Gifts of Passage

 Word Count: 259 words

    Santha Rama Rau had a much different life than woman we have read about so far. She was born in India, then living in England and South Africa. She has traveled all over the world giving her a great outlook and perspective in life. It must have been extremely difficult to her experiencing so many different culture shocks throughout her life. It seems that it would be challenging finding a place to belong, or where home is. I think being from another culture can be an amazing way of bringing your values to the new society, sparking diversity and creativity. I admire her greatly for being a bright light in so many different ways. The British Colonial Rule was difficult for Santha and her sister because of the difference in ethnicities, there was hardship. This caused a lot of confusion for them throughout school, people thinking of them differently. Premelia, her sister, says, "We're going home for good." This refers to their school experience and how they were being treated differently and told that they cheat because they are Indians. I can't imagine hearing that from a teacher, someone who is supposed to make you feel safe and like you belong. She also was shy about her name, that being a clear indicator that she is Indian. They were told they were not beautiful due to these names, shattering their confidence at a young age and confusing themselves. She found her voice and her true self as she began to write about travel, and conflicts between Western and India.