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Essay / How My Family Defined My Identity as a Person
Table of ContentsIntroductionThe Multifaceted Family IdentityReligious Identity Within the FamilyThe Branches of My IdentityThe Missing Leaves of HumanityConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionIn a World Full of More of 7.7 billion people, a question inevitably arises: what makes each person unique? The answer lies in their identity, a complex interplay of personal attributes and a broader, encompassing family identity. This begs the question: How did your family define your identity as a person? To answer this question, this essay explores the profound influence of family on personal identity. It delves into the complex layers of family identity, dissecting the importance of culture, tradition and religion, and ultimately highlights the importance of humanity as a unifying force in a diverse world. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayThe Multifaceted Family IdentityMy identity, like that of many others, can be compared to a tree whose roots s 'sink deep into the soil of history and heritage. I identify as a Pakistani-Sindhi-Hindu-Maheshwari individual, whose lineage stretches back over a millennium to the fertile deserts of Tharparker. Yet this identity is not a single thread but rather a rich tapestry woven from the various threads of culture, tradition and religion. At the very roots of my identity are the teachings of Sanatana Dharma, a belief system often considered the most ancient culture in the world. and religious tradition. Sanatana Dharma, unlike Western religions, embraces a broader spectrum of virtues that guide human existence. These values constitute the invisible but firm roots of my identity, anchoring me in a world governed by principles of righteousness and moral duty. The Sanatana Dharma, often referred to simply as Dharma, may not be immediately visible, much like the hidden roots of a tree, but they are the foundation on which my understanding of the world is built. They shape my actions, thoughts, and interactions, forming the core of my identity. Religious identity within the family Going back to the roots, my identity takes on a distinctly religious tinge: I identify as Hindu. The term "Hindu" rose to prominence during the British colonization of the Indian subcontinent and has since become the recognized label for adherents of Sanatana Dharma. However, within the texture of this religious identity lies a multitude of individual interpretations and practices. Within Hinduism, my family identity aligns with the Maheshwari samaj, a distinct community whose origins date back to the 8th century. Hailing from the Kshatriya Varna (warrior caste), Maheshwaris moved to the Vaishya Varna (business caste), focusing primarily on commerce. This unique identity has endured for over a millennium, fostering a sense of unity and shared heritage among the Maheshwaris. The texture of my core identity, represented by the Maheshwari samaj, adds a complex layer to my religious identity within the broader framework of Hinduism. This layer demonstrates the diversity that exists within religious communities and highlights the richness of my cultural heritage. The Branches of My Identity As my identity tree continues to grow, it branches into two distinct but intertwined branches. The first branch represents my Sindhi identity, a link with one of the oldest civilizations in the world: the, 18(2-3), 165-184.