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==Anglo-Indian migration a thing of the past==

Prithvijit Mitra, TNN Jan 10, 2013

[http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=CAP&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&AW=1373700521482 The Times of India] 

===1950s, ‘60s===
KOLKATA: It's believed that nearly 3.5 lakh Anglo-Indians left the country in search of greener pastures in the Fifties and Sixties, never to return.

They left behind a depleted, marginalized community that struggled to exist and hold on to their own in a fast-changing society that cared little for them. But Anglo-Indian migration is now a thing of the past and the trend could even be reversed if India offers enough employment opportunities, say guests at the 9th International Anglo-Indian Reunion in Kolkata. 

"Young Anglos are now far more entrenched in India and are confident about themselves. Unlike us, they are not unsure about who they are and whether they can fit into the Indian society. I get the impression that our youngsters in India are more interested in carving out a future for themselves here, rather than migrate to other countries," said Gordon Maher of the Australian Anglo-Indian Association (AAIA) a delegate at the reunion.

Maher, who migrated to Australia in 1970, said he was pleasantly surprised to find many of them speaking fluent Hindi and Bengali. "This means they are integrating well in the Indian society and are no longer looking at migration."

"We help the disadvantaged in Kolkata. But the good thing is that more and more youngsters in the community are now ready to help themselves. They are in a better position to take advantage of the progress that India has made," he said.

Ron Forbes, a former vice-president of Citibank, agreed. "Young Anglos in India are smarter and more confident. They are secure in their skin which makes a big difference. The major reason is that a good number of them are better educated and hold good jobs. It has given them an identity that they are comfortable with. I was really impressed with the way they think and I didn't meet anyone who wanted to migrate," said Forbes, who left Kolkata for England in 1964 and now lives in Canada.

"I keep coming back to Kolkata. It feels nice to see that my community members are now happy in the city. When I was a youth, none saw a future for us in India."

A reverse migration, however, is yet to happen, he said. "For the younger generation settled abroad, India has never been home. They might consider coming here only if they have lucrative employment opportunities. India does offer privileges to the community that it doesn't enjoy anywhere else," Forbes said. 

 


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