Indian Diaspora

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India’s Cultural Diplomacy And Indian Diaspora

Cultural diplomacy is a specified form of diplomacy that encourages a deliberate effort of cultural exchange. It facilitates the understanding of foreign cultural dynamics. Itis exchange of ideas, information, art, lifestyles, value systems, traditions, beliefs another aspects of cultures.

 

The Indian Diaspora is a generic term to describe the people who migrated from territories that are currently within the borders of the Republic of India. It also refers to their descendants. The Diaspora is currently estimated to number over twenty million. composed of “NRIs” (Indian citizens not residing in India) and “PIOs” (Persons of Indian Origin who have acquired the Citizenship-2/”>Citizenship of some other country). The Diaspora covers practically every part of the world. It numbers more than a million each in eleven countries, while as many as twenty-two countries have concentrations of at least a hundred thousand ethnic Indians.

Cultural diplomacy can be defined as a track II, non-conventional diplomatic practice, aimed at identifying cultural patterns of behavior as well as the commonalities of two or more competing groups in order to find a common ground of dialogue, while preserving culturally sensitive aspects.

Alternatively, Cultural diplomacy can be defined as “the exchange of ideas, information, art and other aspects of culture among nations and their peoples to foster mutual understanding”.

Cultural diplomacy includes exchanges between people in different countries, through which individuals are able to visit foreign countries and learn about the culture and Society of the foreign country. It includes the study of another country’s language, traditions, and lifestyle. Culture is an exceedingly broad term, thus contributing to the vast range of areas that fall under the definition of cultural diplomacy. For instance, culture includes literature, the arts in general, customs, habits and traditions, humans’ behavior, history, music, folklore, gestures, and social relationships. Thus, any interaction or exchange between the people of two countries in any of these areas is considered cultural diplomacy, as is the study of these fields as they exist in a foreign country.

Independent India recognised the importance of cultural diplomacy, as an instrument for people to people connectivity. Ministries of External Affairs and Culture share the responsibility for promoting cultural diplomacy. India has signed 126 bilateral cultural agreements and is currently implementing 58 Cultural Exchange Programmes with other countries. Bilateral Agreements, however, are not prerequisite for the conduct of cultural diplomacy.

To achieve this objective, India set up a nodal body, called the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in 1950.  Since its creation, ICCR has used a number of instrumentalities, like Cultural Centres, Festivals of India, Chairs of Indian Studies, etc. in promoting not only cultural but broader linkages with countries across the world.

In an endeavour to strengthen its relationship with Southeast Asia, India has actively used culture as an important instrument of its Look East Policy (LEP). Unlike in the past when cultural diplomacy was largely viewed as India’s veiled effort towards cultural dominance, the renewed thrust on the cultural diplomacy has received genuine appreciation from Southeast Asian countries.

The Indian government has taken a number of policy initiatives in order to engage this diaspora. The Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, begun in 2003, is held every year in January. The Indian government is also working towards setting up a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) University in India and India Development Foundation, which can facilitate the development of human Resources.

India has signed formal cultural agreements with almost every Southeast Asian country.

The major thrust of India’s cultural diplomacy is fostering better trade and economic relations and at the political level. The important aspect includes –

  1. Know India Program – To help familiarize Indian Diaspora youth, in the age group of 18-26 years, with developments and achievements made by the country and bringing them closer to the land of their ancestors. KIP provides a unique  forum for students and young professionals of Indian Origin to visit India, share their views, expectations and experiences and to develop closer Bonds with the contemporary India.

 

  1. Annual “Pravasi Divas” – To connect India to its vast Indian Diaspora and bring their knowledge, expertise and skills on a common platform.

 

  1. “Brand India” image as part of its outreach to a global audience.

 

  1. Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) –The ICWA organizes events, including organization of Academic Conferences.

 

  1. Religion –The emphasis is on spiritualism rather than on religion per se, on Yoga/”>Yoga, vegetarian food, meditation and mental peace.

 

  1. Indian films

 

  1. Indian Music and dance

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The Indian diaspora is the global community of people of Indian origin. It is the largest diaspora in the world, with over 200 million people living outside of India. The Indian diaspora is spread across all continents, with large populations in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Australasia.

The history of the Indian diaspora can be traced back to the ancient times, when Indian traders and merchants traveled to other parts of the world. The first major wave of Indian Migration occurred during the British colonial period, when millions of Indians were transported to other parts of the British Empire, including Africa, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. The second major wave of Indian migration occurred after India’s independence in 1947, when millions of Hindus and Sikhs fled to neighboring countries, such as Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The Indian diaspora is a diverse community, with people from all walks of life. The majority of Indians living abroad are Hindus, followed by Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs. The Indian diaspora is also linguistically diverse, with people speaking a variety of Indian languages, such as Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali.

