The U.S.A is proudly known to be the Melting Pot of the World.But I am not entirely comfortable with the idea of achieving assimilation at the cost of diversity.
I’d rather see my country as a salad bowl where uniqueness is a good thing as long as it’s accompanied by co-existence.
‘Roots and Wings’ poses the question if one has to cut off their roots in order to spread their wings and soar high.
I interviewed the participants of a Sikh Youth Leadership retreat in my quest to highlight the challenges they face every day being both American and Sikhs, the spirit with which they overcome them and what they expect out of their fellow citizens.
With this documentary, I wish to highlight to the audience that beyond anonymity and mistaken perceptions, Sikh youth are truly American; dealing with their challenges bravely, they are uplifted and determined leaders of tomorrow with roots in perfect balance of spirituality and progressiveness.
The work aims for 'anyone who feels different on account of their visible identity or ideology' to realize that they can triumph being who they are if they are rooted in the a strong value system that embraces humanity. And that their roots in fact, strengthen them to soar high on their wings.
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April 25th, 2009
Feb 28th 2009
Oct 10th, 2008 - World Premiere,
