know Spanish. Yes, that’s the reason. It may not sound like a big deal, but, for me, I’ve always felt disconnected from my race. I felt shameful. I felt like it was an obligation to know what is supposed to be my mother tongue. My whole family doesn’t really know fluent Spanish and that has always bothered me growing up. “ —Yazmin Perez, Wichita North High School, Wichita, Kan Click here to read the entire essay.

“ I believe differently from DeVault, who believes it’s important to connect and participate with your heritage. I believe that our personal pasts have more to do with who we are as people than any national identity ever could. Sure, our heritage is important, but it doesn’t do nearly as much to shape our character and perspective as our struggles and burdens do. Out of all my past experiences, illness—and especially mental illness—has shaped me. “ —Chase Deleon, Central York High School, York, Penn. Click here to read the entire essay.

“ … I can now run that whole grape leaf assembly line, along with other traditional plates, by myself. I have begun speaking out on current topics, such as Middle-Eastern representation in acting. I have become so much closer with my relatives and I don’t mind busting a move with them on the dance floor. Although a trip to Syria is not in my near future, DeVault made me realize that a connection to your geographical cultural roots is important. According to my aunt, I have become a carefree, happy, and more passionate person. I no longer feel stuck in the middle of ethnicity and society. Becoming one with and embracing my identity truly is ‘A Whole New World.’” —Christina Jarad, University Ligget School, Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich. Click here to read the entire essay.

“While my bow is not made of wood and my arrows lack a traditional stone tip, the connections are always present, whether I am stalking bull elk in the foothills of the Rockies or fly fishing in the mystical White River. The methods and the technologies may be different, but the motivations are the same. It is a need to be connected to where my food originates. It is a desire to live in harmony with untouched lands. It is a longing to live wild, in a time where the wild is disappearing before our eyes. “ —Anderson Burdette, Northern Oklahoma University, Stillwater, Okla. Click here to read the entire essay.

“Black people always say that White people don’t use seasoning. This saying is one of those sayings that I always heard, but never understood. I am Black, but I was adopted into a White household … Even though I identify as a Black woman, all my life I have struggled with breaking into the Black culture because other people around me consciously or unconsciously prevent me from doing so. “ —Brittany Hartung, Spring Hill College, Mobile, Ala. Click here to read the entire essay.

We received many outstanding essays for the Fall 2019 Student Writing Competition. Though not every participant can win the contest, we’d like to share some excerpts that caught our eye:

How can other people say that I only have one identity before I can even do that for myself? —Arya Gupta, Ethical Culture Fieldston Middle School, Bronx, N.Y.

‘Middle Child’ by J. Cole blasts through the party. Everyone spits the words like they’re on stage with him. J. Cole says the N-Word, and I watch my Caucasian peers proudly sing along. Mixed Girl is perplexed. Black Girl is crestfallen that people she calls friends would say such a word. Each letter a gory battlefield; White Girls insists they mean no harm; it’s how the song’s written. Black Girl cries. —Liz Terry, Kirkwood High School, Kirkwood, Mo.

To me, valuing my ancestors is a way for me to repay them for their sacrifices. —Jefferson Adams Lopez, Garrison Middle School, Walla Walla, Wash.

A one-hour drive with light traffic. That’s the distance between me and my cousins. Short compared to a 17-hour flight to the Philippines, yet 33 miles proved to create a distance just as extreme. Thirty-three miles separated our completely different cultures. —Grace Timan, Mount Madonna High School, Gilroy, Calif.

What does it mean to feel Korean? Does it mean I have to live as if I live in Korea? Does it mean I have to follow all the traditions that my grandparents followed? Or does it mean that I can make a decision about what I love? —Max Frei, Ethical Culture Fieldston Middle School, Bronx, N.Y.

Not knowing feels like a safe that you can’t open (speaking about her ancestry) . —Madison Nieves-Ryan, Rachel Carson High School, New York, N.Y.

As I walked down the halls from classroom to classroom in high school, I would see smiling faces that looked just like mine. At every school dance, in every school picture, and on every sports team, I was surrounded by people who looked, thought, and acted similar to me. My identity was never a subject that crossed my mind. When you aren’t exposed to diversity on a daily basis, you aren’t mindful of the things that make you who you are. —Jenna Robinson, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio

When my Great-Great-Grandfather Bill was 12, he ran away to work with his uncles. And then when he was older and married, he called up his wife and said, “Honey, I’m heading off to college for a few years. Buh-Bye!” Because of his adventurous spirit, Bill Shea was the first Shea to go to college. Ever since my mom told me this story, I’ve always thought that we could all use a little Bill attitude in our lives. —Jordan Fox, Pioneer Middle School, Walla Walla, Wash.

I defy most of the stereotypes of the Indian community. I’m a gender-fluid, American, Belizean kid who isn’t very studious. I want to be a writer, not a doctor, and I would hang out with friends rather than prepare for the spelling bee. —Yadna Prasad, Ethical Culture Fieldston Middle School, Bronx, N.Y.

While my last name may be common, the history behind my family is not. A line of warriors, blacksmiths, intellectuals, and many more. I’m someone who is a story in progress. —Ha Tuan Nguyen, Chief Sealth International High School, Seattle, Wash.

My family is all heterosexual. I did not learn about my identity from them. LGBTQ+ identity is not from any part of the world. I cannot travel to where LGBTQ+people originate. It does not exist. That is the struggle when connecting with our identities. It is not passed on to us. We have to find it for ourselves. —Jacob Dudley, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio

My race is DeVault’s childhood kitchen, so warm and embracing. Familiar. My sexuality is DeVault’s kitchen through adulthood: disconnected. —Maddie Friar, Kirkwood High School, Kirkwood, Mo.

At school, I was Dar-SHAW-na and at home DAR-sha-na. There were two distinct versions, both were me, but neither were complete. \ —Darshana Subramaniam, University Liggett School, Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich.

I do not think that heritage and ethnic roots are always about genetics. It is about the stories that come with it, and those stories are what shapes who you are. —Lily Cordon-Siskind, Ethical Culture Fieldston Middle School, Bronx, N.Y.

In my sixteen-year-old mind, the two ethnicities conflicted. I felt like I couldn’t be both. I couldn’t be in touch with Southern roots and Cuban ones at the same time. How could I, they contradict each other? The Cuban part of me ate all my food, was loud and blunt, an underdog and the Southerner was reserved, gentle, and polite. —Grace Crapps, Spring Hill College, Mobile, Ala.

I thought I was simply an American. However, I learned that I am not a jumbled mix of an untraceable past, but am an expertly woven brocade of stories, cultures, and hardships. My ancestors’ decisions crafted me…I am a story, and I am a mystery. —Hannah Goin, Pioneer Middle School, Walla Walla, Wash.

We received many outstanding essays for the Fall 2019 Student Writing Competition, and several students got clever and creative with their titles. Here are some titles that grabbed our attention:

“A Mixed Child in a Mixed-Up Family” Caitlin Neidow, Ethical Culture Fieldston Middle School, Bronx, N.Y.

“Diggin’ in the DNA” Honnor Lawton, Chestnut Hill Middle School, Liverpool, N.Y.

“Hey! I’m Mexican (But I’ve Never Been There)” Alexis Gutierrez-Cornelio, Wellness, Business & Sports School, Woodburn, Ore.

“What It Takes to Be a Sinner” Amelia Hurley, Kirkwood High School, Kirkwood, Mo.

“Mirish” Alyssa Rubi, Chief Sealth International High School, Seattle, Wash.

“Nunca Olvides de Donde Vienes ” ( Never forget where you came from ) Araceli Franco, Basis Goodyear High School, Goodyear, Ariz.

“American Tacos” Kenni Rayo-Catalan, Estrella Mountain Community College, Avondale, Ariz.

“Corn-Filled Mornings and Spicy Afternoons” Yasmin Medina, Tarrant County Community College, Fort Worth, Tex.

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Essay on Cultural Heritage of India

Students are often asked to write an essay on Cultural Heritage of India in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Cultural Heritage of India

Introduction.

India, a country known for its diverse cultures, is rich in cultural heritage. This heritage is a treasure trove of art, architecture, traditions, and values.

Art and Architecture

India’s art and architecture are unique. Monuments like the Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, and temples of Khajuraho are symbols of India’s architectural brilliance.

India’s cultural heritage is also reflected in its festivals. Diwali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, Pongal, and Durga Puja are celebrated with great enthusiasm.

Traditions and Values

Indian traditions, like yoga and Ayurveda, have gained global recognition. Respect for elders, non-violence, and truthfulness are core Indian values.

India’s cultural heritage is a blend of various elements. It’s a symbol of unity in diversity and continues to inspire generations.

250 Words Essay on Cultural Heritage of India

India, an ancient civilization, is a treasure trove of cultural heritage. This rich heritage, spanning millennia, is a testament to the country’s diverse and vibrant history. It presents a unique blend of art, architecture, music, dance, and philosophy that has evolved over time, influenced by various dynasties, religions, and foreign invasions.

Indian art and architecture reflect a deep understanding of aesthetics and spirituality. The grandeur of the ancient Indus Valley civilization, the intricate carvings of the Ajanta and Ellora caves, the majestic Mughal architecture, and the Dravidian and Nagara styles of temple architecture are all part of India’s cultural heritage.

Literature and Philosophy

India’s literary heritage is vast and varied. The Vedas, Upanishads, epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana, and works of classical poets like Kalidasa are invaluable contributions to world literature. Indian philosophy, with its six schools of thought, explores profound questions about existence, morality, and the cosmos.

