On 14th May 2020, a virtual seminar was conducted by the Global Research Forum on Diaspora and Transnationalism on the topic, “Indian Diaspora during COVID-19: Coping Strategies and Future Prospects”. The session provided insights on the role played by the Indian diaspora in dealing with the crisis and showed the way to the post-pandemic world envisioning mutual cooperation.
Dr. Vishnu Bisram, is a specialist in Indian diaspora issues, a journalist and columnist for several publications from Guyana. He started with the coping strategies of Indian diaspora in the U.S, Caribbean and especially Guyana. He stated that COVID-19 has impacted daily life tremendously, where there are no weddings since March, no public gatherings and funerals. Everyone is in lockdown and almost everyone wears a face mask.
He further highlighted two aspects through which COVID-19 has impacted the Indian diaspora. Firstly the ‘Political aspect’, with regards to Guyana. General Elections were held on 2nd March in Guyana and almost until four months, there was no outcome. Counting of the free and fair elections was rigged but eventually re-counting resulted in original numbers. Second is the ‘Employment aspect’ where he stated that the United States witnessed a 20% rise in unemployment due to COVID-19. It has created a huge difficulty for the illegal migrants with no job opportunities, welfare benefits and medical insurance.
Dr. Bisram concluded by focusing on the future opportunities that will be opened for India and its diaspora communities in the healthcare system. India and the United States should partner in the medical field and engage in business ties especially in the healthcare sector. This partnership can benefit the Indian diaspora in the USA in ways such as relaxation of visa rules and creation of more job opportunities.
Mohsina Noorien, The writer is an MPhil graduate from Centre for West Asian Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia. Her areas of interest include identity politics, conflict and security, foreign policy, bilateral relations, diplomacy and refugee crisis. Twitter: @MohsinaNoorien.