From Namaste to Netflix: Balancing Heritage and Modernity
By Chahna Gupta
Being a first generation Indian-American Hindu is kind of an identity crisis in and of itself. It’s so difficult to “code-switch” as they call it, these days.
For those of you that are unfamiliar with the meaning of code-switching, it’s when you have to alternate between two different schools of thought depending on the audience and social context. It could be switching between languages, cultures, religions, etc. It goes beyond spoken words and involves adopting specific terms, expressions, and tones that reflect the speaker’s spiritual or cultural background.
Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma) is not even a religion, it is a way of life – it’s scientific. It is a way of synchronizing yourself with the universe and escaping the illusions of the modern day world to find enlightenment and liberation. It can make you feel alone, at times, because if you’re not surrounded with people that believe in what you believe, it makes you feel like you have to conform to the rest. As someone that believes in yoga, ayurveda, vedic history and teachings, it can be alienating when you’re not around your own people. When I go to India, I can talk about numerology, vedic astrology, yogic teachings, vedic history, and more – and no one thinks of me as a crazy person. In fact, a lot of them are surprised that even though I was born and raised in the USA, that I would even care or believe in our history’s teachings.
People that know me know that I am quite modern in my own way – I wear modern clothing, I like social media, I blast all kinds of music in my car, I like different cuisines over khichdi, I can binge-watch Netflix, and am definitely one to have a Christmas tree up for 2 months out of the year for the aesthetic vibe (can I rewrite the meaning of Christmas trees to mean a tree puja?!).
But, that doesn’t stop me from being quite eastern in my own way as well. I truly believe that we are all one and that every being is deserving of a life of peace and harmony – so I went vegan as a sacrifice for them. I went to Rishikesh to study yoga because I wanted to learn these teachings from gurus. I wear a Namaste necklace around my neck and have many of Bhagwan ji’s photos and murtis all over the house as well as in my purse and my car. I believe in the power of gemstones. I say Aum Ganeshaya Namah before doing anything, and do my best every day to play Aum Namah Shivaya 108 times to charge my water. I believe in the healing power of sound and teach free pranayama and meditation on Monday nights. I want to spread ayurvedic knowledge through my Life Markets and have seen the benefits of pranic healing. And – the big one – I like to have pani puri on my birthday every year.
Can you imagine going out to a restaurant with, honestly, anyone and talking about politics, allopathic healthcare, or modern-day problems and not code-switching?
For those of us that have heavy ties to our culture, it can be really difficult to navigate this life, especially when growing up. When I was in middle school, I went through a period where others made me feel like my religion/culture was stupid and fake and weird compared to Christianity and Judaism. Especially when our textbooks would not do Hinduism any justice. Some people, outside of holidays where they celebrate with the family, never really come back to their culture – and it’s not their fault – society can be really difficult to navigate and it’s easier to just go with the American flow.
Living between two worlds isn’t easy, but honestly, it’s what makes us who we are. Over the years, I’ve realized that code-switching doesn’t mean you’re losing a part of yourself—it’s actually about blending the best of both worlds. It’s not about choosing one over the other; it’s about figuring out how to let them coexist in a way that feels true to you.
Being first-gen isn’t just an identity crisis—it’s also an identity gift. We get to carry the beauty of our heritage while embracing the modern world. For me, that means eating dhokla with chutney as the first meal of the day, checking my nadis before stepping over a threshold, going to the club to hear live music, and playing NYTimes and LinkedIn games on my phone like they’re my personal (timed) Olympics. All of it is me, and none of it cancels the other out.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck between two identities, let me tell ya: you are not alone. And you don’t have to pick a side. Find your balance, embrace your roots, and create a life that feels right for you. The world will adjust—just do you.
About the Author
Chahna Tailor Gupta is passionate about Ayurveda, yoga, and holistic well-being, blending ancient wisdom with modern living. Through Namaste Life Events, she creates community-driven experiences that promote balance, longevity, and wellness. With a focus on mindful movement, plant-based nutrition, and sustainable practices, she helps individuals cultivate healthier lifestyles. Her mission is to empower communities with accessible wellness practices, fostering connection, purpose, and vitality for a more balanced life. Come say Namaste at LifeMarketFL.com.
