AN INDIAN CULTURAL IDENTITY

The underlying multi-cultural diversity of India has always made it difficult to describe or develop an Indian cultural identity. It is this diversity that makes the rich and intricate tapestry of India so very unique, fascinating and embraceable. To understand it one has to recognize and appreciate the individual strands of culture.

THE INDIAN DIASPORA

Professor Steve Raymer of Indiana University observes that “unlike other mass migrations, the Indian Diaspora maintains far-reaching cultural ties with the motherland. Indians do not so much assimilate the culture of their adopted lands, but instead bring the culture of India to the 110 countries where they live…” (Raymer 2007). This is typical of the scenario in Singapore. The term “Indian diaspora” has been taken to include the early diaspora Indians who have settled in Singapore since pre-war days as well as the new immigrants.

The pre-war Indian diaspora comprised a labour force and the postwar period medical, legal, teaching and administrative professionals. Then followed a waning trend from the 1960s to the 1980s. A drastic reversal in the 1990s saw the Indian diaspora steadily growing in numbers and diversity and their role becoming increasingly significant. This new Indian diaspora comprised mainly service providers and IT personnel who maintained an active two-way movement with their homeland. They were able to retain their cultural practices with the support of excellent communication and travel facilities. The older diaspora generations have through close interaction with them, been reminded, exposed and brought closer to their traditional practices, attitudes and way of life.

CULTURAL LEGACY OF THE EARLY INDIAN DIASPORA IN SINGAPORE

The major legacy of Singapore's early Indian communities was the establishment of a distinct culturally vibrant Indian identity as an integral part of the society.

In pre-war Singapore, Indian music and dance were presented by non- Indians as the early Indian immigrants’ interest lay in the provision of basic necessities and maintaining traditional cultures. They rarely attended arts performances and their children were kept away from entering these fields even if they supported the art. One key artiste was the late Dr Chotta Singh, a medical doctor who gave up his career for music.