Dear WFY Readers & Patrons,
As November approaches, a month brimming with cultural celebrations such as Diwali, let us take a look at the global incidents shaping up. It is a fitting moment to contemplate the profound influence that the Indian Diaspora has had on a global scale. Consisting of more than 32 million people spread throughout 205 countries, the Indian Diaspora is a vital link between India and the international community.
A noteworthy example of the diaspora’s advocacy and influence is its crucial participation in the 2005 Indo-US nuclear agreement. By means of fundraising and petitioning, Indian Americans effectively advocated for this accord, thereby emphasising the diaspora community’s resolve and strength.
Conspicuous in its financial contribution to India’s economy, the Indian Diaspora annually remits an astounding $80 billion. The aforementioned number signifies the most substantial remittance worldwide from any diasporic group, showcasing the dedication and prosperity of Indians living in diverse regions across the globe.
An attribute that sets apart the Indian diaspora is its esteemed standing for diligence and proficiency. The Economist reports that the Indian diaspora in the United States has an average annual income of $150,000, which is double the national average. In addition to succeeding in education, business, and politics, members of this community occupy influential positions in parliaments throughout the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, the European Union, and the United States. In addition, Indian diaspora executives have flourished in corporate environments, with 25 individuals presently serving as the CEOs of S&P 500 companies.
In addition to their professional accomplishments and financial contributions, the Indian diaspora also functions as cultural envoys, thereby transmitting India’s soft power on an international scale. Although no longer citizens of India, numerous diaspora individuals uphold profound connections to their cultural heritage by safeguarding and exhibiting Indian customs and traditions in the nations where they have settled.
Significantly, the diaspora has consistently voiced its dissent or apprehension regarding the course of action taken by the Indian government. Concerning matters including the repeal of Article 370, the Farmers’ Bill, and the Citizenship Amendment Act, diaspora communities have participated in discussions and expressed both support and opposition. An organisation with a presence in eighteen countries, the Indian Diaspora Global is actively engaged in the affairs and welfare of the diaspora. Their most recent initiative, “Keep The Door Open,” is an unprecedented collective demand for dual citizenship for the Indian diaspora.
It is essential to acknowledge that the Indian diaspora’s presence has worldwide repercussions. The events that occur in India possess the capacity to affect not only the diaspora but also the countries in which they reside. Prominent political parties in India are cognizant of this phenomenon and endeavour to maintain ties with the diaspora in the hope of securing their backing for domestic affairs. In anticipation of the Lok Sabha elections, specific political parties have secured financial support from the diaspora in support of common causes.
Additional news regarding the recent natural and man-made disasters in India is regrettable. Thirteen individuals perished as a result of a detonation at a firecracker warehouse in Attibele, Karnataka, whereas 74 people perished in the flash floods that struck Sikkim. Furthermore, the catastrophic inundations resulting from the rupture of Lhonak Lake have claimed the lives of 22,000 individuals, constituting the most severe calamity to strike this area in more than five decades.
From a favourable perspective, the dedication of Swaminarayan Akshardham, the second largest Hindu temple globally, in Robbinsville, New Jersey, serves as an emblematic representation of the diaspora’s laboriousness in safeguarding their religious and cultural legacy.
The ongoing global apprehension regarding climate change has prompted the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States to issue a dire warning: 2023 is projected to be the warmest year ever recorded. This underscores the critical nature of environmental intervention.
Regarding the social fabric, the Supreme Court of India recently refrained from sanctioning same-sex marriage, placing emphasis on the jurisdiction of the legislature in this regard.
Furthermore, the fraught diplomatic ties between Canada and India have resulted in the withdrawal of 41 Canadian diplomats. India’s decision to revoke the diplomatic immunity of these individuals subsequent to the death of a pro-Khalistan Sikh leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, instigated this course of action.
This edition, our cover story titled ‘Why Is Kalam Unbelievably Relevant Even Now?’ is on APJ Kalam, former president and missile man of India. He is more commonly known as the President of the Youth. We have the world politics section covering the Israel-Palestine conflict. Besides this, you can find interesting reads on health and wellness, lifestyle, travel, art and culture, sports, etc. We have our special feature, ‘From the Kitchens of India‘, along with an insight into Navratri as well. I hope all these will make for an interesting read for you.
Happy Reading!
In unity and celebration,
Melwyn Williams
Chief Editor, WFY Magazine