I was born in the UK, grew up in the US to Sikh-Indian parents. I’ve called myself bicultural since the 90s. When I heard that term, it made so much more sense. Beautiful talk, great use of humor.
That Ted talk was fantastic. No matter what our age; we are all on a learning curve. As a second generation British Indian , I can confirm that a lot of our extended family is of mixed heritage. Learning to accept everyone & understanding other cultures is paramount to a happy life. I wish you lots of success & happiness for the future. Wonderful presentation!
Jassi, you're a national treasure! Both for India and the UK. We need more minds like yours in our divided world today. And your punjabi is top notch 👌
My parents are from India, I was born in England and now live in Canada where my children were born. Even having both Indian parents, this resonates so much with growing up in England in the 80s and 90s. And how it felt again after we moved to Canada.
I feel the same way, parents born in India, I was born in England, however we moved to New Zealand when I was 6. Constantly feeling like I am at a cross road.
Your punjaabiyat is so impressive and your Britishness is shining through too! You have the best of both the worlds and we wish you the best in all your endeavours wherein you can impress and resonate with more gripping talks like this one!
This is beautiful. I always say you lose the language you lose the culture. Wadia prah. Proud of you. It’s amazing because Punjabi’s never take even as much pride of their heritage as much as this man. God bless you brother.
Wow... what he’s saying sounds so familiar. I’ve been feeling lost, disconnected, not fitting into these power labels he’s talking about. Thanks for bringing some confusions to light. Let’s change our thinking or language.
Wonderful to hear you jassa. How I wish you could reach out to all those Punjabi families who are happily renouncing their Punjabi roots in search of a "better" identity somewhere else.
Really excited to see such a topic discussed on a global platform. This will validate many people's feelings as they grapple with their sense of self and identity
I was there to witness the event. There were others talks as well, and this was one of the best talks I heard that day. Listening to it felt like watching a mobile but all the scenes in your mind. Well done jassa.
He definitely reflected so much on the richness of the two cultural heritages, deepened them with his studies that he ended up possessing a privileged brain and an ability to communicate and entertain that are admirable.
Both Not Half= I am Punjabi AND English …. Rather than “I am ‘half’ Punjabi and ‘half’ English’ which sounds degrading. In their day the Angrezi referred to Anglo-Indians as “half-castes”, a disparaging term so typical of the racism engendered by colonialism.
This is one of the best explanations I have ever heard; this is so inspired, and I think it is a catalyst of thoughts and theories about why culture is changing, why this generation's mental health is so different, why people can feel so isolated - because there are so few places we can be the fullness of ourselves and be understood. Thank you for putting into words the feeling so many of us have been trying to find ways to describe.
Thank you for sharing. I am half Dutch and half English. Now I might start saying I am both. I studied English when I turned 25 and feel connected to my youth and I miss my parents and I miss a base. Maybe one day I get to pass on *both* English and Dutch. Zou leuk zijn. Take care, Frances.
Where it not for his "exotic" name, Jassa Ahluwalia could live a totally white life, BUT he is steeped in his family's identity and crucially speaks the language. I am saddened when parents do not teach their children the mother tongue in the mistaken belief that they must be wholly immersive in the adopted country.
I enjoy your skits on social media and your hosting on UKPHA bookclub. So impressed by your being drawn to both cultures and wanting to honour them both. It's something we all face as immigrants and children of immigrants, and you've dealt with it with humour and grace. Well done! Looking forward to much more success for you in the future!
I’m of mixed heritage, blended by different cultures, but ultimately Indian. I was born in the UK in the 80’s, raised by a single parent (mum). I can understand Gujarati, yet can’t speak it. When I was young, because of the stigma of divorce, trying to fit in and an abysmal lack of self-confidence, I grew ashamed of my Indian heritage. I never learned how to speak my ancestral language, and got angry when my mum would speak it in front of my “friends”. I completely understand Gujarati, yet, frustratingly, I’m still unable to to speak it. Language is a significant part of heritage, no matter how much you learn about culture and customs; if you’re unable to communicate, then you’re lost. Im grateful that my sister started to learn the language, her husband (whom is Irish) has also taken it upon himself to learn and they’re positively influencing my little niece. At least they’re keeping the mixed heritage, customs and culture alive.
