Dancer Manisha Chauchan
Indian identity in Argentina, is in a dynamic that
interacts between patterns of action that promote a
sense of belonging to the Indian diaspora as such, as
a permanent process that penetrates the social life
of the emigrants and the particular dynamics of those
who are part of this community.
“Bollywood” style dancers, Harjit (Yita) Singh, with a fusion
of traditional and modern dances; Nora Singh, who recreates
Punjab dances with Sikhs young people, among others (see
photos 5,6). Others spread the Indian music, like Sanjay
Bhadoriya who plays and teaches tabla.
Others, like Souptik Chakraborty, project Indian cultural
dynamics in Argentina, through a documentary called
“Argentina loves India”, which he wrote, directed and co-
produced (with Juan Pablo Castino) (see photo 7). This is
added to the diff erent elements of continuity between both
generations within the community and its projection to the
outside of it.
Thus, this Indian identity in Argentina, is in a dynamic
that interacts between patterns of action that promote a sense
of belonging to the Indian diaspora as such, as a permanent
process that penetrates the social life of the emigrants and the
particular dynamics of those who are part of this community,
in the specifi c Argentine context, spreading their culture of
origin and incorporating local elements, in any case acting
their potential as cultural agents, contributing to greater
understanding between both countries, while maintaining
contacts with diff erent areas of the planet where relatives and
friends reside, as part of that extensive network of fl ows that
constitutes the Indian diaspora, which permeates the country
of origin and those of residence.
24
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* The author is researcher and professor at Lomas de Zamora
National University; Palermo University; Buddhist Studies Institute
Foundation; Working Group on India and South Asia, Asian Aff airs
Committee, Argentina Council for International Relations; Latin
American Association for Asian and African Studies