Exploring the Footprints of Indian Diaspora

Diaspora

By Dr Shubhankar Mishra

The Indian Diaspora, one of the largest in the world, with an estimated 30 million people of Indian origin living outside of India, has a rich and complex history deeply rooted in Indian traditions. The transport of Indian traditions, including language, religion, food, music, and dance, across the globe through the movement of people has created a vibrant and diverse global community with strong ties to India. 

The Indian diaspora transcends geographic boundaries, leaving an indelible mark across continents. Its impact reverberates throughout countries as diverse as the United States, Britain, Canada, Mauritius and other African countries, Australia… Pic – New Thinking

The Indian labour diaspora, known as Kalapani, transformed Indo-Caribbean communities’ culture and defied traditional beliefs. It created space for diverse alignment and resistance, particularly for women seeking autonomy. Diaspora describes dispersed people retaining shared identity and heritage. Historical, social, political, and economic factors contribute to its emergence. Understanding diaspora’s root causes and characteristics is crucial to appreciate its power in shaping the world.

Forced displacements, such as slavery, wars, and persecution, have created diasporas throughout history. The Jewish and African Diasporas are significant examples. Economic opportunities and political instability also drive voluntary migration and diaspora formation. Cultural and religious factors have played a role in diaspora emergence. Diasporas are a sign of human resilience. Our goal should be to create a world where people can thrive without leaving their homes, regardless of their race, religion, or nationality.

The diasporic imagination is a multifaceted concept that interweaves themes of mourning, travel, and trauma. It is characterized by a perpetual state of mourning rooted in absence and never genuinely arriving. Traumatic experiences are viewed as crystallized losses that memory uses to bring the past into the present, making it a “temporality of memory.” The loss persists because there is no substitute for it in the new object of love, which produces a sad feeling. Travel and translation are intrinsic to the diasporic experience, involving a journey across the seas and the need to navigate between diverse cultures and languages.

Trauma creates a breach that cannot be dealt with by the usual coping mechanisms for pain and loss. The trauma of losing a homeland or the grief of plantation life always arrives late, occurring after the event as a deferred experience. The trauma is a repetition of the event, disrupting the temporal flow. These interconnected themes emphasize the importance of understanding the diasporic imagination and the experiences of those who live it. By recognizing the unique challenges faced by those living in the Diaspora, we can better comprehend their perspectives and support them in their journeys.

Cultural heritage

Understanding the cultural heritage of the Indian Diaspora is crucial to recognizing this community’s immense contributions and impact on a worldwide scale. By tracing its roots, we can appreciate the rich legacy created by this community and its important role in shaping the world we live in today.

In Indian folklore and mythology, stories of characters in exile have captivated readers for generations. These tales highlight the resilience and perseverance of individuals and communities who are forced to leave their homes and endure hardship and displacement. The Ramayana and Mahabharata, two ancient epics, tell powerful stories of characters like Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and the Pandava brothers, who are faced with political conflicts and personal betrayals that force them to live in the wilderness. These tales are timeless, and they explore themes of resilience, and the human will to survive adversity.

Draupadi’s character, in particular, is a testament to the strength of women in exile, as she navigates the challenges of displacement and humiliation. Similarly, the story of Rukmini and the tradition of Pandavani storytelling in tribal regions of Chhattisgarh reinforce the importance of cultural heritage and faith. Prahlada’s story, which emphasizes the importance of faith and devotion, is another example of the power of these stories to inspire. While the Aryan invasion theory has been a matter of debate among scholars, the stories of resilience and perseverance in Indian folklore and mythology continue to resonate with readers and inspire us to face our challenges with determination and strength.

Folk tales and history are vital to diaspora communities, preserving cultural identity, values, and traditions. These stories link the past and present, enabling diaspora communities to maintain a strong connection with their heritage. By sharing their folk tales, they celebrate their culture and pass on its rich legacy to future generations.

A unique and captivating perspective

The world today is more connected than ever before, thanks to globalization, transportation, and communication advancements. This has made it possible for people to maintain connections with their home countries despite living abroad, leading to the growth of diasporas. Moreover, environmental factors such as natural disasters, environmental degradation, and climate change have also become significant drivers of diasporas, forming environmental diasporas. The process of creating a diaspora is complex and multifaceted, influenced by various factors. However, diaspora communities often develop strong connections with their home countries and make significant contributions to their adopted countries, shaping cultural, economic, and political landscapes. It’s inspiring to see how diasporas are bringing people closer together, promoting cross-cultural exchange, and driving progress in our interconnected world.

Contemporary Indian diaspora writers bring a unique and captivating perspective to themes of displacement, assimilation, and cultural adaptation. Through their works, they explore themes of identity, family, and multiculturalism, providing a rare and insightful understanding of the human experience. Notable writers such as Anita Desai, Bharati Mukherjee, Amitav Ghosh, and Jhumpa Lahiri have made an immense contribution in enriching our understanding of human diversity. Their universal perspective connects writers worldwide, making them a force to reckon with in the literary world.

Hindi writers in Mauritius have enriched the country’s literary heritage with their remarkable contributions. Abhimanyu Unnuth, among the most prominent Hindi writers, beautifully reflects the diverse cultural fabric of Mauritius. These contributors have worked tirelessly to preserve and promote the language and culture. Through their writings, they have profoundly impacted the Mauritian society, inspiring new generations of writers to celebrate the country’s rich diversity.

Moreover, the Indian Diaspora in Mauritius has maintained strong ties with India, which has resulted in a vibrant and diverse community that celebrates various cultural festivals, rituals, and practices. With the younger generations embracing their multicultural identity and placing a greater emphasis on education and career opportunities, the Indian diaspora community in Mauritius is poised to make significant contributions to the country’s growth and development.

The Indian Diaspora has made an invaluable contribution to diasporic literature, enriching the cultural fabric of countries across the world. This community has a rich history of migration, which has resulted in cultural diversity and has played a significant role in shaping human history. However, they still face identity and cultural challenges, along with the need to find their place in the global community. By promoting intercultural understanding, addressing global challenges, and fostering the coexistence of diverse peoples and traditions, diaspora communities will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the world’s cultures, societies, and economies in the near future.

Dr Shubhankar Mishra is the Deputy Secretary General at the World Hindi Secretariat in Mauritius, having previously served as a Joint Director in the Ministry of Education for the Government of India. Views expressed in the article are personal.

Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 10 November 2023