Join me in a thought-provoking episode of the Global Indian Podcast as I engage in a remarkable conversation with Ronald Harris, Proportional Representative of the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) and Party leader of NICSA & Global Indian c…
We received a series of distressing messages from our audience members in South Africa. These WhatsApp messages, along with shocking firsthand accounts, will redefine the notion of national identity in South Africa. In this powerful video, we give you the clipped as well as raw footage of the recent civil unrest that shook South Africa […]
Apartheid returns: Will India’s silence on discrimination against Indian diaspora in South Africa challenge its soft power? In June 2021, Jayshree, a seventh-generation Indo-South African, wearily woke up to the screams that echoed the night before. A resident of KZ, Phoenix, Durban, her windows still holds the markings of last night’s torment, with broken glass […]
South Africa Sends Strong Message on Law and Order —SHUTDOWN – WHAT SHUTDOWN? Julius Malema might have won the battle of words – to an extent, but he certainly lost the battle of action Business day is done in South Africa on 20 March 2023 – like the “New Dawn”, the new “Freedom Day” as […]
The Indian Community of South Africa – Love them or Hate them – They are here to Stay! South Africa, for all its upheavals, its historical trials and tribulations, its conflicts, its treasures and wealth interspersed with the growing poverty, is still a beautiful country. From a temperate climate to the rolling hills and her […]
*The Minister of Public Enterprises* *Mr. Pravin Gordhan* *Sir* *Are you listening to what ordinary South Africans are thinking and saying – Act in the interest of the country and not your party – PLEASE ?* When Abraham Lincoln famously observed, *”You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of […]
“Transformation” in South Africa will continually fail if race is the guiding principle – and it will be our coup de grace – in time! Is it not ironical, if not tragic, that those who fought so valiantly in the “Struggle” for our liberation from the bondage of racial discrimination, many making the ultimate sacrifice […]
My Fellow South Africans My name is Narendh Ganesh. I will standing as a candidate for the 2024 Provincial and National elections in South Africa. My decision to do so did not need much provocation, cajoling or even encouragement. Just look at our beloved country and you will understand my decision! […]
Beware the Ides of March! Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France before being overthrown by revolutionaries and being publicly guillotined following the abolition of the monarchy in France, is famously attributed for the almost brazen quote, “Quils mangent de la brioche” – traditionally translated as “let them eat cake”. Her utterance was the result […]
How do you define Africanism? Is it based on melanin, tracing ancestorial roots, or is it based upon how the Government of the day views you? Further still, in a world of “woke” and intensely capitalistic politics, how are indigenous communities and tri…
The young “Black” Lady who made a Tik-Tok video entitled, “The Hierarchy of our Blackness” The Indian Citizen of South Africa is your compatriot – not your enemy Madam My initial reaction after watching the video you made on Tik-Tok entitled, “The hierarchy of blackness” was to unleash a tirade at what I perceived as […]
Today is our 29th episode , and we will continue to talk about ‘Cross Cultural parenting’. Our guests for the day is an Indo-South African couple Ksama Alur who was born in Bangalore and has spent significant time in 5 different countries.. and her South African husband Richard Kohler. Currently both of them are based […]
COULD SOUTH AFRICA HAVE A WHITE, INDIAN OR COLOURED PRESIDENT CHOSEN ON LEADERSHIP MERIT IN THE FUTURE? A Pik Botha Deja vu moment I encountered my first taste of racism at the tender age of seven. My dad had taken me on a fishing trip to what was then commonly referred to as the “Snake […]
As voted by our global audiences: This week we invite Professor Adam Habib, academic, researcher, activist and now director of SOAS university to our virtual studios. We discuss his own journey and controversies as well as tackle the ideas of identity, …
The President : Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa The Republic of South Africa Sir, “IF YOU HOLD THE POWER, YOU BEAR THE RESPONSIBILITY” You will be soon required, as the president, to deliver your “STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS” – an address that is meant to inspire and motivate the country to do better, to live better […]
From a peaceful protest that turned into mass violence targeting the minority communities of South Africa and ending the lives of over 300 people, the events earlier this year should have stopped the world in its tracks and been a poster on why ethnic bi…
Joined by Global Indian Ambassador Rajesh Gopie, in today’s episode, Rajan travels to South Africa to meet Sham Maharaj, and follows up on the latest news following the riots in Phoenix.
The discussion is a dive into the questionable aftermath and treatm…
In today’s episode, Rajan stays in South Africa to continue the conversation about the ongoing riots and violence taking place as well as the apparent “race war” against people of Indian origin.
In conversation with Neelofar Sayed, a national radio prese…
In today’s episode, Rajan travels to South Africa to speak to Jayshree, a reporter in South Africa who is living through the current riots and violence that has been engulfing the country since the jailing of former President Jacob Zuma last week.
