Cool to be connected to the past

<div class="section1"><div class="Normal"><span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Youngsters now feel the need to understand their roots</span><br /><br />Culture is no longer just about knowing your R&B from your rap. Bangalore''s youth are returning to their Indian roots with renewed interest, even taking classes on Indian mythology and epics, folklore and spirituality.<br /><br />For 21-year-old Ashwin Shetty, who works in a foreign bank, getting to know your roots is a matter of pride, particularly in an age of intense competition and westernisation -- including fake foreign accents."It is important to understand the significance of our traditions, festivals and ceremonies. Blindly aping the West is not going to take us anywhere," says Ashwin.<br /><br />Geeta Balagopal believes her western-oriented education had some drawbacks. She now sends her son to classes where he learns Indian mythology and short shlokas. "My son Samir seems to enjoy the classes and interaction with children his age," says Geeta. <br /><br />Aditi S, an 18-year-old, says she got to learn about Indian culture in sociology class. "Given an opportunity I''d love to know more about our culture. Our education system does not allow us to appreciate our heritage sufficiently," she says. <br /><br />Behaviour expert Shyamala Vatsa has even written a book for children who want to know more about religion. It all started when her son began asking questions. <br /><br />Haridas, a spiritual guide, has noticed that more youngsters have been attending his discourses of late. Says Haridas, who has also held crash courses for NRI youngsters, "Young people are more curious about Indian heritage and spirituality. Unfortunately, they often do not know where to go and whom to ask," he says.<br /><span style="" font-style:="" italic="">sangeeta_cavale@indiatimes.com</span></div> </div>