Global Hinduism: Navigating Diaspora, Identity, and Xenophobia in a Changing World
In a quiet corner of a bustling foreign city, Priya Sharma, a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) from Mumbai, stood frozen, her heart racing. The words still echoed in her ears: “Go back to Portugal!” The remark, flung at her by a fellow Hindu during a community gathering, was not just a personal slight but a jarring reflection of a deeper, more troubling undercurrent within the Indian diaspora. Priya, whose family had no connection to Portugal beyond her OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card linked to her Goan ancestry, felt the sting of xenophobia in a place she least expected—among her own people. This moment, raw and personal, opens a window into the complex interplay of Hindu identity, diaspora dynamics, and the evolving notion of what it means to be Indian in a globalized world.
Roots That Stretch Across Oceans
The Indian diaspora, numbering over 35 million, is the largest in the world, a vibrant tapestry of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs). From the sunlit beaches of the Caribbean to the tech hubs of Silicon Valley, Indians have carried their culture, traditions, and Hindu faith across borders for centuries. The journey began with the Girmitiya laborers of the 19th century, who toiled on British plantations in Fiji, Malaysia, and South Africa, and continues today with professionals shaping global industries. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, 2.5 million Indians emigrate annually, making India the top source of international migrants. This diaspora is not just a demographic; it’s a living bridge between India and the world, carrying the ethos of Hinduism—its rituals, festivals, and philosophies—wherever they go.
Hinduism, with its billion adherents, is a global religion, its influence stretching from the ancient kingdoms of Southeast Asia to modern yoga studios in Lisbon. The diaspora has played a pivotal role in this expansion, establishing temples, celebrating Deepavali, and teaching Bharatanatyam in cities far from India’s shores. In Portugal, where Priya’s story unfolds, the Indian community numbers around 44,000, with deep ties to Goa, Daman, and Diu—regions once under Portuguese rule. The Radha Krishna Temple in Lisbon, visited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017, stands as a symbol of this shared heritage, a place where Indian identity and Hindu spirituality converge.
A Sting of Misplaced Identity
Priya’s encounter was not an isolated incident but a symptom of a broader tension. As she shared in her poignant reflection published by The Indian Express, the remark came from a fellow Hindu who mistook her Goan heritage, tied to Portugal through colonial history, as a mark of being “less Indian.” The irony was stark: in a community event meant to celebrate Hindu unity, Priya faced exclusion, her Indianness questioned because of her diasporic roots. This wasn’t just about a single comment; it mirrored a growing mindset, not only in India but within diaspora communities, where rigid notions of identity are creating fissures.
The Indian diaspora has long been a source of pride, contributing over $100 billion annually in remittances and wielding influence in global politics, technology, and culture. From the Silicon Valley CEOs to the likes of Antonio Costa, Portugal’s former Prime Minister of Goan descent, the diaspora embodies India’s soft power. Yet, as Priya’s story reveals, this global community is not immune to the same prejudices that plague societies worldwide. Xenophobia, often directed at minorities, is now surfacing within the Hindu diaspora itself, raising questions about what it means to be Hindu and Indian in today’s world.
The Tension of Hindu Nationalism Abroad
The rise of Hindu nationalism, or Hindutva, has added complexity to diaspora identity. While Hinduism emphasizes the divine in all beings, Hindutva’s political ideology often frames India as a Hindu nation, sometimes at the expense of its pluralistic ethos. This ideology has found resonance among some NRIs, who, despite living as minorities in multicultural societies, support majoritarian politics back home. A professor in Sweden, himself a Hindu NRI, reflects on this paradox: why do some Hindu diasporans, who face discrimination as minorities abroad, champion anti-minority sentiments in India?
In the United States, events like the 2019 “Howdy, Modi” rally in Houston highlighted this divide. While many celebrated Prime Minister Modi’s visit, others protested, pointing to the bulldozer—a symbol of Hindu nationalist aggression—paraded during an Independence Day event in New Jersey. These incidents underscore how Hindutva’s influence is not confined to India but is reshaping diaspora communities, creating tensions between those who embrace a universalist Hindu identity and those drawn to a more exclusivist vision.
Priya’s experience in Portugal echoes these global currents. The assumption that her Goan heritage made her “less Indian” reflects a narrow view of identity that conflates cultural purity with national loyalty. Yet, Goa’s history—shaped by 450 years of Portuguese rule—has produced a unique blend of Hindu, Christian, and Portuguese influences. This hybridity is a strength, not a flaw, embodying the adaptability that has defined Hinduism’s global journey.
Reclaiming a Global Hindu Identity
Hinduism’s strength lies in its diversity, from the Mother Goddess worship in Malaysia to the Sanskritized traditions of Southeast Asia. The diaspora has preserved this richness, building Gurudwaras in Jakarta, celebrating Thaipusam in Malaysia, and teaching Hindi at the University of Lisbon. Yet, as Priya’s story shows, the diaspora must confront internal challenges to maintain this legacy. The call to “go back to Portugal” is not just a personal affront but a challenge to the inclusive spirit of Hinduism itself.
The Indian government has recognized the diaspora’s importance through initiatives like Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which honors overseas Indians, and the Know India Program, which connects young diasporans with their roots. These efforts aim to foster a sense of belonging, but they must also address the growing polarization within communities. As Anantanand Rambachan, a Hindu scholar from Trinidad, argues, Hinduism’s core principle—that divinity resides in all—demands a commitment to equality and justice, both in India and abroad.
A Path Forward
Priya’s story is a call to action for the global Hindu community. It challenges us to redefine modern Indian identity, not as a monolith but as a mosaic of histories, cultures, and experiences. The diaspora, with its vast influence and resources, can lead this charge by embracing Hinduism’s universal values while rejecting the divisiveness of xenophobia and nationalism. As India’s global ambassadors, diasporans like Priya are not just preserving their heritage but shaping its future.
In the end, Priya didn’t respond to the taunt. She walked away, her resolve strengthened to live her truth as a Hindu, an Indian, and a global citizen. Her story, like the diaspora itself, is one of resilience—a reminder that Hindu identity thrives not in exclusion but in the embrace of its boundless diversity. Let us honor that legacy by building communities where no one is told to “go back” but is instead welcomed home, wherever they are.
This article draws inspiration from real experiences and the evolving narrative of the Indian diaspora, reflecting the vibrancy and challenges of global Hinduism.
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