Importance and Significance of This Study Introduction

This study breaks fresh ground in completing the Punjabi-Sikh Diaspora map. While the focus of most scholastic work is to study the countries where the Punjabi-Sikhs have migrated in significant numbers, there is limited or nil interest in countries where the Punjabi-Sikhs are present in relatively small numbers. The significance of such a study goes beyond completing the Diaspora map as the dynamics in such communities with small numbers is different from that prevalent in countries or settlements with larger number of Sikh migrants. Assimilation and marriages to local spouses is more prevalent and leads to (especially for second and subsequent generations) even forgetting their connection to their forefathers' homeland completely except perhaps as a matter of distant curiosity. In many Latin American countries, many Singhs of third generation and some of even second generation do not know the significance of their 'Singh' surname. A study of such migrants raises entirely different issues in terms of social, cultural, religious, and historical aspects and motivations which have been ignored so far in the study of Sikh Diaspora. More effort is needed in this unexplored area even though it might not attract instant interest and financial resources because of being distant and of peripheral importance. But if we wish to claim the presence of Sikhs all over and everywhere, such a study cannot be put on the back burner for all times to come. I hope this introductory study would generate interest, awareness and more importantly create a genuine challenge for scholars to undertake more detailed studies in this area. It must be emphasised that this paper does not claim any in depth coverage of the various subjects discussed but is an attempt to introduce the subjects to the reader and catch the attention of the researchers for possible further detailed investigation and research. The only claim to originality is to introduce Latin America as a part of the Global Sikh Village.

INTRODUCTION

One cannot do better than quote from the Singhvi High Level Committee Report of December 2001 set up by Government of India which when referring to Latin America and nearby island countries says: "We have added brief sketches here about many of the countries of Central and South (or Latin) America, where there is even a small Indian presence. In doing so, out purpose has been to pay our tribute to the relentless spirit of the 'Overseas Indian' who has ventured forth to remote corners of the world in search of adventure or profit, whatever the impediments or challenges he or she has had to encounter. There are relatively few PIOs and NRIs in most of these countries. But their achievements in what may sometimes have been hostile or unwelcome milieu must command our respect and admiration." The study is author's personal tribute to a hitherto ignored part of Sikh-Punjabi Diaspora.