For
some, the thoughts come easily, dripping with patriotism
or pure venom. For others, it needs hours of conversation
for the words and feelings, usually buried deep or hardly
ever considered, to surface. INDIA
TODAY presents frank, unguarded
thoughts of some of the best known -- and some totally
unknown -- people across the nation who make up the
fabric of India. After 50 years of Independence, this is
the voice of India, a reflection of who we are. It shows
how far we have come. And how far we need to go.
Interview by KALLI PURIE
Photograph by BANDEEP SINGH
IBETHOI, Ngami tribal, Loktak Lake, Manipur
What does the Indian map look like? You'll have to ask
the children. I know that I am in Manipur. They tell me I
am in India. Here, it is enough to call yourself a
Meitei, that gives you an identity. I don't know if I am
an Indian, I'm not educated, so I really can't say.
But yes, I have heard of Indira Gandhi. She was our prime
minister. I felt very bad when she died. Nowadays, the
prime ministers change so often that I can't remember
their names.
For
some, the thoughts come easily, dripping with patriotism
or pure venom. For others, it needs hours of conversation
for the words and feelings, usually buried deep or hardly
ever considered, to surface. INDIA
TODAY presents frank, unguarded
thoughts of some of the best known -- and some totally
unknown -- people across the nation who make up the
fabric of India. After 50 years of Independence, this is
the voice of India, a reflection of who we are. It shows
how far we have come. And how far we need to go. 
IBETHOI, Ngami tribal, Loktak Lake, Manipur
