We are Indians: Desi diaspora in UK rejects South-Asian label

India Today

24-06-2025

The Indian diaspora in the UK has expressed concerns over the use of the term "South Asian", which it says is used too broadly by Western media and academia. The Indian-origin people in the UK argue that Indian culture is itself diverse and broadening it further would take away from its uniqueness. Those with Indian roots do not want to be clubbed with their counterparts from Bangladesh and Pakistan.advertisementLast week, Insight UK, which calls itself a "social movement of British Hindus and Indians", raised a similar objection on its social media handle. It also explained in detail why there was a pushback against the South Asian label."The Indian diaspora reject the use of the term 'South Asian,' which is frequently employed by Western academics and media. They argue that this label, intended as a convenient regional grouping, tends to obscure India's unique cultural identity rather than celebrate it," wrote Insight UK.
It further explained how India has a distinct history and a vibrant and rich culture with several languages, culinary traditions, and deep-rooted customs, which set it apart from many other nations in South Asia, such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.Indians are the largest ethnic minority group in the UK, with a population exceeding 2 million people.advertisementBy clubbing them in the same category, a "South Asian umbrella", the group argued it "oversimplifies complex realities and downplays India's historical significance".It also said the generalisation does not pay heed to "particularly its [India's] Hindu and Dharmic heritage".This generalisation also does not do justice to different social practices, gender realities, and the development of different nations."Moreover, the label overlooks the significant differences in social norms, gender dynamics, and even practical realities such as employment, educational trends, and incarceration rates," the post read.Insight UK also gave an example of what this overarching would look like in European contexts."To illustrate, it would be akin to conflating Germany and Albania simply because both are in Europe ignoring the vast differences in language, culture, and history."Finally, it is said that being Indian is a matter of pride for many in the diaspora. South Asia does not cover the intricacies of the same."For Indians, being called 'Indian' is a matter of pride and a genuine reflection of their heritage not merely a regional designation. The 'South Asian' label, they argue, risks erasing the true depth and individuality of their identity, which is rooted in centuries of unique history and character," the post concluded.DIASPORA RESPONDS TO SOUTH ASIAN GENERALISATIONadvertisementPeople from the diaspora also responded to the post."If Indians do good: South Asians. If other South Asians do good: Their respective countries. If India does badly: India. If other South Asians do badly: South Asians. It's a whole narrative. Indians are one of the hardest-working, enterprising people with good work ethics. Indians should not be clubbed together with other notorious people with vile agendas," wrote one person on X.Some people also pointed out how Indians themselves are a large group, and, therefore, deserving of an own term."It is 1.4 billion people. Probably worthy of their own terms," wrote another person on the post.Others called out the duality of who is called South Asian and Indian."West mentality: If Indians do anything good: Asians. If Indians do anything bad: Indians. It's time West understood the difference. Indians are Indians," wrote a person on X.The growing discomfort with the "South Asian" label among the Indian diaspora in the UK reflects a deeper call for recognition, not just of geographical origins, but of distinct cultural, historical, and social identities. As voices from within the community push back against broad-brush categorisations, they highlight the need for more nuanced representations.- EndsTrending Reel