Music and Dance

India’s music and dance forms are deeply intertwined with its spiritual traditions. From the sacred rhythms of Bharatanatyam to the soulful melodies of the Hindustani and Carnatic music, these art forms express a wide range of human emotions.

India’s cultural heritage is a vivid tapestry of diverse elements, each contributing to a holistic understanding of human civilization. It is a testament to the country’s resilience, adaptability, and creativity. As we move forward, it is crucial to preserve and promote this rich heritage, ensuring its continuity for future generations.

500 Words Essay on Cultural Heritage of India

India, often referred to as a ‘melting pot of cultures’, is a country with a rich and diverse cultural heritage. The cultural heritage of India encompasses various aspects such as literature, art, music, dance, architecture, food, and religions, which have been shaped and nurtured over thousands of years.

Religious Diversity

Religion is one of the most defining aspects of India’s cultural heritage. Home to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, India has also embraced Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism. Each religion has influenced India’s cultural fabric, contributing to a multitude of festivals, rituals, and architectural marvels.

Literature and Languages

India’s literary heritage is vast and varied, with ancient texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, Mahabharata, Ramayana, and the works of Kalidasa. The linguistic diversity in India is astounding, with over 2000 distinct languages. This linguistic diversity has led to a rich treasury of literature, folk tales, music, and dance forms in different regions.

Indian art and architecture reflect the country’s historical evolution and religious diversity. From the intricate carvings of the Ajanta and Ellora caves, the grandeur of Mughal architecture, the colorful frescoes of Rajasthan, to the Dravidian and Hoysala architecture of South India, each art form tells a unique story of its time and region.

Dance and Music

Indian classical dance and music forms are a vital part of its cultural heritage. Dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, and Odissi, and music systems like Hindustani and Carnatic, have been preserved and passed down generations. They are not just art forms but are deeply intertwined with spirituality and philosophy.

Indian cuisine, with its diverse regional dishes and culinary techniques, is an essential part of its cultural heritage. The use of varied spices, grains, fruits, and vegetables in Indian cuisine is a testament to the country’s agricultural diversity. The cuisine has also been influenced by various historical and cultural interactions with other societies.

The cultural heritage of India is a mirror of its historical journey, reflecting the influences of various dynasties, empires, and religions that have thrived in its land. Despite the extensive diversity, there runs a thread of continuity, a sense of unity in the cultural fabric of India. It is this amalgamation of diversity and unity that makes the cultural heritage of India unique and vibrant. As we move forward, it is crucial to preserve and promote this rich heritage for future generations.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Essay on Cultural Diversity in India
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Essay on Indian Culture in 500 Words

Updated on
Dec 5, 2023

Did you know that Indian culture is one of the oldest and richest cultures in the world? Mark Twain once said, ‘India is the one land that all men desire to see, and having seen once, even a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for all the shows of all the rest of the globe combined.’ Indian culture is known for its rich beauty, traditional values, ethics, and social norms.

Paragraph on Indian Culture

Ans: Indian culture is one of the most oldest and popular cultures in the world. Our culture is known for its rich diversity, traditional values, ethics, and social norms. We should proudly follow our cultural and traditional values, as they connect us to our age-old customs and what our culture means to us. India’s ethno-linguistically diverse culture has always been successful in catching global attention. Popular festivals like Diwali, Holi, Navratri, etc. are not only celebrated in India but also in other parts of the world.

Ans: Indian culture is one of the oldest cultures in the world; Zero (0) and decimal systems were first used in Indian culture; Indian culture was the first one to follow the practice of Ayurveda, one of the oldest healing systems; world’s oldest legends, the Ramayana and Mahabharata, were recorded in India; and the name India is derived from a Greek word ‘Indica.’

Ans: India was ruled by various Muslim dynasties during the Medival period. They gave this land the name Hindustan, which is derived from the Persian word Hindu from the Sanskrit word Sindhu.

For more information on such interesting topics for your school, visit our essay writing page and make sure to follow Leverage Edu .

Shiva Tyagi

With an experience of over a year, I've developed a passion for writing blogs on wide range of topics. I am mostly inspired from topics related to social and environmental fields, where you come up with a positive outcome.

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Home Essay Examples Culture Tradition

The Importance Of Preserving Cultural Heritage

Category Culture
Subcategory World Cultures
Topic Tradition

Cultural heritage is the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited from past generations, maintained in the present and bestowed for the benefit of future generations. Cultural heritage includes tangible culture (such as buildings, monuments, landscapes, books, works of art, and artifacts). It also includes intangible culture traditions or living expressions inherited from our ancestors and passed on to our descendants, such as oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe or the knowledge and skills to produce traditional crafts intangible culture (such as folklore, traditions, language, and knowledge), and natural heritage (including culturally significant landscapes, biodiversity). With the aim of protecting the world’s most valuable cultural treasures World Heritage Convention was adopted in 1972. There are now a total of 1052 World Heritage sites around the world in 165 countries including cultural sites of historical or anthropological value. But some of those sites are at risk. Being listed at a World Heritage site can bring attention and made governments to protect those areas but the publicity can cause damage by the overflow of tourists which will lead to the further degradation. The preservation of cultural and historical heritage has become such a serious issue that even international organizations have taken a commitment to carry out special operations to prevent its devastation which can result in not only the loss of nation’s identity, but also affects the development of cultural tourism.

For analyzing the problems of the protection of cultural heritage first of all we should clarify what to understand by saying cultural heritage. Culture encompasses a nation’s way of living and thinking and way of creating which are typical only for that society. Way of living is usually formed by firstly religion, then according to it, traditions, customs, special rituals and holidays appear. Take example of a traditional wedding in Armenia. The culture of weddings there differs greatly from weddings in other cultures because of our religion and traditions. Way of thinking means how the part of a particular culture perceives the world, how he treats the changes that occur in the world, how he acts towards other cultures that are entirely different from them. For showing the contrast between the ways of thinking of a nations’ cultures we can mention Armenians that based on historical issues with that nation, have a negative view about someone Turkish without knowing him personally, only depending on the nation. And take A Russian that will form his opinion about a Turkish by only socializing with him. These two ways that are strongly connected to each other are essential in the formation of a culture peculiar to a nation. Culture is identification, a tool through which the nation is recognized globally. That’s one of the main reasons why we should preserve our cultural and national peculiarities. All these things mentioned that culture embodies in itself have deep roots formed during thousands of ages, eventually forming the heritage. But they are not the only parts of cultural heritage that should be protected.

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The third part of cultural heritage that needs preservation is the way of creating. This refers to every sphere that requires creating mind. From music to painting, from dance to literature, from architecture to design everything is connected with the creation of something that has cultural value that is born through national peculiarities. So, the folk music, traditional dances, paintings of national figures, ancient architectural buildings are constituent parts of historical heritage as through them the history was passed through the flaw of years. Old buildings such as monuments and memorials, churches and temples, cathedrals and monasteries are the parts of nation’s historical heritage. Humans should understand their value and try to protect them from any harm. However, it is not usually as easy as it sounds. Sometimes heritage is damaged because of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, etc. Historical heritage mostly gets damaged in wars and in times of conflicts. It is reported that 55 World Heritage sites are listed as being in danger, some of them due to conflict. All six of Syria’s UNESCO’S World Heritage sites have been damaged or destroyed in the war. It means that the world has lost six of its significant sites that will hardly be recovered ever. Even though the preservation of historical monuments and sites seems challenging, we all can take part in safeguarding our values. One of the ways we can promote the conservation of our historical culture is to join in UNESCO volunteering programs or simply by making people aware of the importance of preserving these invaluable sites by sharing videos or informative materials through social networking sites. To be kept alive, cultural heritage must remain relevant to a culture and be regularly practiced and learned within communities and between generations.

As Professor Richard Stamps has stated heritage is a bond to our past. Our ancestors made huge efforts in creating those valuable things. They weren’t made just in one day. Those historical values created thousands of years ago have felt the breath of ages passing by. Our previous generations also have tried to preserve them and thanks to them now we have many unique samples of different civilizations and thanks to them now we can have an idea for example how people lived thousands of ages ago, what people read in middle ages, where these peoples went to pray and so on. It is easy to destroy all these values just in a moment but we should try first of all to save them. It is important not only for our future generations, but it also shows our respect towards our ancestors and their great efforts. When natural disasters happen for example, when a fire breaks out in a forest, the forest will be recovered later. But it is not the same with our heritage, if they are destroyed, they are gone forever, even if it is regained, it loses its uniqueness as the creator is not same. As the professor compares, it is like ripping the pages out of the history book. When we preserve our heritage we have the book fully, we have introduction then body of the text and in the end the conclusion. When we destroy part of our heritage, the book loses its structure. So, when as a result of our unwatchful actions, a part of our heritage gets damaged, it gets revealed that we refuse our past as something unneeded and unwanted. The historical heritage that is a part of our heritage and culture is not supposed to be a popular spot so that to be protected. We should take care of every single sample that will remind us about ancient civilizations.

