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
MAHASWETA DEVI, Author, tireless supporter of tribal causes
Why should I define it? I've been to many countries but every time, I want to come back
even though many things have been bypassed since 1947. I can't live anywhere else. I just
can't stand it.
I belong to India. It's what gives me pride. If my mother was poor, skeletal and couldn't
give me food, I would still be proud to call her my mother. It's like that. It's my
country. It's my India.
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. 
MAHASWETA DEVI, Author, tireless supporter of tribal causes