The po…
Every so often humanity is tempted to bend the arc of history, only so that the mistakes of the past are meant never to be repeated. On November 16, 1860, a ship carrying 342 indentured Indians arrived in South Africa, and this arrival marked the beginning of a long but tortuous and painful journey in […]
Global Indian Correspondent Narendh Ganesh takes us on the inside journey to the truth behind South Africa. Featuring exclusive insights from on the ground and tackling the big discussions facing the community in the country.
I dare say again, our duty of Indianness must go beyond the tricoloured flag of India. Unlike structured religions where Pope-like figures lead congregations, as people of Indian origin we are led by the laws of the lands we now reside in and equally, need to place as much love and attention to our fellow […]
Julius Malema, who believes he is a law unto himself, and one that the writer considers to be an absolute racist at heart, is skating on thin ice. At a press conference, the swaggering Malema unleashes a tirade against “Indian” South Africans, claiming that there is an “Indian cabal that is taking strategic positions in […]
Drug addiction amongst the Indo-South Africans is an unspoken issue and over 60% of crime in South Africa is drug-related. In today’s episode, Rajan travels to South Africa to meet Gerald Moodley, a former narcotics addict who has experienced their dama…
Awesome… I salute you Rajesh Gopi, well done. Let’s celebrate our Indian heritage-looking forward to more podcasts!!!
Human Smuggling is a major problem and South Africa has been identified as a Source, Destination and Transit country. This article reveals how SA passports have been obtained and dangerously used.
The local and cluster police including a Major General Subbiah, a person of Indian origin that professes the Hindu faith were informed of this man’s illegal activities and they did not take any measures to arrest him.
It is Black History Month but do we get taught everything in schools? Are things better reserved for personal judgment rather than public knowledge? How much do we really know about the key issues on hand? In this ear-opening episode, Rajan travels to…
Part 3- In this episode – Explorer Rajan Nazran along with theatre actor and social activist Rajesh Gopie, plunge into the human experience of being a person of Indian origin in South Africa. In this special 3-part podcast, the pair meet with Ela Gandhi,…
Part 2- In this episode – Explorer Rajan Nazran along with theatre actor and social activist Rajesh Gopie, plunge into the human experience of being a person of Indian origin in South Africa. In this special 3-part podcast, the pair meet with Ela Gandh…
Rajan and Kulvinder plunge into the experience of being of Indian Origin as they travel across the globe in pursuit of answers to some big questions. In this ear-opening episode, Rajan meets Rajesh Gopie. A renowned actor, writer, producer, and social ac…
Marriage is often considered sacred and even quintessential within our culture. The mere whisper of ‘separation’ or ‘divorce’ is often riddled with stigma, especially within the South Asian community.
In today’s episode, Rajan travels to South Africa …
It was the community stories of the Ugandan Asians who arrived as refugees that captured everyone’s attention. It was a turning point in our collective view on how we were perceived and the dangers that lurked.
Africa is a playground for all ages. There’s the Sahara Desert, River Nile, Serengeti, pyramids, camels, white rhino, shark diving, dictators, eucalyptus forests, coral reefs and…Indians! The second largest continent in the world, Africa has had relations with India for over 3000 years and is currently home to over 3 million people of Indian origin. […]
Rajan and Kulvinder plunge into the experience of being of Indian origin as they travel across the globe in pursuit of answers to some big questions. In this ear-opening episode, they meet Alisha Popat in Kenya, a musician on a mission to “Africanise” mu…
Do politicians own national identity? In the case of South Africa, the answers seem uneasy and complex for many.
