E-Paper
Executive Summary
People of Indian origin began to migrate overseas in significant numbers only in the 19th century, driven by the economic compulsions generated by colonialism.
People of Indian origin began to migrate overseas in significant numbers only in the 19th century, driven by the economic compulsions generated by colonialism. In a uniquely diverse pattern that has not been replicated by any other Diaspora, except perhaps the Chinese. Indians spread initially to the countries of Africa, Southeast Asia, Fiji and the Caribbean. This wave was mainly in response to the enormous demand for cheap labour that arose immediately after the British abolished slavery in 1833-1834.
It was succeeded in the second half of the 20th century, by a steady outflow of some of India's best professionals to the developed countries of the West, and of India's skilled and semi-skilled labour in the wake of the oil boom in West Asia and the Gulf in the 1970s.
Today the Indian Diaspora numbers over 20 million, reflecting the full multiplicity and variety of the rich social, ethnic, religious and cultural tapestry of the land of its origin. These broad strokes therefore do not do adequate justice to the tremendous complexity of the phenomenon of Indian overseas migration, which is, therefore, sought to be addressed in detail in the Report itself.
Since India achieved Independence, overseas Indians have been returning to seek their roots and explore new avenues and sectors for mutually beneficial interaction, from investment, to transfer of skills and technology, to outright philanthropy and charitable works. This trend has become more marked in the last decade as the Indian economy has opened up, giving rise to a new range of opportunities for emerging generations.
Despite this, the Indian public is relatively unacquainted either with the kaleidoscopic traits of its Diaspora, or with its contribution to Indian welfare. Barring some high profile names in the Information Technology and entertainment sectors abroad, the Diaspora has been largely out of public sight and awareness.