Jassa...PURE PUNJABI SO POWERFUL JI! YOU are you....be proud of yr heritage. # don't solve problems...# problem solve ji🙏🇬🇧😊you can do it. Inner peace and tranquility is vital. Guru ji bless you always. WJKKWJKF SABH THAAI HOVAI SAHAAI JI So proud of you 💕❤💕🇬🇧🙏🇬🇧
this is wild man. My family comes from punjab too but its like i don't like the culture. I just don't fit in, i'm not necessarily concerned by it but when i see stuff like this its kind of like "damn i wish i could be this passionate or intuitive when it comes to where i come from instead so dismissing" but i guess it just is how it is. Great talk though.
He speaks English like a typical middle-class Englishman from the Southeast. I presume that he sounds Punjabi in Punjabi. But when he sings, he sounds American -- like most native English-speakers all over the world.
@@mehnoordhillon2281 you do know that they are Muslim they are not even punjabi anymore they now speak urdu an Islamic language their culture died hundreds of years ago
An absolutely amazing talk...somewhere reinforcing the idea of this and that...not this or that...either and or...and not necessairly either or OR... Even showcasing in what ways are identities are embossed...or maybe the "dents" in the identities are embossed...which makes it both fragile and resilient...fragile because it can be disassembled so easily...and yet resilient...for it can be reassembled, which is how it transforms and evolves.
Thank you for this fantastic talk - thoughtful, insightful and entertainingly-delivered! And especially meaningful for those of us with mixed heritage.
"Mixed heritage and one human race". damn, that was rlly powerful - more people need to hear this kind of thinking. ❤
but even if we were a different race it would be ok too :)
proof that racism is a lie.
what a beautiful message... "all of us are both of something"...
Nope. I'm 100% pure Odia. So. I'm both of what? Lol.
People like us also exist
I was born in the UK, grew up in the US to Sikh-Indian parents. I’ve called myself bicultural since the 90s. When I heard that term, it made so much more sense.
Beautiful talk, great use of humor.
"I'd been shown the way beyond naivety and nostalgia; I began the pursuit of wisdom." I love this
"Mixed heritage". I love that instead of mixed-race.
Then you'd love legalese
It doesn't fully explain the term, because you can have mixed heritage from parents of the same race, but from different countries or ethnicities
At school in the 1990s, we always use to say half cast
That Ted talk was fantastic. No matter what our age; we are all on a learning curve. As a second generation British Indian , I can confirm that a lot of our extended family is of mixed heritage. Learning to accept everyone & understanding other cultures is paramount to a happy life. I wish you lots of success & happiness for the future. Wonderful presentation!
Jassi, you're a national treasure! Both for India and the UK. We need more minds like yours in our divided world today. And your punjabi is top notch 👌
Proud of you. Punjabi is a beautiful language. Spot on message. Stay Blessed.
My parents are from India, I was born in England and now live in Canada where my children were born. Even having both Indian parents, this resonates so much with growing up in England in the 80s and 90s. And how it felt again after we moved to Canada.
I feel the same way, parents born in India, I was born in England, however we moved to New Zealand when I was 6. Constantly feeling like I am at a cross road.
Omg who was expecting Rocky's voice 😱😱😱 hahaha so shook! What an actor 😂❤
This talk was SO well crafted and just so beautiful!!!!!
I love it when he said we are not half nothing we are all something!! Labels allow control, divide and rule!! This is so true!!
Your punjaabiyat is so impressive and your Britishness is shining through too! You have the best of both the worlds and we wish you the best in all your endeavours wherein you can impress and resonate with more gripping talks like this one!
Excellent speech and what a brilliant analysis in conclusion. Wonderful message.
This is beautiful. I always say you lose the language you lose the culture. Wadia prah. Proud of you. It’s amazing because Punjabi’s never take even as much pride of their heritage as much as this man. God bless you brother.
Meherbani veere!
Jassa Ahluwalia haha Rabh Rakha Bhau. Stay kaim.
Mixed Heritage!! Brilliant. Very impressed with your journey.
Wow... what he’s saying sounds so familiar. I’ve been feeling lost, disconnected, not fitting into these power labels he’s talking about. Thanks for bringing some confusions to light. Let’s change our thinking or language.
Wonderful to hear you jassa. How I wish you could reach out to all those Punjabi families who are happily renouncing their Punjabi roots in search of a "better" identity somewhere else.
Really excited to see such a topic discussed on a global platform. This will validate many people's feelings as they grapple with their sense of self and identity
As a Canadian Malayalee, I didn't expect to see you hear.
I met him at my friend's home at my hometown , he was a sweet child i remember
"both/and is an idea (not a label)"
"i am mixed heritage... one race."
"nothing is half anything... all of us are both something."
