Sambhav-2024

• Start the answer with a discussion that sets a context for the question.
• Discuss the role of the Indian diaspora in preserving Indian culture abroad.
• Conclude suitably.

Introduction

The Indian diaspora has grown manifold since the first batch of Indians were taken to counties in the eastern Pacific and the Caribbean islands under the ‘Girmitiya’ arrangement as indentured labourers. India had the most people living abroad of any country worldwide in 2020, according to the UN’s latest data published in the World Migration Report 2022.

Body

The Indian diaspora plays diverse roles in promoting and preserving Indian culture abroad:

• Promoting Cultural Exchange:
  • Hosting cultural events, performances, and exhibitions that facilitate cross-cultural exchange.
    • The prominent puppet theatres in Indonesia (Wayang Golek and the Wayang Kulit), draw much of their repertoire from indigenized versions of Ramayana and Mahabharata.
  • Indian diaspora's involvement in the global film and television industry introduces international audiences to Indian cinema.
• Promoting Influence:
  • Blogging, vlogging, and digital storytelling to share personal narratives by the Indian diaspora promotes an understanding of Indian culture.
  • Indian cuisine gained global popularity through Indian restaurants and culinary initiatives led by the diaspora.
• Promoting Language and Education:
  • Diaspora contributes to research and academic endeavours related to Indian heritage.
  • There are multiple efforts to teach Indian languages, particularly Hindi and regional languages, in diaspora communities.
    • The 12^th World Hindi Conference, 2023 held in Fiji.
• Preserving Traditions through Celebration:
  • Diwali celebrations are now observed in prominent locations such as Disneyland in California and Times Square in New York.
    • Continued celebration of festivals, religious ceremonies, and cultural events in host countries preserves Indian Tradition.
• Financial Supports:
  • According to the World Bank Migration and Development Brief, released in 2022, for the first time a single country, India, is on track to receive more than USD 100 billion in yearly remittances.
    • This financial supports the formation of diaspora-driven social and religious organizations promoting cultural awareness and unity.

Conclusion

Indian diaspora represents the valuable bridges of goodwill for strengthening the narrative of India on the global stage. With the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutubkam, India has traditionally been a pivot of soft power exercise for promoting global peace and progress, and the diaspora has played that role in its true meaning.