DR. Sheetal Sharma

DR. SHEETAL SHARMA
EMERGING ROLE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE INDIAN DIASPORA IN THE UK: ANALYZING THROUGH THE PRISM OF CULTURAL DIPLOMACY

Modern societies are characterized by rapid movement of people from one place to another. The Diaspora communities have a unique place and a significant role to perform in the contemporary world. Diaspora community is an asset, in terms of their economic, social and cultural contribution made to both the country of origin and destination.

On the other hand, they can also at times be a source of tension because of their cultural, religious, linguistic and regional differences with the population and mainstream culture of the host country. Their ethnic distinctiveness/differences and un-assimilability becomes a factor for divisions between ‘us’ and ‘them’. Diaspora communities are increasing playing a significant role in connecting people from both the places they are connected to and establishing links of meaningful engagement.

Drawing from this framework this paper avers to understand the active role played by the Indian Diaspora in the United Kingdom in establishing linkages and connections between the two countries