Can a piece of paper define who you are? Can an official stamp change how you feel? Can a new passport truly change your identity? At first I thought, yes. Although to be honest, I never thought of it in that way. To me, I was an Indian – born in India, raised in India, and eventually someone who would return to India. I had come to Canada for my education, because studies were a lot better here, and cheaper too because of my permanent residency. That’s all it was ever about.

Then I got that call from my dad.

I think it’s time you applied for your Canadian citizenship. Citizenship? That sounded so…permanent. The word seemed to carry a life-altering power, or at least an identity-altering power. All I could keep thinking was – but I’m Indian.

Next thing my dad knew, he was being bombarded with my questions. Why do I need to become a citizen? Does that mean I’ll have to give up my Indian passport? Can I get a dual citizenship? Do I have to?

He tried answering all my questions patiently. Unfortunately for him, my head was swirling with so many thoughts that I didn’t take in a word he said. All I heard was something about PIO advantages, visa citizenship and dual cards – which made no sense to me.

I think there’s a limit to everyone’s patience, and I actually respect my dad for bearing my nonsensical blabbering for as long as he did, and don’t blame him at all for finally, as I’ve often heard people say, blowing his top off.

He calmed down both of us enough to ask me what the actual problem was. Luckily, this time I was actually coherent enough to mumble – I don’t want to give up my nationality. I heard silence on the other end. Then more silence. Then finally he asked me a simple question that brought me crashing back down to reality.

Can one piece of paper change who you are?

Hmmm. I suppose not. Not really. No. Definitely not. Not any more it can’t. I’m Indian, and that’s not going to change. I miss my country for the life I used to have. But I also love Canada for the life it’s given me right now. Why do I have to give up who I am to experience something new?

So give me that dual citizenship, the PIO card and the visa advantages. I’ll go back someday, not having lost my nationality, but having gained a fuller identity. As cliché as it sounds, Shakespeare just might have been right. What’s in a name?

Author: Ruchitta Mittal