Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his addresses on Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Indian Diaspora Day) called the Indian diaspora the brand ambassadors of India. This is especially true in the cultural context. In the time I have spent in the United States (a little more than three years now) I have come to realize the sheer strength of brand India. The biggest demonstrations of this strength have been the faith entrusted by non-Indians into anything Indian. As such, Indians abroad play a crucial role as cultural bridges. Our experiences serve as testimonies to the richness and diversity of Indian heritage. 

For instance, when I teach Yoga to friends from various parts of the world here in Washington DC, I am continually struck by their eagerness to embrace and practice this yog-discipline. Most importantly, the dedication with which they commit to early morning Yoga sessions has shown their respect and curiosity towards Indian culture. But the diaspora’s role as a cultural bridge is not just about teaching something, it is about creating connections that enrich both sides of the cultural exchange.

A dinner with European diplomats visiting Washington DC was emblematic of the power of sharing one’s own culture. At this renowned Indian restaurant, we had the pleasure of having dishes from multiple parts of India. As I highlighted to them that one was from Maharashtra, another from Punjab, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and so on – I was able to showcase the Indian diversity. Interestingly, they too were able to share more on the diversity of their respective cuisines and we saw how the inter-mixing of tastes creates cultures and bonds. Food is perhaps one of the best possible modes of cultural exchange. Indian cuisine holds immense power in that context. 

I have had the pleasure of creating countless memories where my friends here in the United States have shown their interest in India and Indianness. All I had to do was be the bridge. That can be the biggest contribution of the Indian diaspora – to be the bridge. So that we can give anything from our Indianness – things like healthy living, flavorful food or even mesmerizing music. That’s the faith Indians, Americans and the world has of us, the brand ambassadors of India in the United States of America – to be a bridge to the future ties of India and the United States. 

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