Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ Amid cheers and spectacle in Sydney‘s Qudos Arena earlier this year, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shared a stage with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, likening the energy in the room to that of a Bruce Springsteen concert. But behind the euphoric applause of 20,000 supporters lay deeper, often uncomfortable truths about India’s complex diaspora in Australia.
India’s diaspora in Australia is a vital and rapidly growing demographic, soon set to overtake the UK-born population as the country’s largest migrant group. This vibrant community has contributed significantly to Australia’s socio-economic fabric, from its cultural richness to its political influence.
Despite its success, the Indian diaspora is far from homogenous. Historical, cultural, and political differences persist, many of which have carried over from the subcontinent. Despite Australia’s egalitarian ethos, the centuries-old system of caste-based discrimination remains one of the starkest divides.
Dr. Asang Wankhede‘s research exposed systemic caste discrimination in Australia, impacting both public and private spheres. From children excluded from social gatherings to workers denied opportunities, the impact is pervasive and persistent. The Hindu caste system, structured around rigid social hierarchies, assigns Dalits historically marginalized and often ostracized the lowest social status. Such discrimination is not only morally egregious but also undermines Australia’s commitment to social inclusion.
High-caste expatriates dominate many cultural organizations, perpetuating exclusionary practices against low-caste Hindus and non-Hindu minorities. Dr. Jasbeer Musthafa Mamalipurath warns that casteism normalizes inequality and threatens the ideals of equality and fairness that Australia claims to uphold. Advocacy for legislative protections against caste discrimination has grown, with recommendations from the Australian Human Rights Commission calling for reforms to address these injustices.
Dr. Mamalipurath criticizes these “heedless” acts, arguing they normalize extremist narratives and deepen divisions within the diaspora. Meanwhile, WhatsApp and Telegram groups have become conduits for polarizing content imported directly from India.
The Indian diaspora’s diversity should be its strength, a reflection of India’s pluralistic heritage. However, the push for a homogenized identity threatens this plurality. Minorities within the diaspora often face “double marginalization,” ostracized both in India and within the diaspora itself.
Engaging meaningfully with the diaspora requires acknowledging its complexities rather than treating it as a monolithic voting bloc. It also necessitates standing firm on principles of equality and justice, pushing back against divisions.
Parts of the Indian-Australian community may have benefited from Albanese’s embrace of Modi, but others who are against the current Indian administration may have found it divisive.
