Indian Migrants: Global Assets and Native Reflections
Indian Migrants in the West: Skilled Labour or Visionary Assets?
In Western nations like Canada and the United Kingdom, Indian migrants are increasingly recognized not only for their technical skills but also for their creativity, values, and leadership.
Canada
- Indian immigrants are among the most educated groups in Canada. [StatsCan 2021]
- In 2019, Indian economic migrants earned a median wage of $43,600, higher than the Canadian median of $38,800. [StatsCan – Labour Market]
United Kingdom
- Indian-origin professionals are among the highest earners. Hindu employees earned £13.80/hr on average in 2018. [ONS Report]
- Strong representation in professional roles and high educational outcomes. [ONS Ethnic Group Analysis]
These figures reflect more than economic success—they highlight a value system grounded in integrity, humility, and dedication. Indian migrants are increasingly seen as cultural assets who bring not just skills, but also trust, leadership, and resilience to their host societies.
But What About the Impact on India?
While Indian migrants shine abroad, the impact on their native country is not without concerns:
- Brain Drain: Talented youth leaving India reduces domestic innovation and leadership.
- Tax and Capital Drain: Wealth generated abroad seldom flows back to India in a meaningful, long-term way.
- Civic Disengagement: Many migrants are disconnected from India’s democratic and social processes.
- Cultural Detachment: As values shift with distance, awareness of ground realities in India can weaken.
However, the issue is complex. Many leave due to lack of meritocracy, corruption, and poor opportunities at home. The solution isn’t to blame migrants — but to create conditions for “brain circulation” instead of one-way migration.
A Civilizational Perspective: India and Its Wanderers
Historically, Indian civilization was shaped not by isolation but by movement. Saints like Guru Nanak, Kabir, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and Vallabhacharya walked across the subcontinent, spreading values of unity, compassion, and reform. Philosophers like Adi Shankaracharya and thinkers like Rahul Sankrityayan showed how travel and migration could spread knowledge and spiritual consciousness.
Even Chinese travelers like Fa-Hien and Xuanzang documented India’s openness and diversity, highlighting its capacity to absorb and refine external ideas.
Indian migration today is a continuation of this legacy—not just of movement, but of meaning. While it brings challenges to the homeland, it also offers potential for renewed exchange, investment, and global influence—if nurtured thoughtfully.
Conclusion
Indian migrants are global contributors and silent ambassadors of India's deep-rooted civilizational values. To truly harness their power, India must foster policies that encourage connection, return, and meaningful collaboration.
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