1st INSAF
Conference Report

Keynotes Speakers
Youth Presentations
Workshop Report 
Solidarity Messages

Youth Presentations

Kiran Patel

This paper aims to investigate the rise and presence of communalism in Britain. Through examining certain components of South Asian identity through the diaspora, what will he revealed is that the process of migration has instigated specific nationalisms in relation to motherlands left behind.

Through a specific insight into Gujarati nationalism, a deconstruction will take place of why it has arisen, under what circumstances and the reasons for its appeal. In a country such as Britain, who through its racist, capitalist and patriarchal structures subordinates all South Asians, a fervent religious loyalty in connection to origins of descent becomes focal. A means through which an association with South Asian roots can be maintained without feeling that the sense of religion, culture and tradition has been diluted to the extent of depletion by the west. The danger lies with a nationalism which can then be seen as similar and associated to the 'pseudo-nationalism' of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Sangh Parivar. The BJP and its associates then find a base within the diaspora who conveniently become a source of funding, as can be seen through the maintenance of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad by Non- Resident Indians.

The South Asian youth are now made to feel as though they have a channel through which to place their anger and frustrations, whilst their 'identity finds a concrete foundation with political parties, nations and ideologies. Yet the ideologies of such parties such as the BJP instil a hatred of all others, who are outside of the ascribed 'Hindu' via the hindutva guidelines, especially the hatred of Muslims. This way of thinking conveniently fits into the anti-Muslim hysteria within Britain, US and the west. Such so-called nationalisms promote racism, capitalism and patriarchy. For women, such an ideology offers very little, other than a gender-specific role within tight patriarchal confines. The main role of the woman being producers of the 'nation', and as the instillers of values, tradition and culture. Anything outside of such a role is deemed as too 'western' or 'not Indian enough'. A dangerous combination when identity is confused with elements which work to mould identity into one homogenized category, one to suit the needs of those who invent it and who do not know the real meaning of a nationalism for the people.

Kiran Patel

 

Youth Presentations

Pavithra Narayanan

Kiran Patel

Kamal Munir

Gagan Bedi

Swati Sharan

Prasanti Rao

Daisy Rockwell & Sahana Dharampuri