Probably everybody has heard about the fire that broke out beneath the roof of Notre Dame de Paris in Paris in 2019.This was a breaking terrifying news for the whole world. It was regretful to hear that one of the greatest cathedrals of all times was at the edge of devastation. Fortunately attempts to shut down the fire and save the cathedral were successful. But imagine if it the fire broke out in an unknown place, far from the human eyes. We would definitely lose a part of heritage; we would lose the proof of human activity there. We only learn about the sites that are popular among tourists or are recognized internationally. But alongside with so said sites in demand, the sites that are listed at World Heritage Sites list and are much more popular among tourists; there are very many ancient buildings, historical places and monuments that are in danger at the present time. Those unknown sites are also of great value. These sites are also a significant part of our culture, a part of a nation, a result of a human existence. They also need protection and attention, need to be visited, heard and taken care of. The fire of Notre Dame is only a remarkable sample that the mankind is not careful about the environment which includes cultural and historical sites as well. Consequently, here appears one huge why, why we are not conscious about the heritage reached us through ages. This problem has appeared because we are not aware of the significance of conservation of our heritage. One of the solutions of the problem can be involving local people and communities to take part in the preservation process. As an example we can mention that in 2017 The EU has supported a number of initiatives directed at the preservation and promotion of cultural legacies, and has helped local communities find ways to efficiently use local cultural heritage resources for the development of cities, towns and other settlements in Armenia.In the frame of one of the programs which was aimed at making provinces more recognizable by introducing national heritage to the younger generation, camps were organized and children received practical and theoretical information, they saw the monument with their own eyes, also they cleaned the area and learned how to look after the monuments. These children will be the source of spreading this information among their peers and the impact of the program will be extended. Another activity that was organized was locals creating handmade souvenirs, blankets and cases with Armenian patterns and selling them to tourists. Thanks to this program the bond with tourists and the locals will get tighter.

Another way of preserving the cultural- historical heritage is to develop sustainable tourism in the country. In the 21st century tourism has become a major tool for many countries to develop their economies. It has gotten a highly profitable branch of industry as more and more people aspire to explore the world, see its unique places, and get acquainted with the heritage we got thanks to our ancestors. This is one of the main reasons why tourism has a positive effect on the country and its development but there is another side of the coin. Tourism can have a harmful effect due to the stream of unaccustomed visitors that cause damage without realizing the seriousness of their actions. For the solution of this problem nowadays the concept of sustainable/responsible tourism is spread. That is learning to respect the country we visit wholly with its people, environment, culture, customs and traditions. This kind of tourism will not only develop the country’s economy through tourism but also promote the idea of cultural and historical heritage preservation as responsible tourists are aware of its importance. Sustainable tourism contributes to the concept that national identity, the features that differentiates one nation from another, are to be kept and respected. This is a key for developing cultural tourism in a country as tourists are interested in countries with rich history and culture. For example we can mention Armenia where cultural tourism is the most developed branch of tourism thanks to historical and ancient places spread all over country’s territory, till now preserved traditions and customs that are only typical for them. Tourist visit Armenia because people here safeguard their past and are proud to introduce them to others. And the image would be different if they would have nothing distinguishing them from other nations. So, we can see that culture is something specific; it forms the nation’s image, so as long as the culture is preserved, the nation is alive.

The preservation of cultural – historical heritage is a serious issue nowadays. First of all we should understand what culture is and what it encompasses. Culture is composed of tangible and intangible cultures that include nation’s history, religion, traditions, etc. All these things define the nation, in other words they form the nation’s identity. Culture is what makes one nation different from others. So, it is essential to preserve the culture .On one hand by devastating the heritage of historical and cultural value we endanger the chances to develop a cultural tourism in the country as a nation without any distinguishing feature will arose no interest among tourists. On the other hand we underestimate our ancestors ‘great efforts to leave for us a valuable heritage. Heritage is something that connects the past with the present. It carries the information about our previous generations. So, we should be responsible towards our cultural heritage so as to pass it to our future generations. There are several ways for making people aware of the importance of preserving cultural and historical heritage. One of the ways is developing sustainable or responsible tourism in countries which will benefit the heritage conservation as sometimes the uptick in tourism to the sites brings to the further degradation. Another way to safeguard the heritage is to involve local communities in that process. Currently, international organizations organize projects for overcoming this issue. They cooperate with governments and carry out operations together with locals. There are examples which proved that thanks to those projects the idea of cultural- historical heritage preservation gets more extended and encouraged. Cultural-historical heritage is essential for the nation to exist. So it is left for us only to respect cultures and to save them for future generations.

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Essay on Indian Culture for Students and Children

500+ words essay on indian culture.

India is a country that boasts of a rich culture. The culture of India refers to a collection of minor unique cultures. The culture of India comprises of clothing, festivals, languages, religions, music, dance, architecture, food, and art in India. Most noteworthy, Indian culture has been influenced by several foreign cultures throughout its history. Also, the history of India’s culture is several millennia old.

Components of Indian Culture

First of all, Indian origin religions are Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism . All of these religions are based on karma and dharma. Furthermore, these four are called as Indian religions. Indian religions are a major category of world religions along with Abrahamic religions.

Also, many foreign religions are present in India as well. These foreign religions include Abrahamic religions. The Abrahamic religions in India certainly are Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Besides Abrahamic religions, Zoroastrianism and Bahá’í Faith are the other foreign religions which exist in India. Consequently, the presence of so many diverse religions has given rise to tolerance and secularism in Indian culture.

The Joint family system is the prevailing system of Indian culture . Most noteworthy, the family members consist of parents, children, children’s spouses, and offspring. All of these family members live together. Furthermore, the eldest male member is the head of the family.

Arranged marriages are the norm in Indian culture. Probably most Indians have their marriages planned by their parents. In almost all Indian marriages, the bride’s family gives dowry to bridegroom. Weddings are certainly festive occasions in Indian culture. There is involvement of striking decorations, clothing, music, dance, rituals in Indian weddings. Most noteworthy, the divorce rates in India are very low.

India celebrates a huge number of festivals. These festivals are very diverse due to multi-religious and multi-cultural Indian society. Indians greatly value festive occasions. Above all, the whole country joins in the celebrations irrespective of the differences.

Traditional Indian food, arts, music, sports, clothing, and architecture vary significantly across different regions. These components are influenced by various factors. Above all, these factors are geography, climate, culture, and rural/urban setting.

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Perceptions of Indian Culture

Indian culture has been an inspiration to many writers. India is certainly a symbol of unity around the world. Indian culture is certainly very complex. Furthermore, the conception of Indian identity poses certain difficulties. However, despite this, a typical Indian culture does exist. The creation of this typical Indian culture results from some internal forces. Above all, these forces are a robust Constitution, universal adult franchise, secular policy , flexible federal structure, etc.

Indian culture is characterized by a strict social hierarchy. Furthermore, Indian children are taught their roles and place in society from an early age. Probably, many Indians believe that gods and spirits have a role in determining their life. Earlier, traditional Hindus were divided into polluting and non-polluting occupations. Now, this difference is declining.

Indian culture is certainly very diverse. Also, Indian children learn and assimilate in the differences. In recent decades, huge changes have taken place in Indian culture. Above all, these changes are female empowerment , westernization, a decline of superstition, higher literacy , improved education, etc.

To sum it up, the culture of India is one of the oldest cultures in the World. Above all, many Indians till stick to the traditional Indian culture in spite of rapid westernization. Indians have demonstrated strong unity irrespective of the diversity among them. Unity in Diversity is the ultimate mantra of Indian culture.

FAQs on Indian Culture

Q1 What are the Indian religions?

A1 Indian religions refer to a major category of religion. Most noteworthy, these religions have their origin in India. Furthermore, the major Indian religions are Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.

Q2 What are changes that have taken place in Indian culture in recent decades?

A2 Certainly, many changes have taken place in Indian culture in recent decades. Above all, these changes are female empowerment, westernization, a decline of superstition, higher literacy, improved education, etc.

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Short Essay: Our Culture Our Pride

Three short essay examples on our culture, our pride. Based on India.

Table of Contents

Our Culture Our Pride Example 1

India is a country that is rich in history, culture, and tradition. Our culture is our identity and pride, and it has been passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years. The cultural traditions such as music, dance, art, literature, and cuisine have been celebrated and preserved throughout the nation. As a nation, we should embrace and promote our culture to preserve our national identity and promote unity among the diverse communities that make up our country. In this essay, we will explore the importance of our culture and why it is essential to preserve and celebrate it.

India has a rich cultural heritage that spans thousands of years. Our culture is diverse and unique, and it is a source of pride for our nation. The ancient Indian civilization has contributed significantly to the world in the fields of science, mathematics, philosophy, and literature. The Indus Valley Civilization is one of the oldest civilizations in the world, dating back to 2500 BCE. It is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of India, which has been preserved and passed down from generation to generation. Indian history is a reflection of its culture, and it is essential to preserve it for future generations.

Cultural traditions such as music, dance, and cuisine are celebrated and preserved throughout the country. Indian music is one of the oldest forms of music in the world, and it has a unique style that is different from Western music. Indian classical music has been passed down from generation to generation, and it is still popular today. Indian dance is also a reflection of our culture, and it is an essential part of our cultural heritage. Various dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Kuchipudi are popular across the country. Indian cuisine is also diverse and unique, and it varies from region to region. The spices and herbs used in Indian cuisine are known for their medicinal properties and have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine.

Embracing and promoting our culture is important for preserving our national identity and promoting unity among diverse communities. India is a diverse country, and it is home to people from different religions, castes, and ethnicities. Our culture is a unifying force that brings people together, and it promotes unity in diversity. By embracing and promoting our culture, we can preserve our national identity and promote harmony among diverse communities. It is also essential to teach our children about our culture and heritage so that they can pass it down to future generations.

In conclusion, our culture is our identity and pride, and it is essential to preserve and celebrate it. India has a rich cultural heritage that spans thousands of years, and it is a source of pride for our nation. Cultural traditions such as music, dance, and cuisine are celebrated and preserved throughout the country. By embracing and promoting our culture, we can preserve our national identity and promote unity among diverse communities. As a nation, we should take pride in our culture and heritage and pass it down to future generations.