Today I am in conversation with novelist and column writer Dr Aman Singh Maharaj, as we discuss his book ‘A Dalliance with Destiny’ as …
What happens when you discover a “social consciousness” that dramatically disrupts your world view? Today we meet with Karou Charou (KC), a South African satirist who transitioned from living a relatively safe life in comedy to becoming “public enemy” nu…
In this episode – Explorer Rajan Nazran along with theatre actor and social activist Rajesh Gopie, plunge into the human experience of being a person of Indian origin in South Africa. In this special 3-part podcast, the pair meet with Ela Gandhi, a peac…
Ethno-Global Identity in Guyanese Indians: A Multipartite Analysis — I have now arrived at the last of my multipartite analyses of Indian identity which is ethno-global. Before I proceed, I think it is worthwhile to provide a brief discussion on globalisation with regard to culture since this process has significantly shaped Indian ethno-global identity in […]
Today! I want to speak to the newly appointed Ministers; of Tourism and Culture Hon Dr Michael Usi, as well of civic education and national unity Timothy Pagonachi Simbega Mtambo Dear Sirs, Both of you have the responsibility of bringing the nation as a whole in an effort to promote tourism, respect and adoration to […]
On October 12th 2022, we hosted a topical discussion with Chairman of ANUG, Timothy Jonas, where he discussed the nature of identity politics in Guyana. Subsequently the Government of Guyana reached out to exercise their right to reply. This is tha…
A Homeland for Indians displaced by Indentured Labour The stories of hardship, abuse, discrimination, murder and racial violence of Indians displaced by Indentured labour have not eroded with time, the living conditions of Indians under colonial rule dating back over 160 years ago still prevail today, this time under a new administration. The oppression and […]
Mr. RAMAPHOSA, HAS THE DUSK SET IN ON THE NEW DAWN ALREADY? Is the once vaunted ANC even capable of producing a president who can carry himself to two terms successfully? “Oh what a tangled web we weave when we first practice to deceive” Mr. President The Ides of March is upon you, beware – […]
Non-Resident Indian And Their Unbreakable Ties In The Motherland, Let me confess at the start that I have never been a non-resident Indian. I have never experienced their joy, their dreams and their loneliness. My exposure to them has been through those marvellous 1960s and ’70s Bollywood films, where the hat-wearing rich uncle used to […]
The MEC for Transport, Community Safety & Liaison: KwaZulu-Natal Mr. Siboniso.Mbhele Sir Re: Road Carnage in KwaZulu-Natal is unacceptable/ Conduct of Taxi Drivers are a hazard Congratulations on your appointment as the MEC of Transport, Community Safety & Liaison KwaZulu-Natal. As we approach the end of the year and the start of the holiday season, […]
The President: Republic of South Africa Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa Sir IS SOUTH AFRICA BECOMING A “BLACK” COUNTRY – OR HAS IT ALREADY BECOME ONE? ARE “BLACKS” THE ONLY CITIZENS WHO ASCEND TO SENIOR POSITIONS? I write to you with a caveat that this correspondence, while invoking the ideology of race, it is not meant to […]
Migration: shaping the indian diaspora – As a kid whose age was barely into the double digits, I was excited when the storied team from the West Indies toured India in 1974 to play a series of cricket matches. I was psyched about Andy Roberts and Clive Lloyd and the rest, and couldn’t wait for […]
The rise of Indian diaspora in Australia– Almost a decade ago, Melbourne artist Sapna Chandu wondered why chai – proper Indian-style masala chai – was nowhere to be found in Australian cafes, yet the dialled-down Western version, chai latte, was everywhere. It led her to conceptualise a world where India had overtaken Australia and had […]
Expecting the unexpected: A Call For Disaster Preparedness One of the critical aspects of visionary leadership, especially in governance, is the ability to foreplan and ensure readiness in terms of contingencies that might arise unannounced or unexpectedly. KwaZulu-Natal, as a province, experienced two such “disasters” in a space of eight months, namely, the July 2021 […]
MY DEAR ELIZABETH/LIZZIE By far, the reference to the late Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain as “My dear Elizabeth” and “Lizzie” by one Nelson Mandela, always evokes a wry smile in me, as much as it raised consternation amongst his close aides at the time. His reason was simple. “Why shouldn’t I call her Elizabeth, […]
Introduction Thank you for giving me this opportunity to be the Guest Speaker to your 5th Triennial Delegates’ Conference. It is indeed an honor to speak to your delegates and guests since some of the founders and very early members of your Union were members and founders of the political party which I have […]
“A vibrant start-up ecosystem”, “green pastures”, “state-of-the-art technology”, “home of green tech” and a fight for global wellbeing…not the words typically associated with a country covered in snow on all known maps of men and Mordor!! Iceland, once p…
The UK is in a period of modern-day history, with some underestimating the longer term impact of the “change of the guard”.
Following HRH Queen Elizabeth II passing on, HRH King Charles III has become successor to the monarchy. The same monarchy that is…
INSIDE UGANDA
This month I find myself on-location in Kampala, uncovering the unique stories that are redefining the notion of the identity of Ugandanness and uncovering the often neglected stories that could challenge the status quo.
Today I debrief wit…
The “unknown” Caribbean – Trinidad and Tobago
Ever heard of the term “Third World Nationalist”? Well neither did I until I met the infamous Dr Kirk Meighoo! Kirk and I have been friends for many years, often being verbal sparring partners when navigatin…
The “unknown” Caribbean – Dominica
In 2017 Hurricane Maria ravaged the Caribbean and hit Dominica like nature’s bulldozer. It tore through its once picturesque streets leaving in its wake deep questions for the region and like the proverbial phoenix, a n…
The “unknown” Caribbean.
An island known as the epicentre for Caribbean change and harmony, Barbados is a destination with an unusual history and a dedication to punch above its weight for environmental, cultural and economic custodianship. It has also …
The “unknown” Caribbean.
