DIASPORA IN THREE COUNTRIES OF THREE CONTINENTS:
ARGENTINA, NETHERLANDS, AND BURMA
18-19 June 2013

Paper presented at the International Conference on "Young Sikhs in a Global World: Negotiating Identity, Tradition and Authority",Lund University, Sweden

Introduction

In this paper, the author examines Sikh migration to the three continents of South America, Europe (Continental), and Asia (East) by taking up the profile of Sikh migration in three countries i.e. Argentina, The Netherlands, and Myanmar - erstwhile Burma, based on his travels. It was felt that a comparative study of one country in each continent would be of interest because it might reflect how the Sikh Diaspora has developed in different parts of the Globe. Ideally it should have been a study of all the six continents but that will have to wait for a later time. It is acknowledged that migration dynamics are unique to each country and the profile of just one country might not be a true representation of the larger migration pattern on a continent basis. Nevertheless, it is hoped that some broad contours might emerge. South America was the author's first focus because not much work has been done on Sikh Diaspora studies for that continent. There is limited or nil interest in the study of Sikh Diaspora in countries where Sikhs are present in relatively small numbers. However, the significance of study of migration to such countries is not merely to complete the Diaspora map but because such a study throws up different dynamics than those in countries with larger number of Sikh immigrants. India being part of Asia, it was felt that a study of Asian continent could provide an altogether different dimension to the Sikh migration. The author has chosen to write about India's neighbour Burma, now Myanmar, because of its unique relationship of having been a part of British India. The third continent that has been covered is Europe where Sikh migration has gained some significance in recent decades. The Netherlands has so far not been researched by the 'Lund Group' and hence its inclusion.

Field Visits and Methodology:

The author has been travelling extensively to pursue his interest in Sikh Diaspora. His initial travels were to South America based on which he has written a book titled 'Sikhs in Latin America - Travels among the Sikh Diaspora'. He has subsequently been travelling to Asia Pacific and Continental Europe. This paper is based primarily on his travels. Additionally, he carried out some desk research comprising internet surfing, study of published literature and discussions with various persons who have interest in the subject. As a useful experience, some returnees from these countries were interviewed in their Punjab locations. Since there is no institutional support for this project, the most difficult part has been to locate the first few contacts especially in Latin America as little information was available. Invariably, the real stories unravelled only after arrival which made logistics somewhat challenging. Language was another barrier in Latin America - Spanish is the language of Latin America except for Portuguese in Brazil. Establishing contacts in Myanmar was problematic because of poor communications including telephones and emails. Visiting the Gurdwara in Yangon helped in getting some of the needed contacts especially in outlying towns. Gurdwaras were useful starting points in Europe where the best option was to visit on a Sunday when 'sangat' is present in large numbers. Communication wise Europe was comparatively better for establishing contacts, but people were generally busy during the week and hence difficult to interview.