Our Culture Our Pride Example 2

India is a land of diverse cultures, traditions, and religions. The country’s rich heritage is deeply rooted in its history and has been passed down through generations. From the majestic Himalayas in the north to the lush green forests in the south, India is a melting pot of cultures that has thrived for centuries. The Indian culture is a source of pride for many Indians, and it is celebrated across the world for its vibrancy and diversity. In this essay, we will explore the various aspects of Indian culture and how it has become a source of pride for the nation.

Indian culture is one of the oldest and most diverse in the world. It is steeped in history and tradition, and its roots can be traced back to ancient times. The country has been invaded and ruled by various empires throughout history, including the Mughals, the British, and the Portuguese. Each of these empires has left its mark on Indian culture, making it a unique blend of different cultures. The Indian culture is known for its colorful festivals, vibrant attire, and rich cuisine. The country’s art and architecture are also a testament to its rich cultural heritage. The world-famous Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is a testament to India’s architectural brilliance.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Indian culture is its diversity. Cultural practices and beliefs vary greatly across different regions and communities in India. For example, the tradition of arranged marriages is prevalent in some parts of the country, while in others, love marriages are more common. Similarly, the way festivals are celebrated, the food that is eaten, and the clothes that are worn vary from region to region. Despite these differences, Indian culture has a unifying force that brings people together. The country’s national festivals, such as Diwali and Holi, are celebrated with great fervor across the nation, regardless of religion or region.

Indian culture is celebrated globally through its cuisine, music, dance, festivals, and spiritual practices. Indian food is famous across the world for its diverse flavors and spices. Indian music and dance have also gained popularity globally, with Bollywood being a significant contributor to the industry. Indian festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Durga Puja are celebrated across the world, bringing people closer and spreading the message of love and unity. Indian spiritual practices, such as yoga and meditation, have also gained popularity globally, with people from all over the world practicing them for their physical and mental benefits.

In conclusion, Indian culture is a source of pride for the nation. It is rich, diverse, and steeped in history and tradition. The country’s cultural practices and beliefs vary greatly across different regions and communities, making it a unique blend of different cultures. Indian culture is celebrated globally, and its cuisine, music, dance, festivals, and spiritual practices have gained popularity across the world. Despite the differences, Indian culture has a unifying force that brings people together and spreads the message of love and unity. The Indian culture is truly something to be proud of.

Our Culture Our Pride Example 3

India is a land of diversity, and its culture is a reflection of its rich heritage. The country is known for its unity in diversity, which is evident in its various religions, languages, and traditions. India has a unique identity that distinguishes it from other nations in the world. Its diverse culture is the result of the amalgamation of different cultures over thousands of years. The country’s culture is a source of pride for all its citizens and is celebrated worldwide. In this essay, we will explore India’s diverse culture and why it is essential to preserve and promote it.

India is a land of diversity, and its culture is a reflection of its rich heritage. The country has a diverse population that includes people from different religions, languages, and traditions. Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism are some of the significant religions in India. Each religion has its unique customs and traditions, which are an integral part of Indian culture. India also has a vast linguistic diversity, with over 22 official languages and over 1,600 dialects spoken across the country. Each language has its unique literature, music, and traditions, which add to the country’s cultural diversity.

Indian traditions are ancient and have been passed down from generation to generation. They are an essential part of Indian culture and reflect the country’s rich heritage. Indian weddings, for example, are grand affairs that last for several days and include various rituals and ceremonies. Similarly, Indian festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Eid are celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal across the country. These festivals are not only an occasion for celebrations but also an opportunity for people to come together and bond over their shared cultural heritage.

Traditional art forms such as dance, music, and handicrafts showcase India’s rich cultural heritage. Indian classical music is renowned worldwide for its intricate rhythms and melodies. Similarly, Indian classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Kuchipudi are known for their grace and elegance. Indian handicrafts such as pottery, textiles, and jewelry are also unique and reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage. Each state in India has its unique handicrafts, which are a source of pride for the people of that state.

Indian cinema is also an essential part of Indian culture and has a global audience. Bollywood, as Indian cinema is popularly known, is the largest film industry in the world, producing over 1,500 films annually. Indian cinema reflects the country’s diverse culture and has contributed to the country’s soft power. Indian actors and actresses are popular worldwide, and Indian films are screened in various international film festivals.

Preserving and promoting Indian culture is important for national identity and global recognition. India’s diverse culture is a source of pride for its citizens and is celebrated worldwide. However, with globalization and modernization, there is a risk of losing traditional values and customs. It is, therefore, essential to preserve and promote Indian culture to ensure that it continues to thrive.

The Indian government has taken several initiatives to promote Indian culture, such as organizing cultural festivals, setting up cultural centers abroad, and promoting Indian cuisine and handicrafts. Various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are also working towards the preservation of Indian culture. They organize workshops, seminars, and cultural events to raise awareness about India’s rich cultural heritage.

In conclusion, India’s diverse culture is a source of pride for all its citizens. It is a reflection of the country’s rich heritage and distinguishes India from other nations in the world. Traditional art forms, such as dance, music, and handicrafts, showcase India’s cultural diversity. It is essential to preserve and promote Indian culture to ensure that it continues to thrive and receives global recognition. By doing so, we can ensure that our culture remains our pride.

About Mr. Greg

Mr. Greg is an English teacher from Edinburgh, Scotland, currently based in Hong Kong. He has over 5 years teaching experience and recently completed his PGCE at the University of Essex Online. In 2013, he graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a BEng(Hons) in Computing, with a focus on social media.

Mr. Greg’s English Cloud was created in 2020 during the pandemic, aiming to provide students and parents with resources to help facilitate their learning at home.

Whatsapp: +85259609792

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Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — Personal Identity — The Important Aspect of My Personal Identity: My Cultural Heritage

The Important Aspect of My Personal Identity: My Cultural Heritage

Categories: Cultural Identity Personal Identity

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Published: Sep 7, 2023

Words: 877 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Introduction, defining identity, an aspect of my personal identity, influences on my experiences, impact on my perspectives, influence on relationships, contributions to goals and values, contribution to personal growth and development.

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Indian Heritage Essay

India boasts off a rich heritage that bespeaks of its glorious past. Our ancestors have preserved our cultural and monumental heritage since centuries and we must maintain the tradition. Our heritage connects us to our roots and tells us where we really belong.

They are the reminiscence of our glorious past and rich culture. Our heritage is a hereditary possession that we have got from our fore fathers and it is our duty to keep it intact. Not only this, we must also handover the heritage to our future generation, when the time comes, as we had received it from our ancestors. Indian heritage is the identity of India and her people, without which there would be no history at all.

Long and Short Essay on Indian Heritage in English

Here we have provided short and long essay on Indian Heritage of varying lengths to help you with the topic in your exam.

After reading these short and long Indian heritage essay you will know what is Indian heritage and how significant is it to the country and its pupil.

You can select any Indian Heritage Essay as per your need and interest and use it during essay, speech giving or debate competition in your school or college.

Short Essay on Indian Heritage – Essay 1 (200 words)

Indian heritage dates back several centuries. It is vast and vibrant. We have valued our culture and tradition ever since the beginning and have preserved it beautifully for our future generations. Our cultural heritage is of utmost importance to us. No matter how much we have progressed and how far we plan to reach, we can never forget our culture and traditions as they are embedded in us and are an inseparable part of ours.

India is a land of varied cultures and traditions. People from numerous castes, religions and creeds reside in our country. Each of these castes and religions has its own customs and traditions. The culture followed by every religious group has deep underlying roots and is followed with unwavering faith.

Each religion has its own set of festivals, dance forms, music and various other art forms and each of these has its own charm. The beauty of our culture is that we not only have respect for our heritage but also show respect for that of other religions too. This is the reason why the vivid Indian heritage has survived since centuries.

Besides, we also have a magnificent monumental heritage. Most of the beautiful edifices built by the past rulers still stand tall and exhibit our royal past. We take pride in our heritage.

Essay on Indian Heritage and Culture – Essay 2 (300 words)

Introduction

India is a culturally rich country. People from different religions, castes and ethnic groups reside in our country adding to its vibrancy and diversity. Each ethnic group in our country has its own tale of origin and its set of unique traditions and culture.

Indian Customs and Traditions

Indian customs and traditions encourage us to stay humble, respect others and live harmoniously in the society. We value our customs and traditions immensely. These are embedded in our lifestyle and many of the decisions we take are based on our cultural and traditional values. These are passed on from generation to generation.

The Indian festivals are a reflection of the country’s culture and tradition. There is a set traditional pattern in which these are celebrated. This pattern is being followed since the ancient times. These celebrations offer a great way to meet and greet our loved ones and bring in positive energy. These are a part of our rich heritage.

Indian Art Forms: A Part of Its Heritage

The various art forms such as different kinds of classical dances, music and paintings are also a part of our heritage. Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi and Odissi are some of the famous Indian dance forms. Carnatic music, Thumri, Rabindra Sangeet, Odissi and folk music are India’s contribution in the field of music. The Madhubani painting, Mughal painting, Tanjore painting, Mysore painting and Pahari Painting are some of the beautiful forms of paintings originated in India.

Indian Monuments

Indian monuments add to the galore of its heritage. Each of our monuments is known for its marvellous architectural design. Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Sun Konark temple, Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi, Brihadishwara Temple, Hawa Mahal and Mysore Palace are some of the heritage monuments of our country.

Our culture, tradition, monuments, literature and various art forms form a part of our heritage. These have been appreciated worldwide. We are proud to be a part of a country with such a vivacious culture.

Essay on Preserving Indian Heritage – Essay 3 (400 words)

Indian Heritage is known for its vastness. It includes our cultural heritage, our monumental heritage, our literature and various other works of art. Our heritage dates back several centuries. With time both our tangible and intangible heritages are fading away. We need to take it as our responsibility to preserve our rich heritage and pass it on to our future generations.

