Diaspora Reader
Diaspora Foundation is currently involved in documenting the history of emigration of Telugus within India and overseas.
Executive Summary
Telugus have a rich history of migration since the time they were first mentioned in Aitreya Brahmama. While we often read about stories of their post-colonial emigration experiences, it is equally important to give deserved attention to the pre-colonial and colonial migratory patterns of Telugus. Never in the past, has there been an exclusive volume devoted to the understanding of the dynamics of emigration of Telugus. The proposed edited volume is an attempt towards bringing together a series of articles on Telugu Diaspora with focus on all three migratory patterns.
Outline of the book
The volume would begin with a comprehensive introduction to Indian Diaspora followed by an exclusive article on Telugu Diaspora. A total of 10 articles from accomplished scholars on Telugu Diaspora would present their findings and share their perspectives. Since we are trying to make this volume a reader, useful to a cross-section of readers, we plan to devote a section at the end on providing lists of various Telugu organizations overseas. An exhaustive list of references, maps, pictures etc., would be attempted to make the volume informative.
The volume would focus on Telugu Diaspora in Mauritius, Malaysia, South Africa, the United States and the United Kingdom, and, it would contain a minimum of ten articles.
Introducing Telugu Diaspora
Telugu Diaspora consists of overseas Telugus, who generally identify with the language they speak, Telugu. The present Telugu Diaspora communities have their origins mainly from the state of Andhra Pradesh (India) and other parts of India.
Over two million in its strength, the Telugu Diaspora is continuing to show its presence across the continents. This site offers a universal platform for the Telugu Diaspora and its motherland to document information on:
- History of Telugu Diaspora (origins, destinations, population figures etc)
- Telugu associations, Foundations, Literary organizations and people associated
- Telugu culture and Identity in countries with considerable number of Telugus
- Networks and Linkages between the Telugus overseas and Andhra Pradesh (political, business and socio-cultural)
- Helping the old Telugu Diaspora members to trace their roots
- Making the site a resourceful platform for information on Telugu Diaspora
Call for papers:
We are seeking contributions for an edited collection of essays on the subject of Telugu Diaspora for the proposed reader based on the outline mentioned above. The volume intends to engage both academics and popular readers. Methods involving explorative research are encouraged since the volume aims to initiate a debate towards fostering constructive linkages between diasporic communities and homelands.The collection of approximately ten essays will include a variety of perspectives including (but certainly not limited to):
- Nature of emigration during pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial stages
- Socio-economic and political issues pertaining to Telugu Diaspora communities
- Socio-linguistic patterns in the diasporic communities
- Comparative perspectives on issues of emigration, assimilation, language and identity
- Linkages between diasporic communities and (ancestral)homeland
- Trends in Diaspora philanthropy
Honorarium:
Diaspora Foundation would award Rs. 2500/- per paper and a complimentary copy of the volume.
Contact Us for more details on the workshop.
| The Diaspora Reader is supported by Telugu Association of London, Dr. David Lingiah, Mr. V V S R Bharadhwaj, Mr. Sateesh Talupuri, & the Teegela family. |