I am grateful to Dr. Sophana Srichampa for the kind invitation to attend the 2nd International Conference on “Situating Indian Diaspora in Asia” at Mahidol University, Thailand — an event that brought together scholars, researchers, and thought leaders for a truly enriching dialogue on one of the most compelling chapters of India’s global story.
The conference, organised by the Centre for Bharat Studies at RILCA, Mahidol University, in collaboration with the Centre for the Study of Indian Diaspora (CSID), University of Hyderabad, offered a rare opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary reach and resilience of the Indian diaspora across Asia.
What made the conversations particularly striking was the sheer scale of the community we were discussing. The Indian diaspora in Asia is estimated at nearly 20 million as of 2025 — one of the largest diasporic communities in the world. And yet, the numbers only tell part of the story. What the discussions truly illuminated was the depth of cultural continuity — how India’s traditions, values, languages, and ethos continue to travel across generations and geographies, finding expression in diverse societies while building bridges of understanding and goodwill.
For me, as someone who has lived at the intersection of Indian heritage and Southeast Asian life, these conversations carry a personal resonance. The Indian diaspora is not merely a demographic phenomenon — it is a living testament to the enduring power of culture and identity.
Events like this remind us how vital it is to document, celebrate, and study the diaspora’s contribution — not just to the countries they call home, but to the broader tapestry of regional and global connections that define our time.
My sincere appreciation to Dr. Sophana Srichampa and the entire organising team for creating such a meaningful platform for dialogue.