Preserving Our Customs

Indians value their customs and traditions immensely. Since childhood we have been taught to act in a certain manner and refrain from indulging in certain practices so as to remain true to our culture. Indian customs and traditions are beautiful. They encourage us to stay humble and respect others. We must preserve them and instill the same in our future generations as they contribute in building a better society.

Preserving Our Literature

Indian literature is as rich as its culture. We have numerous books written since the ancient times. We have the Vedic literature, epic Sanskrit literature, Classic Sanskrit literature and Pali literature among other kinds of Indian literature. These have been written by some of the most learned men those have ever existed on Earth. Our books shed pearls of wisdom and were not only true to their times but also have the power to create a positive impact even today. Such a wonderful and rich literature must be preserved at any cost.

Many of our books are being translated to other languages to provide access to greater number of readers so that more and people can benefit from the knowledge shared through them. Many of these are also being uploaded on the internet. This is a good way of preserving our literature.

Preserving Our Heritage Sites

India encompasses numerous heritage sites – both natural and man-made. Some of the most beautiful heritage sites belong to our country. Their beauty has been appreciated worldwide. However, many of these are deteriorating with time. Natural calamities as well as human negligence are contributing to the deterioration of these beautiful heritage sites.

Many of these are losing their chance and may diminish in the times to come if we do not make an effort to preserve them. These are a reflection of our historical and cultural past and we should not lose them. Besides, these sites also contribute in the country’s economy as they attract tourists from around the world. The government must take stringent steps to preserve these heritage sites. We must also contribute whatever little we can in this direction.

We are blessed with a beautiful heritage. We must all take it as our responsibility to preserve the same so that our future generations also get to see and experience the same.

Essay on Natural Heritage of India – Essay 4 (500 words)

India is known to have a rich natural heritage. This is because of the country’s vast geographical area. The climatic conditions of different parts of the country differ because of the huge geographical expanse. While the northern regions experience extremely cold climate, the southern tip sees high temperature. Due to the huge disparity of the climatic conditions and landforms, India has a rich biodiversity. It also encompasses different kinds of breathtaking geological structures.

Richness of Flora and Fauna

India is known to be a mega diversified nation. We have rich and diverse variety of plants growing in different parts of the country. We take pride in the fact that two of the world’s biodiversity hotspots are present in our country- Western Ghats and Eastern Himalayas. These have been termed so because of their exceptionally high level of richness of species. There are more than 45,500 species of plants in India and many of these are found particularly in our country. We have some of the most beautiful flowering plants that are rarely found anywhere else. Indians also cultivate numerous kinds of crops and export them to the rest of the world.

India also has thousands of species of fauna that reside in different regions of the country. From the Bengal Tiger to the Yak in Himalayas – the richness of biodiversity in animals in India remains unmatched. We also have approximately 1,200 species of beautiful and colourful birds that add to the biodiversity of our country. These are a delight to watch. Many of these species of plants and animals are found only in India.

Beautiful Geological Structures

India is also home for numerous beautiful geological structures found in different parts of the country. Some of the most splendid geological structures that form a part of our country include Lonar Crater Lake, Siachen Glacier, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Pillar Rocks, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, Barren Island, Andamans, Magnetic Hill, Leh, Columnar Basaltic Lava, Udupi Karnataka and Toad Rock, Mount Abu, Rajasthan.

All these sites are true wonders of the nature. Numerous tourists from around the world especially visit these places just to catch a glimpse of these marvellous creations of God.

UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites in India

It is a matter of great honour for every Indian that some of our beautiful geological places have been enlisted in UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites. These sites include:

Kaziranga National Park : Home for the rare one-horned rhinoceros, this was declared World Heritage Site in 1985.
Keoladeo National Park : Home for numerous species of beautiful birds, this was also declared World Heritage Site in 1985.
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary : This beautiful wildlife sanctuary was also declared World Heritage Site in 1985.
Sundarbans National Park : It came to be known as the World Heritage Site in the year 1987.
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Park : This beautiful and serene natural surrounding was enlisted as the World Heritage Site in 2004.
Western Ghats : One of the most beautiful places in our country this was declared World Heritage Site in 2012.
Great Himalayan National Park : This beautiful place was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2014.

The magnificence of India’s natural heritage invokes a feeling of pride in every Indian. India is a land of diversity which adds to its beauty and richness.

Long Essay on Indian Heritage and the New Generation – Essay 5 (600 words)

Indian Heritage is known to be one of the richest worldwide. Our ancestors have bestowed a beautiful cultural and traditional heritage on us. We are also lucky to have a splendid natural heritage that encompasses rich biodiversity and spectacular geological structures.

Besides, our stunning monumental heritage attracts people from different parts of the world. Indian heritage has been preserved since centuries and is being passed on from one generation to another. But does the new technology driven generation value the Indian heritage as much as the earlier ones? Will it b able to preserve it and pass on further or will our heritage fade away soon? These are a few questions that haunt the older generations as they want our heritage to remain intact.

Indian Heritage: A Gift from the Older Generations to the Younger Generation

Indian heritage is vast and vivid. It is vast because of the large number of religious groups residing in our country. Each religious group has its own set of customs and traditions which it passes on to its younger generation. However, some of our customs and traditions remain the same throughout India. For instance, our tradition includes respecting our elders, helping the needy, speaking the truth and welcoming guests and treating them nicely. Our traditions teach us to inculcate good habits and make us a good human being.

Our cultural heritage is thus a precious gift from our older generation to help us become a better human being and build a harmonious society.

Value of Indian Heritage for New Generation

Our cultural heritage has remained intact since centuries however its charm seems to be declining in the current times. It seems like the new generation does not seem to value our cultural heritage as much.

Our society has seen tremendous changes in the last few decades. The colonization of our country by the British brought western culture to our country. The age old traditions began to change. Today, Indian attire is highly influenced by the Western culture. Our ancient education system of gurukul was replaced by new kind of schools and many other changes were brought about in that era. Since then, there has been no looking back.

Our society has seen numerous changes. For instance, our joint family system faded away giving way to the new nuclear family system. The growth in technology and the advent of internet and smart phones have further distanced us from our cultural heritage. The western culture allures the youths of the country and most of them look down upon our culture and traditions.

The young generation is so engrossed in its own world and has become so self centric that it does not pay much heed to the cultural values given by the elders.

Invoking Love and Respect for Indian Heritage

It is the duty of the elders to invoke love for the Indian heritage in the younger generations. This must be done from the very beginning only then we can preserve our rich heritage.

One way of invoking love for our heritage is by acquainting the young generation with our glorious past. This would help in invoking a feeling of pride in them and they would be inspired to continue the tradition and also pass it on to the new generation. This needs a collective effort by the teachers as well as parents.

Schools must teach students about the Indian heritage and how it has survived for centuries. They must also share the importance of preserving it.

Young generation must not only preserve the cultural heritage of India but should also be progressive towards preserving the monumental and natural heritage of our country.

Related Information:

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Essay on Indian Heritage in English for Students and Children

Table of Contents

Essay on Indian Heritage: Heritage refers to the valuable legacy passed down to us by our forebears and our history. India boasts a rich tapestry of diverse cultures and customs. Our nation is home to people from various backgrounds, including different castes, religions, and beliefs. Each community in our country has its own unique history, traditions, and way of life.

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Indian Heritage in English – Long and Short Essay

Here we have provided short and long essays on Indian Heritage of varying lengths to help you with the topic in your exam.

After reading these short and long Indian heritage essays, you will know what Indian heritage is and how significant it is to the country and its pupil.

You can select any Indian Heritage Essay per your need and interest and use it during the essay, speech giving, or debate competition in your school or college.

Short Essay on Indian Heritage – Essay 1 (200 words)

Indian heritage dates back several centuries. It is vast and vibrant. We have valued our culture and tradition since the beginning and have preserved them beautifully for future generations. Our cultural heritage is of utmost importance to us. No matter how much we have progressed and how far we plan to reach, we can never forget our culture and traditions as they are embedded in us and are an inseparable part of ours.

India is a land of varied cultures and traditions. People from numerous castes, religions, and creeds reside in our country. Each of these castes and religions has its own customs and traditions. The culture followed by every religious group has deep underlying roots and is followed with unwavering faith.

Each religion has its own set of festivals, dance forms, music, and various other art forms, and each of these has its own charm. The beauty of our culture is that we not only have respect for our heritage but also show respect for other religions. This is the reason why the vivid Indian heritage has survived for centuries.

Besides, we also have a magnificent monumental heritage. Most of the beautiful edifices built by the past rulers still stand tall and exhibit our royal past. We take pride in our heritage.

Essay on Indian Heritage and Culture – Essay 2 (300 words)

India is a culturally rich country. People from different religions, castes, and ethnic groups reside in our country, adding to its vibrancy and diversity. Each ethnic group in our country has its tale of origin and set of unique traditions and cultures.

Indian Customs and Traditions

Indian customs and traditions encourage us to stay humble, respect others and live harmoniously in society. We value our customs and traditions immensely. These are embedded in our lifestyle, and many decisions are based on our cultural and traditional values. These are passed on from generation to generation.

The Indian festivals are a reflection of the country’s culture and tradition. There is a set traditional pattern in which these are celebrated. This pattern has been followed since ancient times. These celebrations offer a great way to meet and greet our loved ones and bring positive energy. These are a part of our rich heritage.

