Diaspora and Nation Building

Contents: Preface. 1. The Aapravasi Ghat Trust Fund (AGTF). 2. Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI). 3. Antar Rashtriya Sahayog Parishad (ARSP). 4. Aapravasi Ghat : A Memorial of our Indian Ancestors’ Sufferings. 5. The Tradition of Hardwork, Tolerance and Resilience. 6. The Rise and Growth of Indians as a Political Force in Mauritius and Fiji: A Comparative Overview. 7. Strengthening India’s Strategic Engagement with Indo-Caribbean Diaspora. 8. Social and Political Participation of Indian Diaspora in the UK. 9. Critical Challenges the Indian Diaspora Must Confront. 10. Diaspora and Sustainable Economic Development. 11. Roles of Mauritian Expatriates in the Promotion of Nation-building through Bhojpuri Patriotic Songs . 12. The Role of the Indian Diasporic Intangible Heritage in Identity Creation and Nation-Building in Mauritius. 13. The Role of the Arts/Performing Arts in the Socio-cultural Practice of Indian Indentured Immigrants: Towards Nation Building in Mauritius. 14. Diaspora and Nation-Building: An Indo-Mauritian Perspective. 15. Indian Diaspora and Culture on the French Territory Reunion. 16. Indian Diaspora: Contribution of Diaspora in Nation-Building. 17. Role of Indian Diaspora in Nation-Building: The Mauritian Experience. 18. The Contribution of Women Towards Nation-Building in Mauritius: A Qualitative Study. 19. Closing Statement by D.G, MGI & RTI. 20. Statement by Hon. Minister of Tourism, Republic of Mauritius. 21. Statement by H.E The President, Republic of Mauritius . 22. Vote of Thanks. 23. Summary Report of the Conference (Mauritius). 24. Summary Report of the Conference (Re-Union). Over 33 million strong Indian diasporas spread all over the world has been an exceptionally successful story. Given their skills and other social qualities, they are also among the most sought after lots in most countries. Indian diaspora has performed well on all important parameters — political, economical, technological and cultural. PIOs are amongst the top skilled, employable and prosperous non-native people in most countries. They are heading some of the top multinational companies and hold high positions in many international organisations, in a way making an important contribution to the evolving global agenda. Today, Indian diaspora is investing in creating jobs and cutting edge technologies world over. India has also done very well in reaching out to its diaspora through various channels, including the youth. At over USD 75 billion annually, India is the top recipient of remittances. Diaspora could also be an important source of technology and know-how. Given their goodwill on both sides, they are a great source of confidence-building between India and countries of their adoption and have demonstrated their clout on many occasions. Over the last many centuries, Indians have travelled to many near and far off destinations in the world for trade, business, education and jobs. One major wave of such movement was carried out by the colonial administration under the so called indentured system for meeting labour shortages in their overseas plantations. This inhuman system of exploitation of workers finally ended and the centenary of its abolition was commemorated in many parts of the world including India during 2017-18. Antar Rashtrya Sahyog Parishad (ARSP) had organised year long activities to mark this important land mark in the life of Indian diaspora, culminating with an international conference on the topic, ‘Contribution of Diaspora in Nation Building’ in Mauritius in July 2018. Several leaders and scholars addressed this gathering and this publication captures the essence of its outcomes. This publication could be a good reference for students and scholars working on diaspora. (jacket).