Nation and Identity : Global Mark of Indian Diaspora

Abstract

The ancient human migrations, the medieval resettlements of warring groups and the modern globalization are the different phases of human quest for the creation of new civilization and also their need for progress and development. Such human movements have generated the concept of diaspora which means human settlements away from their original home land. Thus, diaspora signals an engagement with a matrix of diversity of cultures, languages, histories, people, places, and times The Indian Diaspora, as India itself, constitutes a diverse, heterogeneous and eclectic global community, representing diversity of forms, types, geographies and times of formation. It, therefore, requires diverse and distinct approaches to engage them and connect with India. The common thread that binds them together is the idea of India and its intrinsic values. Overseas Indians comprising People of Indian Origin and Non-Resident Indians, stretching across all oceans and continents have considerably added to knowledge, innovation and development across the globe by making significant contributions to their countries of residence. The present paper focuses on Indian diaspora as a globalisation and multiculturalism. It raises the question of a structural and historical distinction between the socio-cultural pluralism of societies like India and the ones overseas where Indian populations migrated and settled. The paper will look at the most recent development in Indian Diaspora.