Love this young man. My children are Both Not Half!!! Thank you for doing this talk Jassa A! ☺🙏😅👍
I was there to witness the event. There were others talks as well, and this was one of the best talks I heard that day. Listening to it felt like watching a mobile but all the scenes in your mind. Well done jassa.
Thank you for being such a wonderful audience!
@@jassaahluwalia9753 it was not me who was wonderful, but your ability to bind us. Keep shining keep rising 💪
Something my boy will want to hear about as he's starting his journey
My nephew as well . Sending this to my Brother and his wife
@@nnanuwa I sent the link to my kids immediately after watching....
He definitely reflected so much on the richness of the two cultural heritages, deepened them with his studies that he ended up possessing a privileged brain and an ability to communicate and entertain that are admirable.
Finally. I was waiting for this for a long time.
Same! Haha.
@@jassaahluwalia9753 I second that! Well, I'm not sure entirely how long you've been waiting, but it's been a few months for me at least.
Both Not Half= I am Punjabi AND English …. Rather than “I am ‘half’ Punjabi and ‘half’ English’ which sounds degrading.
In their day the Angrezi referred to Anglo-Indians as “half-castes”, a disparaging term so typical of the racism engendered by colonialism.
hugely entertaining with a strongly positive message.
Agreed!👍
Thank you, Carmel!
@@jassaahluwalia9753 super star!
This is one of the best explanations I have ever heard; this is so inspired, and I think it is a catalyst of thoughts and theories about why culture is changing, why this generation's mental health is so different, why people can feel so isolated - because there are so few places we can be the fullness of ourselves and be understood. Thank you for putting into words the feeling so many of us have been trying to find ways to describe.
Wonderfully said. More power to you!
Thank you so much!
Idk why I just love him, I'd bring him home to my parents
At first it will look like a delusion
But then you'll realize it's just a perfect fusion with a strong conclusion.
Thank you. It hit a few of my heart strings. I also have similar issues to you but youre making me aim and keep going for the better!!!!
Why can't I upvote this??? It was excellent.
Thank you for sharing. I am half Dutch and half English. Now I might start saying I am both. I studied English when I turned 25 and feel connected to my youth and I miss my parents and I miss a base. Maybe one day I get to pass on *both* English and Dutch. Zou leuk zijn. Take care, Frances.
This was such a good talk and the perfect time for it too!!! Thank you!!
Very well spoken and excellent content, thank you for sharing your insight. 🙏🏽
Where it not for his "exotic" name, Jassa Ahluwalia could live a totally white life, BUT he is steeped in his family's identity and crucially speaks the language. I am saddened when parents do not teach their children the mother tongue in the mistaken belief that they must be wholly immersive in the adopted country.
I enjoy your skits on social media and your hosting on UKPHA bookclub. So impressed by your being drawn to both cultures and wanting to honour them both. It's something we all face as immigrants and children of immigrants, and you've dealt with it with humour and grace. Well done! Looking forward to much more success for you in the future!
Very interesting talk!👏👍🙌 Great storytelling!💪😃
Thanks! So pleased you enjoyed it.
Well done... Shows the importance of language and knowledge of culture.
He’s so well spoken 🥰
Thank you for your great speech. Your creativity and attitudes are amazing!
Very kind of you. Thank you.
@@jassaahluwalia9753 Not sure if you'll see this, but is there anywhere I can read _Alien Nation_ please❔
This is so relatable, I’m literally half Punjabi and half European as well and I have light skin
Khush keeta Jay Putr Ji. Rubb lummi hayati de te dhair sariyaaN khushiyaaN de. Ameen
Speaks from the heart...
This video needs to be watched by all of the human race.
Great Message and delivery
Fantastic message and a great talk, very enjoyable, thank you
I’m of mixed heritage, blended by different cultures, but ultimately Indian. I was born in the UK in the 80’s, raised by a single parent (mum). I can understand Gujarati, yet can’t speak it. When I was young, because of the stigma of divorce, trying to fit in and an abysmal lack of self-confidence, I grew ashamed of my Indian heritage. I never learned how to speak my ancestral language, and got angry when my mum would speak it in front of my “friends”. I completely understand Gujarati, yet, frustratingly, I’m still unable to to speak it. Language is a significant part of heritage, no matter how much you learn about culture and customs; if you’re unable to communicate, then you’re lost. Im grateful that my sister started to learn the language, her husband (whom is Irish) has also taken it upon himself to learn and they’re positively influencing my little niece. At least they’re keeping the mixed heritage, customs and culture alive.
Jassa...PURE PUNJABI SO POWERFUL JI!