Indian Art Forms: A Part of Its Heritage

The various art forms, such as different kinds of classical dances, music, and paintings, are also a part of our heritage. Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, and Odissi are famous Indian dance forms. Carnatic music, Thumri, Rabindra Sangeet, Odissi, and folk music are India’s contributions to the field of music. The Madhubani, Mughal, Tanjore, Mysore, and Pahari paintings are some of the beautiful forms of paintings that originated in India.

Indian monuments add to the galore of its heritage. Each of our monuments is known for its marvellous architectural design. Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Sun Konark temple, Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi, Brihadishwara Temple, Hawa Mahal, and Mysore Palace are some of the heritage monuments of our country.

Essay on Preserving Indian Heritage – Essay 3 (400 words)

Indian Heritage is known for its vastness. It includes our cultural heritage, monumental heritage, literature, and other works of art. Our heritage dates back several centuries. With time both our tangible and intangible heritages are fading away. We must take it as our responsibility to preserve our rich heritage and pass it on to future generations.

Preserving Our Customs

Indians value their customs and traditions immensely. Since childhood, we have been taught to act in a certain manner and refrain from indulging in certain practices so as to remain true to our culture. Indian customs and traditions are beautiful. They encourage us to stay humble and respect others. We must preserve them and instil them in future generations as they contribute to a better society.

Preserving Our Literature

Indian literature is as rich as its culture. We have numerous books written since ancient times. We have Vedic literature, epic Sanskrit literature, Classic Sanskrit literature, and Pali literature, among other kinds of Indian literature. These have been written by some of the most learned men who have ever existed on Earth. Our books shed pearls of wisdom, were true to their times, and have the power to create a positive impact even today. Such wonderful and rich literature must be preserved at any cost.

Many of our books are being translated into other languages to provide access to more readers so that more people can benefit from the knowledge shared through them. Many of these are also being uploaded on the internet. This is a good way of preserving our literature.

Preserving Our Heritage Sites

India encompasses numerous heritage sites – both natural and man-made. Some of the most beautiful heritage sites belong to our country. Their beauty has been appreciated worldwide. However, many of these deteriorate with time. Natural calamities, as well as human negligence, are contributing to the deterioration of these beautiful heritage sites.

Many of these are losing their chance and may diminish in the coming times if we do not try to preserve them. These reflect our historical and cultural past, and we should not lose them. Besides, these sites also contribute to the country’s economy as they attract tourists worldwide. The government must take stringent steps to preserve these heritage sites. We must also contribute whatever little we can in this direction.

Essay on Natural Heritage of India – Essay 4 (500 words)

India is known to have a rich natural heritage. This is because of the country’s vast geographical area. The climatic conditions of different parts of the country differ because of the huge geographical expanse. While the northern regions experience extremely cold climates, the southern tip sees high temperatures. Due to the huge disparity in climatic conditions and landforms, India has a rich biodiversity. It also encompasses different kinds of breathtaking geological structures.

The richness of Flora and Fauna

India is known to be a mega-diversified nation. We have rich and diverse plants growing in different parts of the country. We take pride in two of the world’s biodiversity hotspots in our country- the Western Ghats and the Eastern Himalayas. These have been termed so because of their exceptionally high level of species richness. There are more than 45,500 plants in India, many of which are found in our country. We have some of the most beautiful flowering plants that are rarely found anywhere else. Indians also cultivate numerous crops and export them to the rest of the world.

India also has thousands of species of fauna in different regions. From the Bengal Tiger to the Yak in the Himalayas – the richness of biodiversity in animals in India remains unmatched. We also have approximately 1,200 species of beautiful and colourful birds that add to the biodiversity of our country. These are a delight to watch. Many of these species of plants and animals are found only in India.

Beautiful Geological Structures

India is also home to numerous beautiful geological structures in different parts of the country. Some of the most splendid geological structures that form a part of our country include Lonar Crater Lake, Siachen Glacier, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Pillar Rocks, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, Barren Island, Andamans, Magnetic Hill, Leh, Columnar Basaltic Lava, Udupi Karnataka, and Toad Rock, Mount Abu, Rajasthan.

All these sites are true wonders of nature. Numerous tourists from around the world especially visit these places to catch a glimpse of these marvellous creations of God.

UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites in India

It is a matter of great honour for every Indian that some of our beautiful geological places have been enlisted in UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites. These sites include:

Kaziranga National Park : Home to the rare one-horned rhinoceros, this was declared World Heritage Site in 1985.
Keoladeo National Park : Home to numerous species of beautiful birds, this was also declared World Heritage Site in 1985.
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary : This beautiful wildlife sanctuary was also declared World Heritage Site in 1985.
Sundarbans National Park : It became known as the World Heritage Site in 1987.
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Park : This beautiful and serene natural surrounding was enlisted as a World Heritage Site in 2004.
Western Ghats : One of the most beautiful places in our country, this was declared World Heritage Site in 2012.
Great Himalayan National Park : This beautiful place was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.

Long Essay on Indian Heritage and the New Generation – Essay 5 (600 words)

Indian Heritage is known to be one of the richest worldwide. Our ancestors have bestowed a beautiful cultural and traditional heritage on us. We are lucky to have a splendid natural heritage encompassing rich biodiversity and spectacular geological structures.

Besides, our stunning monumental heritage attracts people from different parts of the world. Indian heritage has been preserved for centuries and passed on from generation to generation. But does the new technology-driven generation value the Indian heritage as much as the earlier ones? Will it b able to preserve and passed on further, or will our heritage fade away soon? These are a few questions that haunt the older generations as they want our heritage to remain intact.

Indian Heritage: A Gift from the Older Generations to the Younger Generation

Indian heritage is vast and vivid. It is vast because of the large number of religious groups in our country. Each religious group has its customs and traditions, which it passes on to its younger generation. However, some of our customs and traditions remain the same throughout India. For instance, our tradition includes respecting our elders, helping the needy, speaking the truth, welcoming guests, and treating them nicely. Our traditions teach us to inculcate good habits and make us good human beings.

Our cultural heritage is thus a precious gift from our older generation to help us become better human beings and build a harmonious society.

Value of Indian Heritage for New Generation

Our cultural heritage has remained intact for centuries; however, its charm seems to be declining in the current times. The new generation does not seem to value our cultural heritage as much.

Our society has seen tremendous changes in the last few decades. The colonization of our country by the British brought western culture to our country. The age-old traditions began to change. Today, Indian attire is highly influenced by Western culture. New kinds of schools replaced our ancient gurukul education system, and many other changes were brought about in that era. Since then, there has been no looking back.

Our society has seen numerous changes. For instance, our joint family system faded away, giving way to the new nuclear family system. Technological growth and the advent of the internet and smartphones have further distanced us from our cultural heritage. Western culture allures the country’s youths, and most look down upon our culture and traditions.

The young generation is so engrossed in its world and has become so self-centric that it does not pay much heed to the cultural values given by the elders.

Invoking Love and Respect for Indian Heritage

The elders must invoke love for the Indian heritage in the younger generations. This must be done from the very beginning. Only then can we preserve our rich heritage.

One way of invoking love for our heritage is by acquainting the young generation with our glorious past. This would help invoke a feeling of pride in them, and they would be inspired to continue the tradition and pass it on to the new generation. This needs a collective effort by the teachers as well as parents.

Schools must teach students about Indian heritage and how it has survived for centuries. They must also share the importance of preserving it.

Related topics on World Heritage Day in India

Essay on Indian Heritage FAQs

What is indian heritage.

Indian heritage refers to the rich and ancient traditions, customs, and culture that have been passed down through generations in India. It includes art, music, dance, languages, religions, and historical knowledge that make up the country's unique identity.

What are the types of heritage in India?

Cultural Heritage: This includes historical monuments, traditions, art, and music that have been passed down through generations. Natural Heritage: It refers to the country's natural beauty and includes national parks, wildlife, and scenic landscapes.

What is the biggest heritage of India?

The biggest heritage of India is its rich and diverse culture, including its ancient traditions, art, and history, which have been passed down for thousands of years.

What is the main heritage of India?

The main heritage of India includes its rich history and culture, which includes ancient traditions, art, music, and diverse languages.

Short Essay on Our Culture Our Identity [100, 200, 400 Words] With PDF

Culture is the most significant identity of human beings. So, knowing own culture is very much important. In this lesson today, you will learn how to write an essay on the popular phrase: Our Culture Our Identity.

Feature image of Short Essay on Our Culture Our Identity

Short Essay on Our Culture Our Identity in 100 Words

Culture plays an important role in our lives. Every person is unique and different from the other. It is mainly because of their culture. People belong to several nations and communities. So their language changes, their dresses are different, their habits also do not match with each other. All of these happen because we belong to several cultures.

Our culture builds us to be complete human beings. It is our identity. Culture affects our behaviour, manners, and style. It includes the nature we have. Also, it comes from our family background, the teachings we receive and the moral education that we are given. If we are well cultured, then everyone will praise us.

Short Essay on Our Culture Our Identity in 200 Words

The line ‘ Our culture our identity’ comes from the country Nepal. Nepal is a land of diversity. It has various types of flora, fauna, festivals, food, dresses, and culture. But now this is applicable to every country living on Earth. Culture is a part of our identity. It builds our character and manners. If we are cultured, then we are praised by all.

Culture also includes language and our behaviour. It also contains our social activities. Culture differs from person to person. It happens due to different nations. We grow up under a definite culture. It affects our moral development. Culture comes both from our family and also from our surroundings.

Culture Whatever we believe comes from our culture. It remains throughout our life. Nowadays, several people are going to different countries. They study or work abroad. Then the culture of that foreign land affects the person. He mixes the foreign culture with his own. Everything in our life is controlled by culture. It makes us what we are. Our wishes are also part of our culture.