The Indian diaspora has made significant contributions to the countries they live in. Indians have excelled in a variety of fields, including business, science, engineering, medicine, and the arts. Indians have also played a major role in the development of their adopted countries. For example, Indian immigrants have played a key role in the development of the information technology Industry in the United States.

The Indian diaspora faces a number of challenges, including discrimination, racism, and xenophobia. Indians are often stereotyped and discriminated against in their adopted countries. Indians also face challenges in maintaining their culture and identity in a foreign land.

Despite the challenges, the Indian diaspora is a vibrant and dynamic community. Indians have made significant contributions to the countries they live in and have helped to shape the global community. The future of the Indian diaspora is bright, and Indians are poised to play an even greater role in the world in the years to come.

Here are some specific examples of the contributions of the Indian diaspora:

  • In the United States, Indian immigrants have played a key role in the development of the information technology industry. Indian companies, such as Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services, are among the largest IT companies in the world. Indian immigrants have also made significant contributions to the fields of science, engineering, and medicine.
  • In the United Kingdom, Indian immigrants have made significant contributions to the economy. Indian businesses, such as the Tata Group and the Hinduja Group, are among the largest companies in the United Kingdom. Indian immigrants have also made significant contributions to the fields of science, engineering, and medicine.
  • In Canada, Indian immigrants have made significant contributions to the economy. Indian businesses, such as the Bharti Group and the ITC Limited, are among the largest companies in Canada. Indian immigrants have also made significant contributions to the fields of science, engineering, and medicine.
  • In Australia, Indian immigrants have made significant contributions to the economy. Indian businesses, such as the Reliance Group and the Aditya Birla Group, are among the largest companies in Australia. Indian immigrants have also made significant contributions to the fields of science, engineering, and medicine.

The Indian diaspora is a vibrant and dynamic community that has made significant contributions to the countries they live in. Indians are poised to play an even greater role in the world in the years to come.

What is the Indian diaspora?

The Indian diaspora refers to the people of Indian origin who live outside of India. The Indian diaspora is the largest ethnic group in the world, with over 200 million people. The Indian diaspora is spread across the globe, with significant populations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the Middle East.

What are the main reasons for the Indian diaspora?

The Indian diaspora has been shaped by a number of factors, including colonialism, economic opportunity, and political persecution. The British Raj, which ruled India from 1858 to 1947, led to the migration of millions of Indians to other parts of the British Empire, including the Caribbean, Africa, and Southeast Asia. After India’s independence in 1947, many Indians migrated to the United Kingdom, the United States, and other developed countries in search of economic opportunity. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of Indians migrating to the Middle East, due to the region’s oil wealth.

What are the contributions of the Indian diaspora?

The Indian diaspora has made significant contributions to the countries in which they live. Indians have excelled in a variety of fields, including business, science, engineering, medicine, and the arts. The Indian diaspora has also played a major role in the development of the economies of their host countries.

What are the challenges faced by the Indian diaspora?

The Indian diaspora faces a number of challenges, including discrimination, racism, and language barriers. Indians in some countries have also been targeted by violence, such as the 2002 Gujarat riots in India and the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zealand. The Indian diaspora also faces the challenge of maintaining their cultural identity in the face of assimilation into their host cultures.

What is the future of the Indian diaspora?

The Indian diaspora is a vibrant and dynamic community that is constantly evolving. The Indian diaspora is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, due to factors such as Globalization/”>Globalization-3/”>Globalization, economic Growth, and political instability in India. The Indian diaspora is also expected to play an increasingly important role in the development of India and the world.

Sure, here are some MCQs about the topics you mentioned:

  1. The Indian diaspora is the largest ethnic group in the world. True or False?
  2. The Indian diaspora is made up of people who have migrated from India to other countries. True or False?
  3. The Indian diaspora is a diverse group of people with a variety of cultures and languages. True or False?
  4. The Indian diaspora has made significant contributions to the countries they have settled in. True or False?
  5. The Indian diaspora is a source of pride for India. True or False?

Answers:
1. False. The Chinese diaspora is the largest ethnic group in the world.
2. True.
3. True.
4. True.
5. True.

Here are some additional facts about the Indian diaspora:

  • The Indian diaspora is estimated to be over 200 million people.
  • The Indian diaspora is spread out over more than 100 countries.
  • The Indian diaspora has made significant contributions to the fields of science, technology, business, and the arts.
  • The Indian diaspora is a source of pride for India and its people.
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