Inheriting India: Food, Culture and Hierarchies - with Priyanka Akkar

Even after a century away, South African Indians and Indians from India have similarities, a culture deeply embedded within them. In the first episode of Podcast For Change, Raeesah Noor-Mahomed is joined by Priyanka Akkar. From Maharashtra, India, Priyanka is pursuing their Masters degree in Cape Town, where they are part of the same academic cohort as Raeesah, a fifth generation South African Indian. Both curious about each other, throughout the year, they have had many discussions about identity, histories, religion and language - the beautiful consistencies, as well as the toxic cycles that have perpetuated through the generations. Along with their unique food and cultural adaptations, South African Indians also recreate and reproduce the caste system. Based on the experience of their respective religions, Priyanka and Raeesah talk about what it means to be an "Indian" in contemporary India and South Africa. This episode documents a conversation where, through sharing what usually remains silent, a space for reflection, connection and healing is created. The laughter throughout says it all.