YOU are you....be proud of yr heritage. # don't solve problems...# problem solve ji🙏🇬🇧😊you can do it. Inner peace and tranquility is vital. Guru ji bless you always. WJKKWJKF
SABH THAAI HOVAI SAHAAI JI
So proud of you 💕❤💕🇬🇧🙏🇬🇧
wow. this resonated so hard. both not half and mixed-heritage not mixed-race
I was actually born in Australia and when I was in pre primary my friends used to always get confused how I was indian when I was born in Australia.
I love how Jassa embraces both cultures! Your parents raised you well 🙂Truly beautiful! Wish you well in your endeavours...Blessings from South Africa
So nice to hear from you ❤️
Enriched Heritage rather than mixed race ....
This speech is incredible and it will inspire others
this is wild man. My family comes from punjab too but its like i don't like the culture. I just don't fit in, i'm not necessarily concerned by it but when i see stuff like this its kind of like "damn i wish i could be this passionate or intuitive when it comes to where i come from instead so dismissing" but i guess it just is how it is. Great talk though.
Such an important message, and applicable to so many modern predicaments
Inspirational young man. Well done.
Great speech Jassa! Loved it :)
Thanks dude!
He speaks English like a typical middle-class Englishman from the Southeast. I presume that he sounds Punjabi in Punjabi. But when he sings, he sounds American -- like most native English-speakers all over the world.
Wonderful simply wonderful...
We are universal there is no divide. I can so relate with you. Sat Sri Akal....we are one.
That was very good. How blessed you are to have both heritages.
That was very educational. Glad I watched that.
He's charming. And will bloom wherever he is planted.
phantastic! and touching me deeply. (2 of my 3 children are German-Japanese; 2 of my 4 grandchildren German-Japanese-Japanese)
He is simply a wise person. ✌🏻👌
Wonderful speech so inspiring to many people that speak a foreign language and struggle to embrace two languages.
Amzing story...😀
Can you contribute in saving our language Punjabi? In west punjab we are facing state’s oppression as for as the language is concern.
Punjab needs independence from Pakistan and India.
@@mehnoordhillon2281 Pakistani punjab literally created Pakistan 75% of Pakistani population is in punjab and 99% Muslim so good luck🤨
Ariana gandhi spread of Wahhabism is going to destroy west Punjab. If they choose to wake up, they can. Otherwise their language and culture will die.
@@mehnoordhillon2281 you do know that they are Muslim they are not even punjabi anymore they now speak urdu an Islamic language their culture died hundreds of years ago
@@arianagandhi2601 its dying now. I wouldn't say it died hundred of years ago.
Losing their language means they lose identity they lose who they are as a person
Brilliant video, exceptional delivery!!
An absolutely amazing talk...somewhere reinforcing the idea of this and that...not this or that...either and or...and not necessairly either or OR...
Even showcasing in what ways are identities are embossed...or maybe the "dents" in the identities are embossed...which makes it both fragile and resilient...fragile because it can be disassembled so easily...and yet resilient...for it can be reassembled, which is how it transforms and evolves.
Both are one. Never give up.
Thank you! Fabulous! Great speaker.
Loved it
His punjabi is better than most of us punjabis out here 😂
Kid you are a true punjabi boy! ❤👍🙏
Great Ted talk. We are one people. no pure race...never was. were are one. Peace🙏🙏🙏
Fabulous TED talk with a very powerful message of inclusion for everyone - bravo Jassa Ahluwalia!
Super!! Love this 👌
Excellent!
Absolutely love this ❤️❤️❤️
( REHAB TIME! ) PERSONAL IDENTITY DEPENDS ON CONSCIOUSNESS NOT ON SUBSTANCE. FACTS OVA FEELINGS!
Fantastic!! Meri kushi bahut hai tehnu suun kai!! Waheguru ji bless you success always 🙏🌹🙏
Brilliant insight and a brilliant presentation👏👏👏
"I prefer to think of myself as mixed heritage and of one human race"
Wonderfully and well said!
Thank you for this fantastic talk - thoughtful, insightful and entertainingly-delivered! And especially meaningful for those of us with mixed heritage.
Amazing!! Still weird not hearing him as Rocky.
Good job.
Flipping brilliant 👏
Just amazing 🙋
Hes a better sikh than i will ever be as born one
This is awesome. Thanks for sharing :)
He's ethnically British and Punjabi, and British by nationality and citizenship.
Positive !!
WOW.
exactly, caught between 2 worlds!
I feel you! 😍