The American “I” and the Hindu “We”

The American “I” and the Hindu “We”
Balancing Individualism and Dharma in Hindu American Families
By Dr. Mohini Shinde

What does it mean to raise children who feel fully American—yet remain deeply Hindu?

For millions of Hindu families in the United States, parenting unfolds at the intersection of two powerful value systems. On one side is the American emphasis on independence, self-expression, and personal choice—the “I.”
On the other is the Hindu worldview rooted in dharma, family responsibility, community, and collective well-being—the “We.”
In The American “I” and the Hindu “We”, Dr. Mohini Shinde explores this delicate balance through the lived experiences of Hindu American families navigating identity, parenting, and intergenerational change. Drawing from cultural insight, community observation, and contemporary research, the book examines the quiet tensions that arise around education, faith, language, marriage, media influence, and the evolving parent–child relationship.
This book does not argue for choosing one world over the other. Instead, it offers a thoughtful framework for understanding how Hindu parents can raise confident, grounded children who honor their heritage while thriving in modern America. From second-generation struggles to grandparent adjustments, from temple classrooms to dinner-table conversations, these pages reflect the real questions families face—and the wisdom needed to address them.
Written with empathy, clarity, and deep cultural understanding, The American “I” and the Hindu “We” is an essential read for parents, educators, community leaders, and anyone interested in how tradition and modernity can coexist—not in conflict, but in harmony.