Recently, Hanumankind, a rapper from Kerala, India, has gained widespread attention for his song "Big Dawgs." As his popularity soared, many Indians took pride in his success, eager to claim him as a symbol of national achievement. However, a controversy emerged when some individuals from Kerala insisted on emphasizing his regional identity over his national one, leading to an unfortunate divide among Indians online.

This division is troubling, especially in a time when global racism against Indians is at an all-time high. Unity among Indians has never been more critical. We must remember that our strength lies in our diversity—a diversity that the world admires. Yet, by engaging in regional disputes over a public figure’s identity, we risk embarrassing ourselves on the global stage.

In a recent interview, Hanumankind expressed that he prefers to be known as "a rapper from India" rather than "an Indian rapper." He made a clear distinction between the two, and it’s a perspective that makes sense. His primary identity is that of an artist—a rapper—while his nationality, though significant, is secondary to his artistic expression. This stance reflects a broader desire among artists to be recognized for their art rather than being boxed in by their demographics.

Unfortunately, this nuanced statement was misunderstood by some Indians, particularly those less proficient in English, who assumed that Hanumankind was ashamed of being called an Indian rapper. This misinterpretation has fueled unnecessary arguments online, furthering the divide.

We need to rise above such petty disputes and focus on what truly matters: unity. Hanumankind’s success is a moment of pride for all Indians, regardless of region or language. Let’s celebrate his achievements together, as one nation, and show the world that our diversity is our strength, not a point of contention. By doing so, we can avoid unnecessary divisions and present a united front, both online and in the global arena.