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Synopsis |
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There are references where in it is mentioned
that some Sikhs who wanted to migrate to USA were made to
disembark at the Brazilian ports from where they traveled
over land to Argentina. Similarly some of them who were already
in Panama and Cuba headed for Argentina via Peru, Bolivia
and Brazil. Why they did not establish roots in Brazil is
not clear. Some accounts say that the land and climate of
Brazil was not found attractive enough by the Sikhs. May be
the political climate was not very conducive for the Indians.
Some references are available regarding Gadhar Party leaders’
visit and temporary stay in Rio de Janeiro on their way to
Argentina or other countries. It would appear no Branch of
the Party was set up in Brazil presumably because no supporters
or cadres were available. In fact Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s
uncle lived in Rio for some time. In Bilga’s account,
he mentions that their (Gadhar) leaders had good influence
with the ruling Party in Brazil which helped them get export
agency for coffee to the Middle Eastern countries. However
it is difficult to accept that all the Sikhs would have merely
transited through the country without some of them not staying
on. In this quest, the author did meet an old Sikh Immigrant’s
grandson which is covered as a case study later on. There
are scattered Sikh professionals and business men in Sao Paulo
and some other towns. These are comparatively recent entrants
post Seventies or Eighties. Only a few of them as yet have
struck permanent roots in Brazil. Sikh presence in Brazil
is, indeed, insignificant. One of the earlier establishments
of Yogi Bhajan’s 3HO in South America was in Brazil.
Subhag Kaur Khalsa, an American and her late husband, Gurusewak
Singh Khalsa, a Brazilian moved to SaoPaulo in 1987 bringing
with them SGGS. They set up a yoga center in their apartment
and finally a separate Gurudwara last year. There are a few
turbaned followers of Yogi Ji in Brazil. It is an experience
to see them do “Ardas” in Punjabi followed by
Portuguese translation. A friend, Arvinder Singh Garcha from
London has a beautiful recording of a small group of these
Sikhs with white turbans and flowing beards singing the Japji
on a guitar on the Brazilian beach. Bravo!
The Country
Brazil is the fifth largest country in area after Russia,
Canada, China and USA and is the sixth largest in population.
It is a country known for its Amazon rain forests, exotic
Carnivals and the Samba music. Beaches and Bikinis are a national
passion. The original Indian population has dwindled but some
areas remain almost unapproachable even today. Portuguese
is the language, being the only exception to Spanish in South
America. The earlier prosperity came through sugar with the
forced labor of African and Indian slaves. Sexual relations
between the masters and slaves were so common that a large
mulatto population soon emerged. Coffee and rubber were other
rich contributors to the economy in earlier times. Economy
has had its ups and downs and continues to have extreme contrasts.
Politically also it has had more than its share of military
dictators, democracy of some sort, kings and their representatives.
It is the only country which has had a European monarch ruling
on its soil..... |
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Article Published in The
Sikh Review - February 2005 - No. 626 |