Recently, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi had to face an acerbic crowd in Parliament square, London holding placards of ‘Modi Go Home’. Although, they were labelled as anti-nationals by another huge crowd of Indian supporters, yet it raises concern about a clear divide in Indian diaspora. The incident also reminds of the ‘Unwelcome visitor’ tag once an Indian barrister received in Natal, South Africa. But, that was a nasty title scribbled by an alien media. Why would Indians unwelcome their own prime-minister in a foreign soil? Are we witnessing nemesis of ‘diaspora nationalism’? Or it never actually existed among Indians? Does it have any relevance in this global world? ‘Diaspora nationalism’ is a natural “phantom bedrock” phenomenon, where a part of citizens detached from their own land, wish to pursue their national connection. They would live in another world, holding passport of another country, yet rooting for their parent nation. This kind of nationalism led to formation and development of many nations. Even the Indian nationalism has pretty much its origin in London, right from Dadabhai Naoroji to likes of Mohandas K. Gandhi, V. D. Savarkar and Shyamji Krishna Verma. Many Sikhs living abroad were outraged after Jalianwala Bagh incident, leading to assassination of General Dwyer by Uddham Singh.
Irish Americans forming almost 10 percent of US population have once played active role in Provisional Irish Republican Army formation to free Northern Ireland from the British rule. American jews have largely influenced American president Truman for formation and international recognition of Israel. American Lebanese and American Armenians have been a strong nationalistic forces too. For that matter, Sikhs in Canada have been covertly and openly supporting Khalistan movement for a free Sikh-state. Whether this kind of separatist movement has positive or negative vibes, that can be argued, but the fundamentals of diaspora nationalism always existed.
Somewhere in West Africa, a small country bears the flag almost same as United States. One fine day, freed African slaves in America wished to return back to the land they belong. A liberated nation called Liberia was formed by American colonists. This was supposed to be the home- coming for Africans living for generations in United States. Although, entire African diaspora never moved back, but it surely exemplifies the sheer force of diaspora nationalism.
Indians, migrating to different lands from nineteenth century, in form of ‘Girmitiyas’ or otherwise, form one of the largest diaspora. Yet, they seem to divided and to some extent, detached from their own land. Many don’t even seek for OCI (Overseas citizens of India) card. Many second and third- generation Indians don’t even recognize with their Indian identity. Many would deny even carrying an Indian heritage. Indian residents too don’t know that famous rap singer Nickie Menaj has Indian blood. Has the Indian blood got diluted over time or the Indian diaspora nationalism cease to exist?
This seems to be partially true. Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, founded once in Kenya, is currently active in 39 countries and had been actively mobilizing nationalist waves in Indian diaspora. Although, this may be counted as a weak political force, yet getting gradually strengthened after BJP government in India. Obviously, organization has its own political biases, and thus not able to unite the Indian diaspora with a common interest.
Recent protests could have been triggered by political conflicts and waves of protests after
unfortunate incidents back in country. Yet, these kind of anti-government slogans in foreign soil, ultimately tarnishes the nation’s image. Indian diaspora has an important role as ambassadors of goodwill for the country. Irrespective of political disagreements, protests shouldn’t split wide open the unity of Indian community.
In that respect, political leaders too have demonstrated their callousness in washing their dirty linen in public. The political divide back in country has well-reflected in schism among Indians residing in India as well as abroad. While this kind of opinion divide is an essential component of democracy, it hampers the global image when divide appears crystal-clear to other nations. Both the political leadership and the Indian diaspora need to rethink their strategy in projecting their country worldwide. A placard like ‘Modi not welcome’ would not serve any cause to the global image of India. A democratically elected prime-minister should always be welcome, and any criticism must be routed through a secured channel, accessible mostly to country-men. And that channel should definitely not be Parliament Square, or any such platform. Else, the diaspora itself might find itself divided, with their next generations detaching themselves from their roots.
(Author Dr. Praveen Jha is a Norway based radiologist doctor, a columnist and an author)