Unraveling Layers of Being

During a recent Uber ride, I had the privilege of meeting Fariyal, a 57-year-old Indo-Caribbean woman whose life story is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the rich tapestry of cultural fusion.

A Tireless Spirit

Our conversation began with a simple question about her day. Fariyal was about to end a 12-hour shift driving, a routine she maintains five days a week. On weekends, she dedicates her time to household chores — cooking meals for the week, cleaning, and running errands — leaving little room for rest. When I remarked on her relentless energy, she confessed, “I have trouble staying still. I feel like I always have to be doing something.”

Life’s Greatest Achievements

Fariyal’s life has been filled with significant challenges and accomplishments. She raised a son who graduated from Harvard and has received multiple awards. Simultaneously, she cared for her late husband during his battle with Parkinson’s disease. When I inquired about her major life takeaways, she offered two pieces of advice:

1. Marry Well: “Marrying for love is never enough. Infatuation doesn’t last. You need a husband who can take care of you, who can invest energy into the relationship.”

2. Raise Your Children with a Conscience: “Teach them to understand the consequences of their actions.”

Her pride in her son’s achievements was palpable, and she described raising him as her “biggest life gift.”

Cultural Roots and Religious Practices

Fariyal’s heritage traces back to India, but her family has been rooted in the Caribbean for generations. Curious about her religious practices, I asked if she prays five times a day, as is customary in Islam. She admitted, “Unfortunately, no, but I do pray a lot in the car when I’m driving. It’s the only thing that can stop me from crashing or from either someone killing me or me killing someone.”

Intrigued by her background, I asked how Indian people ended up in the Caribbean. She explained that during the colonial era, Indians were brought to the Caribbean as indentured servants by the British. After the abolition of slavery in 1834, there was a demand for labor on plantations producing high-value crops like sugar. Between 1838 and 1917, over 500,000 Indians were brought to the Caribbean under the indenture system. 

Culinary Fusion

Despite the geographical distance from their ancestral homeland, Indo-Caribbean communities have preserved their cultural and culinary traditions. Fariyal mentioned that they have mixed Indian food with Creole influences, resulting in a unique and flavorful cuisine. This fusion is characterized by the adaptation of traditional Indian dishes using locally available ingredients, creating a practice of “making the unfamiliar familiar once more.” 

Reflection

My encounter with Fariyal was a poignant reminder of the resilience inherent in the human spirit and the rich cultural tapestries woven through migration and adaptation. Her story is a testament to the enduring bonds of family, the complexities of cultural identity, and the wisdom gained through a life of unwavering dedication and love.