When we succeed in our life, our culture is praised. Culture includes our religions and festivals. Durga puja is now an important festival in foreign countries. All know about Durga Puja. So this helps the Hindu religion and Indian culture get more popular. We live for our culture. Our culture is our pride.

Short Essay on Our Culture Our Identity in 400 Words

We are Indians and we are proud of our nation. We are proud of its people, culture, diversity, independence, nature, and surroundings. What is important for us is the culture we have. Culture makes our identity. As Indians, we have a specific culture. It is different from what others have.

Our culture separates us from others. It is something that makes us unique. It teaches the right and the wrong. We start learning about our culture from childhood. So that we can forever remember it. So culture is our strength. If we follow our culture and its rules, then we will be praised forever.

The identity of a person is formed by his culture. Whatever we believe comes from that. If we have plans for the future, then our culture helps us in it. When we work for our nation, our culture is praised. Every culture has its own value. We cannot forget that. As we grow up, we have to maintain those values. It helps to grow our lives. It makes our lives more beautiful.

These values are different from one another. Every country has its own culture. It has its own values and morals. We see different habits, people, their practices, festivals, foods, clothes, and language. All of these happen because of culture. Our behaviour and manners are also important. It shows how beautiful our culture is.

We are taught about our culture from our childhood. Parents always teach their children about the cultures of their country. Even a small society has a separate rule. Culture comes from our family. If we are well behaved, then people praise our family background. Our grandparents also give us lessons on our culture. They are old and wise.

They know a lot about the culture of the nation. Our environment plays an important role in building us as well. If we have a bad surrounding, then it affects us. We do not learn good manners, we become rough, and also go the wrong way. It becomes very difficult for us to adjust if our culture is not good. So culture creates good and strong personalities.

The line ‘our culture our identity’ comes from Nepal. Nepal is a land of diversity. It has a different language, nature, clothes, food, festivals and people. But now this is applicable to all countries. Culture is very important for us. We must know about it. It makes us proud of what we have. A cultured person is always the best human being on Earth.

In this session today, you have learned how you can write essays on the popular topic: Our Culture Our Identity. In this lesson, I have tried to discuss the topic from a very easy perspective to make it easier to understand for all kinds of students. If you still have any doubts regarding this context, post them in the comment section below.

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My Cultural Identity

This essay about my culture explores the unique blend of Eastern European heritage and northeastern United States customs that define my cultural identity. It discusses how cuisine serves as a vital cultural expression, blending traditional dishes with local flavors to create a rich tapestry of food that marks both familial and festive gatherings. The essay also touches on the role of language, noting how Polish and Ukrainian phrases permeate family conversations, preserving the linguistic heritage of my ancestors. Additionally, it describes the influence of the local environment on community activities that are deeply intertwined with the changing seasons, reflecting a strong connection to both place and tradition. Finally, the essay highlights core values such as hard work, resilience, and the importance of education, which have been inherited from immigrant ancestors and remain central to my cultural ethos today. Overall, the essay paints a picture of a dynamic cultural identity that merges historical legacies with contemporary life.

How it works

The journey into one’s cultural realm is a labyrinthine expedition, traversing the intricacies of personal and collective identity. It entails an immersion into the labyrinth of traditions, ethos, and societal mores that thread through generations, etching indelible imprints upon the psyche and conduct of individuals within a social milieu. Contemplating the inquiry, “What defines my cultural essence?” compels me to navigate through a mosaic of historical legacies, geographical contexts, and socio-cultural landscapes that delineate my distinct cultural tapestry.

At its nucleus, my cultural ethos embodies an amalgamation of indigenous norms from the northeastern expanse of the United States and the inherited legacies of Eastern European forebears.

This fusion bequeaths a singular modus vivendi that exalts the fortitude of immigrant enclaves juxtaposed against the whirlwind of innovation characterizing contemporary American ethos. The cultural ethos, encapsulated within gastronomic delights, festive revelries, and oral traditions, serves as a testament to the resilience of diasporic narratives amidst the currents of adaptation and assimilation.

The culinary arena emerges as a palpable terrain of cultural expression, where ancestral lore converges with contemporary culinary sensibilities. The hearth becomes a crucible where ancestral legacies intermingle with contemporary innovations, engendering a palimpsest of flavors that narrate tales of diasporic odyssey. Holiday repasts bear witness to this cultural communion, wherein quintessential American fare harmonizes with Eastern European delicacies such as pierogi and borscht, each culinary creation a testament to the odyssey of migration and acculturation.

Language, with its vernacular cadences and idiomatic lexicon, constitutes a linchpin of my cultural identity. While English serves as the lingua franca of quotidian discourse, vestiges of Slavic linguistic heritage punctuate familial colloquy, particularly in matters pertaining to culinary alchemy and familial camaraderie. Though the younger generation may not wield these linguistic nuances fluently, they serve as mnemonic vestiges of ancestral provenance, kindling sentiments of pride and nostalgia amidst familial communion.

Community life serves as a tableau vivant, wherein the seasonal vicissitudes of nature choreograph communal rites and festivities. Residing in locales where seasonal transitions orchestrate the cadence of daily life, communal engagements are inextricably intertwined with the flux of natural cycles: autumnal revelries, winter frolics, vernal rejuvenation, and summertime sojourns to coastal enclaves. Each season bequeaths its pantheon of rituals and festivities, many of which are testament to the adaptive ingenuity of diasporic communities in synchronizing ancestral legacies with local landscapes.

Furthermore, my cultural ethos is imbued with a valorization of toil, tenacity, and the pursuit of knowledge. These cardinal virtues, bequeathed by predecessors who traversed oceans in pursuit of greener pastures, reverberate resoundingly within our family’s ethos, shaping our approach towards life’s vicissitudes and aspirations. Manifesting in a reverence for scholastic pursuits and vocational pursuits, these values mirror the broader American zeitgeist of ambition and individual endeavor.

In summation, my cultural identity emerges as a symphony of epochs, a confluence of bygone legacies and emergent narratives. It is characterized by a variegated epicurean repertoire, a polyglot linguistic mosaic, a tapestry of communal conviviality, and an ethos steeped in ancestral wisdom and aspirational verve. The odyssey of exploring and articulating the intricacies of my cultural ethos not only engenders a profound rapport with ancestral moorings but also fosters a heightened appreciation for the kaleidoscopic diversity enshrined within the tapestry of global cultures.

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A Culture Warrior Takes a Late Swing

The editor and essayist Joseph Epstein looks back on his life and career in two new books.

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A photograph of a man riding a unicycle down the hallway of a home. He is wearing a blue button-down shirt, a dark tie and khakis.

By Dwight Garner

NEVER SAY YOU’VE HAD A LUCKY LIFE: Especially If You’ve Had a Lucky Life , by Joseph Epstein

FAMILIARITY BREEDS CONTENT: New and Selected Essays , by Joseph Epstein

When Tammy Wynette was asked to write a memoir in her mid-30s, she initially declined, she said in an interview, because “I didn’t think my life was over yet.” The publisher responded: Has it occurred to you that in 15 years no one might care? She wrote the book. “Stand by Your Man: An Autobiography” (1979) was a hit.

The essayist and editor Joseph Epstein — whose memoir “Never Say You’ve Had a Lucky Life,” is out now, alongside a greatest-hits collection titled “Familiarity Breeds Content” — has probably never heard Wynette sing except by accident. (In a 1993 essay, he wrote that he wished he didn’t know who Willie Nelson was, because it was a sign of a compromised intellect.) But his memoir illustrates another reason not to wait too long to commit your life to print.

There is no indication that Epstein, who is in his late 80s, has lost a step. His prose is as genial and bland, if comparison to his earlier work is any indication, as it ever was. But there’s a softness to his memories of people, perhaps because it was all so long ago. This is the sort of memoir that insists someone was funny, or erudite, or charismatic, while rarely providing the crucial details.

Epstein aw-shucks his way into “Never Say You’ve Had a Lucky Life” — pretending to be self-effacing while not being so in the least is one of his salient qualities as a writer — by warning readers, “I may not have had a sufficiently interesting life to merit an autobiography.” This is because he “did little, saw nothing notably historic, and endured not much out of the ordinary of anguish or trouble or exaltation.” Quickly, however, he concludes that his life is indeed worth relating, in part because “over the years I have acquired the literary skill to recount that life well.”

Here he is wrong in both directions. His story is interesting enough to warrant this memoir. His personal life has taken complicated turns. And as the longtime editor of the quarterly magazine The American Scholar, and a notably literate conservative culture warrior, he’s been in the thick of things.

He does lack the skill to tell his own story, though, if by “skill” we mean not well-scrubbed Strunk and White sentences but close and penetrating observation. Epstein favors tasseled loafers and bow ties, and most of his sentences read as if they were written by a sentient tasseled loafer and edited by a sentient bow tie.

He grew up in Chicago, where his father manufactured costume jewelry. The young Epstein was popular and, in high school, lettered in tennis. His title refers to being lucky, and a big part of that luck, in his estimation, was to grow up back when kids could be kids, before “the therapeutic culture” took over.

This complaint sets the tone of the book. His own story is set next to a rolling series of cultural grievances. He’s against casual dress, the prohibition of the word “Negro,” grade inflation, the Beat Generation, most of what occurred during the 1960s, standards slipping everywhere, de-Westernizing college curriculums, D.E.I. programs, you name it. His politics aren’t the problem. We can argue about those. American culture needs more well-read conservatives. The problem is that in his search for teachable moments, his memoir acquires the cardboard tone of a middling opinion column.

