The Tracking Indian Youth Attitudes Media Fellowship presents the next in a series of stories capturing the socio-political views and experiences of young people across India.
“I think identity exists on many levels. I am a Christian, from Manipur, part of the Zomi community, an ST, and now a ‘UP waala’. Each of these shapes who I am. Being Indian is my national identity, and I embrace it along with all my other identities. I hold space for all aspects of my identity,” shares Kamson, a 21 year old student of journalism, who lives in Ghaziabad but whose heart belongs to his native land of Manipur. Belonging from the Paite tribe of Zomi community, he opens up about his culture, politics and his faith.
Read his full story below. Profile by Nehal Gupta.
Nehal: Can you tell me a little about yourself?
Kamson: My name is Kamson. I’m originally from Manipur, but I was born and raised in East Delhi. When my father moved to Delhi, he was among the early members of our tribe to settle in the capital. We belong to the Paite tribe of the Zomi community, which is recognized as a Scheduled Tribe.
Nehal: What is your culture like? Have you had the opportunity to experience it while growing up in Delhi?
Kamson: Our community is very close-knit. We have a tradition of sharing—whether it's a special dish or just something simple, it’s customary to offer it to our neighbours. We come together for all kinds of occasions—happy or sad—be it someone’s retirement, a birthday, or even board exams. Even though many of us live in different parts of Delhi, we make an effort to stay connected. We try to meet at least once a month, though matching the calendars can be difficult.
We also have community organizations like SSPP (Siamsin), which focus on promoting education, culture, and sports. Every year, they organize a sports meet for our community. Recently, they even started an Instagram page to help our community members, especially newcomers, learn basic Hindi and better integrate into city life.
Nehal: Were you brought up in your native language?
Kamson: Yes, my parents were very particular about us learning Paite, even though we were raised outside Manipur. They believed it was important to stay connected to our roots. But nowadays, the younger generation is more inclined toward English, and many are struggling with our native language. Some believe they are losing their roots, while others think learning the spoken language of where we live is also important.
Nehal: Do you face any language barriers while interacting with your peers?
Kamson: Not really. I understand the standard Hindi dialect spoken in Delhi. However, I sometimes struggle with certain words in regional accents or dialects. Still, since I grew up here, I generally grasp the essence of conversations.
Nehal: Where do you feel more at home—Manipur or Delhi?
Kamson: Personally, I feel more at home in my hometown. It’s surrounded by hills, greenery, and fresh air—it just feels peaceful. Right now, I live in Ghaziabad, and the pollution here is a major issue.
Nehal: What religion do you identify with, and how has it shaped your personality?
Kamson: I am a Christian, and my faith plays a huge role in my life. I believe in Christ, the Bible, and its teachings.
At the same time, I’ve seen a lot of misunderstanding and prejudice toward Christians. There have also been instances of child abuse by priests, but the crime is committed by individuals, not the religion itself. Even in the media we are sometimes labelled as ‘fake.’ People claim we converted due to incentives offered by British missionaries, but that is a misrepresentation. Christianity has a bad reputation due to forced conversions in history, but the Bible never advocates forceful conversion. Such people tarnish the name of Christianity. Jesus simply said, “Tell people about me and how I love you all.” Those responsible for such acts are not true Christians.
Nehal: Do you think religion should play a role in society?
Kamson: There is no shame in believing in your religion. I am not the kind of person who points fingers at other religions, nor would I ever force you to learn about my religion. I’m always open to sharing my faith and welcoming others into our celebrations—spaces where people come together in a spirit of joy and unity.
I know religion sometimes becomes a heated topic because some people are hardcore in their beliefs. They can have a superiority complex about their religion. That’s when it becomes toxic—especially in public spaces—because it can make minorities feel excluded or pushed back. I’ve never understood why some people get insecure about their own religion and, in turn, try to impose it on others. Religion isn’t about forcing rules or opinions—it’s about respecting choices.
Nehal: Should politicians be involved in religion?
Kamson: Politicians and government officials all have personal religious beliefs, and that’s completely natural. However, since India is a secular country, it’s essential that those in power treat all religions with equal respect and refrain from discrimination. I have seen cases where authorities prevent minority communities from gathering for prayer, which is unfair. The government should only intervene when a religious practice harms someone’s rights. Policies and laws should be rooted in fairness and equality, not influenced by religious bias.
Nehal: Talking about equality, do you feel people in college see you differently because of your ST identity?
Kamson: I have friends who tease me, saying, "You're ST, so getting a job will be easy for you." But I always tell them—if you perform better than me, you’ll get selected. People often don’t understand the deeper context.
In Manipur, for example, the Meitei community—mostly Hindus from the general category—dominates Imphal, where all major facilities like hospitals and schools are located. Our tribal regions lack infrastructure, strict law enforcement, and proper education. Teachers often don’t show up, yet they get paid. There is so much corruption. That’s why so many of us are forced to migrate.
I feel that our leaders are only driven by money and power- they don’t care about their tribes and betray us for votes and wealth.
Nehal: What does being Indian mean to you?
Kamson: I think identity exists on many levels. I am a Christian, from Manipur, part of the Zomi community, an ST, and now a ‘UP waala’. Each of these shapes who I am. Being Indian is my national identity, and I embrace it along with all my other identities. I hold space for all aspects of my identity.
Nehal: Lastly, what is your greatest learning from your religion?
Kamson: In Christianity, we believe that we are all sinners. One of Jesus’ teachings that really resonates with me is: "Walk by faith, not by sight." It reminds me that as humans, we have limitations—we can't control or fix everything, and all have our own perception of good and bad. I still struggle to completely immerse myself in faith, but that’s the path I’m trying to walk on.
This is an ongoing series of profiles documenting the experiences of young people across India. Stay tuned for more stories from the youth of India. Follow us on social media for more updates.
Share this post