The Role of Indian Diaspora in Preserving and Transforming Cultural Identities

The Indian diaspora, a dynamic and diverse global community, plays a pivotal role in both the preservation and transformation of cultural identities. This paper investigates how the Indian diaspora upholds traditional cultural practices while also adapting and evolving these practices within new socio-cultural environments. Through case studies from various countries, the research highlights how Indian immigrants and their descendants navigate their cultural heritage, striving to maintain traditional values while integrating new influences from their host countries. Key factors in sustaining cultural identities include community organizations, religious institutions, and cultural festivals. The paper also explores the transformative aspects of the diaspora experience, such as the blending of cultural practices, the development of hybrid identities, and the emergence of new cultural expressions. Diaspora literature, thriving in both English and native Indian languages, plays an integral role in exploring these complexities of cultural identity. While literature in English gains wider recognition, works in native languages face challenges due to market dominance. Despite these difficulties, there are increasing efforts to highlight diasporic literature in native languages, which enhances understanding of Indian society and culture and reflects the evolving nature of identity in the context of global migration. The findings emphasize the complex relationship between preservation and transformation, illustrating how the Indian diaspora contributes to a global cultural mosaic while continuously reshaping their cultural narratives. This study provides valuable insights into diaspora dynamics and cultural identity in an increasingly interconnected world.