For the diaspora, it’s always a dilemma

The issues of identity and nationality come to the forefront in any discussion on the diaspora. It is undeniable that most Indians view the Gulf region as a gold mine, and not just a gold market! Hard work here is compensated by more money than one could ever imagine earning ‘back home’. ‘Home’ will always be considered to be the nation of one’s origin and the host nation will be the stop-gap to something bigger. The driving force is always economic. Why else would one traverse thousands of miles away from family and friends? The constant yearning to return never subsides during the expat’s lifetime — whether it be the American, English, Filipino or Indian. The dream of amassing great riches and returning with it to one’s nation or to constantly be wiring it back home is the essence of the mindset of the expat. And what better way to stay connected to that dream, than by securing the right to vote there? The Indian is only temporarily away, in body but not in spirit. The vote keeps the link alive. It reminds the expat that she/he is an Indian and will continue to remain so, irrespective of the country of habitation. It should remind the Indian government that there is a sizeable population of Indians overseas, who are demanding a share in the political decision-making process of their nation.

The fluid and flexible movement of people across nations has not led to dissolution of national identity. It has strengthened it. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated every year in India as an affirmation of the Indian identity. NRIs seeking a right to vote in the Gulf region is another manifestation of the same complexity of diasporic identity.