When I worked at HP, I was known for my sharp wit and frequent jokes. Unlike the usual “How are you?” greeting, I had a habit of asking, “Who are you?”—just for fun. Of course, I’d follow it up with a quick, “Sorry, I meant, how are you?” 😊

It’s a simple question, isn’t it? Who are you? If someone asked me, I’d say, “I’m Madan Ganesh. You can call me MaGa.” A straightforward answer. But is it really that simple?

The Role-Play Exercise

Years ago, when I was learning Sudarshan Kriya as part of Art of Living’s Part 1 course, we had a role-playing exercise. Two people would pair up, and one would repeatedly ask the other, “Who are you?” The second person would have to answer. Then the first would ask again: “Who are you?”

At first, it seemed silly. I laughed. I started by saying my name. Then, “I work at HP.” Then, “I’m a human being.” The questions kept coming, and my answers kept evolving. But the purpose of the exercise wasn’t immediately explained.

Let’s Reflect

Now, let me ask you a question. How old are you? Let’s pretend you’re 25. Here’s a follow-up: What were you doing 26 years ago?

Most people would say, “I wasn’t born then.” Some might joke, “Maybe I was a dog, a cat, or a tiger in my past life!”

Next question: Where will you be 100 years from now?

Common answers range from, “I don’t know,” to, “I’ll be in heaven,” or simply, “I’ll be gone.”

But then what happens? These are profound questions. And the sooner we begin exploring them, the better our lives can become.

A Simple Analogy

Most likely, you’re reading this on your phone or laptop. Am I right? Let me ask: Are you the phone? Of course not! You’re holding the phone, using it.

Here’s another question: What color is your dress today? Blue? Green? Red? Maybe white? Let me guess your answer: “I’m wearing the dress, but I’m not the dress.”

It’s funny how obvious that is, right? But let’s take it a step further.

Revisiting the Question: Who Am I?

If you’re not your phone, and you’re not your dress, then consider this:

• I am not my body; I am using my body.
• I am not my mind; I am using my mind.
• I am not my emotions; I am expressing my emotions.

So, Who am I?

Years later, I learned the deeper purpose behind this question: I am a pure soul, a divine spark originating from God.

The Takeaway

The question “Who am I?” isn’t just playful or rhetorical. It’s an invitation to reflect on our true nature, beyond the labels of name, job, or even our physical existence. It’s a profound reminder that we are more than the sum of our roles—we are divine beings on a spiritual journey.