His youth was not all tennis lessons and root beer floats. He and his friends regularly visited brothels because, he writes, sex was not as easy to come by in the 1950s. He was kicked out of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for his role in the selling of a stolen accounting exam to other students.

He was lucky to find a place at the University of Chicago, a place of high seriousness. The school changed him. He began to reassess his values. He began to read writers like Irving Howe, Sidney Hook, Midge Decter and Norman Podhoretz, and felt his politics pull to the right.

After college, he was drafted into the Army and ended up in Little Rock, Ark., where he met his first wife. At the time, she was a waitress at a bar and restaurant called the Gar Hole. Here Epstein’s memoir briefly threatens to acquire genuine weight.

She had lost custody of her two sons after a divorce. Together they got them back, and she and Epstein had two sons of their own. After their divorce, Epstein took all four of the boys. This is grist for an entire memoir, but Epstein passes over it quickly. One never gets much of a sense of what his boys were like, or what it was like to raise them. He later tells us that he has all but lost touch with his stepsons and has not seen them for decades.

He worked for the magazine The New Leader and the Encyclopaedia Britannica before becoming the editor of The American Scholar in 1975. It was a position he would hold for 22 years. He also taught at Northwestern University for nearly three decades.

At The American Scholar he began to write a long personal essay in each issue, under the pseudonym Aristides. He wrote 92 of these, on topics such as smoking and envy and reading and height. Most ran to 6,500 words, or about 4,000 words longer than they should have been.

Many magazine editors like to write every so often, to keep a hand in. But there is something unseemly about an editor chewing up acres of space in his own publication on a regular basis. Editorially, it’s a droit du seigneur imposition.

A selection of these essays, as well as some new ones, can now be found in “Familiarity Breeds Content.” In his introduction to this book, Christopher Buckley overpraises Epstein, leaving the reader no choice but to start mentally pushing back.

Buckley calls Epstein “the most entertaining living essayist in the English language.” (Not while Michael Kinsley, Lorrie Moore, Calvin Trillin, Sloane Crosley and Geoff Dyer, among many others, walk the earth.) He repurposes Martin Amis’s comment about Saul Bellow: “One doesn’t read Saul Bellow. One can only reread him.” To this he adds, “Ditto Epstein.” (Epstein is no Saul Bellow.) Buckley says, “Joe Epstein is incapable of writing a boring sentence.”

Well. How about this one, from an essay about cats?

A cat, I realize, cannot be everyone’s cup of fur.

Or this one, from an essay about sports and other obsessions:

I have been told there are people who wig out on pasta.

Or this one, about … guess:

When I was a boy, it occurs to me now, I always had one or another kind of hat.

Juggling today appears to be undergoing a small renaissance.

If one is looking to save on fuel bills, politics is likely to heat up a room quicker than just about anything else.

In tennis I was most notable for flipping and catching my racket in various snappy routines.

The essays are, by and large, as tweedy and self-satisfied as these lines make them sound. There are no wild hairs in them, no sudden deepenings of tone. Nothing is at stake. We are stranded with him on the putt-putt course.

Epstein fills his essays with quotation after quotation, as ballast. I am a fan of well-deployed, free-range quotations. So many of Epstein’s are musty and reek of Bartlett’s. They are from figures like Lord Chesterfield and Lady Mary Montagu and Sir Herbert Grierson and Tocqueville and Walpole and Carlyle. You can feel the moths escaping from the display case in real time.

To be fair, I circled a few sentences in “Familiarity Breeds Content” happily. I’m with him on his distrust of “fun couples.” He writes, “A cowboy without a hat is suitable only for bartending.” I liked his observation, which he borrowed from someone else, that a career has five stages:

(1) Who is Joseph Epstein? (2) Get me Joseph Epstein. (3) We need someone like Joseph Epstein. (4) What we need is a young Joseph Epstein. (5) Who is Joseph Epstein?

It’s no fun to trip up a writer on what might have been a late-career victory lap. Epstein doesn’t need me to like his work. He’s published more than 30 books, and you can’t do that unless you’ve made a lot of readers happy.

NEVER SAY YOU’VE HAD A LUCKY LIFE : Especially If You’ve Had a Lucky Life | By Joseph Epstein | Free Press | 287 pp. | $29.99

FAMILIARITY BREEDS CONTENT : New and Selected Essays | By Joseph Epstein | Simon & Schuster | 441 pp. | Paperback, $20.99

Dwight Garner has been a book critic for The Times since 2008, and before that was an editor at the Book Review for a decade. More about Dwight Garner

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‘Reboot’ is a funny novel about pop culture’s serious problem

Justin taylor’s latest is a high-spirited satire about fan culture, conspiracy theories and the endless recycling of creative ideas.

If you’ve ever had a conversation with a conspiracy theorist — maybe you’ve been stuck in a middle airplane seat or just have relatives on Facebook — you’ve probably noticed how good they are at committing to the bit. You have facts? Oh, do they have facts, too! You think you’re being rational? Sheeple like you just haven’t figured it out yet. You have logic? Listen, let me tell you a story…

Justin Taylor’s second novel, “ Reboot ,” is a very serious story about the perniciousness of conspiracy thinking, wrapped in a very funny yarn about the shallowness of celebrity culture. The funny stuff comes in the form of a TV-world satire: The narrator, David Crader, is the former star of “Rev Beach,” a short-lived but beloved teen drama in the vein of “The O.C.” Success, however modest, has taken a toll on him — he’s collected two busted marriages and a sobriety he’s only barely keeping under control. He marks time doing voice-overs for video games and managing a bar he owns in Portland, Ore. His default tone is self-aware, a little cynical and more unsettled than he’s ready to admit. (“Was I making a comeback? Having a moment? Maybe!”)

As the story opens, David is flying to Los Angeles to do some fan service, signing memorabilia and posing for selfies at a convention, which gives him (and Taylor) ample opportunities to send up the world of pop-culture obsession: the T-shirts whose gags require a Wikipedia’s worth of arcane knowledge to grasp; Instagram posts parsed with rabbinical intensity; fans hoping for a “Rev Beach” reboot that might incorporate the video game David voices. “Foie gras’d on Marvel movies since birth,” Taylor writes of these fans, “they saw no reason why the game and the show shouldn’t become part of the same expanded universe.”

Plot-wise, “Reboot” is a straightforward story about the few weeks David spends reconnecting with his former castmates to plan “Rev Beach” 2.0: his first ex-wife, Grace, who is the daughter of a TV exec; Shayne, an impossibly handsome “indie film darling” and Broadway actor; and Corey, now a MAGA-brained politico in the Florida town where the show was set. Helping to stoke these reunions is Molly, a starving writer/bartender with a bottomless awareness of TV tropes. Over a weekend in New York, David and Shayne spitball ideas while Molly rolls her eyes. “Why does everything have to be recycled IP?” she asks. “Do either of you have an original idea?”

Well? Taylor is asking his characters, he’s asking you, and he’s also asking himself. He seems concerned that we’ve all spent so much time living with the vocabulary of film and TV and games — IP (intellectual property), binge, arc, NPCs (non-player characters) and more — that we can barely function or perceive reality without it. Media language shapes how Taylor’s characters, David especially, think about themselves. (“How much headcanon could be assimilated into my personal show bible? How much retcon and reboot could one life take?”) On a personal level, this behavior is a way to check out of thinking about life — David has a son and a second ex whom he has back-burnered. But Taylor also demonstrates the broader public costs of living inside narratives, especially the most polluted ones — antisemitism, QAnon, lizard people. A small but not unimportant section of the novel focuses on the Koreshans, a 19th-century Florida sect that believed Earth was hollow.

“A conspiracy theory is always more tempting than the truth, not because it’s a simpler story, but because it is a story,” Taylor writes. “The act of coming to terms with the convolution and contradiction — the fluency you gain in the logic of illogic — is what makes it alluring.” You might sense a little bit of recycled IP there, too: Taylor is putting a present-day spin on the kinds of concerns that Don DeLillo stuffed his novels with in the ’70s and ’80s. Not for nothing is Shayne’s current gig a Broadway musical version of DeLillo’s novel “Cosmopolis.” (Actually, it’s an adaptation of the film version of the novel, making it twice-recycled IP.) Sometimes Taylor borrows DeLillo’s icy diction: “Likes and reposts, RT and QT. Those are Twitter terms. The other sites have other terms.” But he’s mainly inspired by his predecessor’s paranoia — by the idea that living in a mediated reality is messing with our heads.

And though “funnier than Don DeLillo” may seem like faint praise, “Reboot” wrings brilliant laughs from the absurdity of David’s predicament, and the way Hollywood and internet language can seem like foreign tongues, something human-adjacent but not quite human: “They’d be doxed and banned, driven from the fandom, their decades-long archive sent straight to the memory hole. A false flag flying over an epic win.”

What are we missing while we marinate in this nonsense? That’s Taylor’s sharpest joke: While David muses on the “Rev Beach” reboot en route to L.A., the forests below are on fire; in New York, the city floods. Calamity gets ever closer. We recycle thoughts and indulge conspiracies as a bulwark against it, but it’s all still coming. “Reboot” is structured like a TV series — it has a cold open, bottle episodes and three acts — but it simultaneously begs you not to trust those elements, or at least to be more aware of them. Like any streaming network, Taylor wants you to keep watching. But one senses a call to action underneath his entertainment: Watch, as in watch out.

Mark Athitakis is a critic in Phoenix and the author of “ The New Midwest .”

By Justin Taylor

Pantheon. 284 pp. $28

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English Essay on Indian Heritage

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The Importance Of Preserving Cultural Heritage

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The Important Aspect of My Personal Identity: My Cultural Heritage

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