Anger, resentment, and an official apology… it is certainly not the words that modern day Britain wishes to have branded next to the Queens 70th Jubilee. But as the demands intensify over the question of reparations across the Ca…
Today we begin a deep-dive journey into the “unknown” Caribbean, looking at countries, people and economies. This week I am joined by Dr Stephen King with a guest appearance by Adrian Augier, to look at the under reported aspect to St Lucia, as we go bey…
Today we tackle two subjects that co-exist in the grander scheme of human identity. Firstly, I meet with Angus Rose who has been on an indefinite hunger strike since 14/3/2022 outside of the Houses of Parliament (UK). We speak about a scientific paper th…
In a world of beauty and the never-ending journey to the illustrious fountain of youth, many often find themselves at odds with the convenience of social media filters or the latest beauty products. In today’s episode I am joined by friend and familiar f…
Lights, camera and action?
From celebrity endorsements, high impact social media statements and companies paying service to challenging perceptions, International Women’s Day is here. Much can be said about a world of virtue signalling or the economics o…
The UK is an eclectic mix of culture, religion and ethnicities but what makes one British? Is it skin colour, accent or is it found in the difference one makes to society?
In today’s episode, I am joined by Professor Rashid Gaitran where he discusses …
To pursue Citizenship by Investment or not to pursue Citizenship by Investment? That is the question. Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles by investing in your future and by opposing end them. We at the Global Indian […]
In the world of identity politics a new movement of non-binary has emerged, but what does it all mean? Our perceptions of gender have been somewhat “long” formed, however when we break down the roles assigned to our social ideals of how genders must assu…
For 100 weeks we have been on a quest to uncover the human experience behind our perceptions of identity, the very definition of how we choose to live our lives and the impact it has on the world at large.
This evolving quest has redefined an entire gene…
Long and proud is the history of the Memons. Traditionally, Memons have made highly successful merchant tradesmen. They have long had a well-deserved reputation for alms-giving and philanthropy. But who are they? Tracing their roots to Sindh, Kutch and Kathiawar, the Memons are an ethnic group whose origins are much debated. According to one hypothesis, […]
Seen through a South Asian prism, Citizenship and Residency by Investment Programmes are looking an increasingly attractive proposition. A snap shot brief for PIOs considering Citizenship by investment and residency. Life is hard for many people of the Indian diaspora. From the riots in South Africa to the racial tensions in many Caribbean islands, many […]
Fear + money makes for a powerful cocktail. If you are ultra-rich, keen to protect your business interests and your family, then you will stop at nothing to do so. Naturally, if you and your family are interested in acquiring citizenship of another country, then you want to see a good return with your investment. […]
The world is changing, and I am proud to say we are part of that change as the Global Indian. Just under 2 years ago, before working from home was merely a privilege for the chosen few, and a national toilet paper rationing was something left to the wild imagination of writers of satire, there […]
With the rise in anti-Indian sentiment in countries such as South Africa coupled with tougher anti-immigration policies in the Northern and Southern hemisphere, we children of the Indian diaspora, increasingly need to look our futures. Life in South Africa has become intolerable for many Indians. The riots of 2021 will leave scars for many years […]
Today marks the second voyage of the History of Indianness. In this episode we look back at the almost forgotten world of Indentureship and the silent war that was Sugar. With painstaking research, we bring together a formidable group of historians, for…
It’s that time of year again! A new year, a new start, and chance to be the best you can be. That goes for us at The Global Indian Series. So here’s Our Pledge to you for 2022 We will promise to plunge into the human experience, cover the stories that matter to you and […]
Civilisation & Drugs-The Hidden Truth For most, the notion of psychedelics brings to mind Goa in the 1970s or the Beatles sitting crossed legged, beads in hand exploring the yellow submarine of sorts. However despite the propaganda of the notion of left field hippies, there is a growing movement of change that is dispelling […]
The Nationality and Borders Bill will inevitably raise questions for many in the UK. For some it creates a hierarchy of citizenship, and for others, it belittles the very foundation of identity.
What does it mean to be British? Should we be worried a…
Never did it cross my mind that my home and people would need to be protected in the manner which has been required over the last week. The sense of survival and fear mixed with adrenaline was the combination felt by many citizens in the KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng provinces of South Africa. It was […]
by Hardeep Singh | First published in The Spectator | President Biden’s decision to ‘end the war in Afghanistan’ means the complete withdrawal of 3,500 US troops by the 20th anniversary of 9/11. However, what may be domestically popular — particularly among Trump voters — will soon have consequences for the Afghans left unguarded by […]
*The mandamus of our constitutional court must hold* The circus that was ended in a rather tame end – Jacob Zuma meekly handing himself in to the South African Police Services for incarceration. While the country was on the brink of violence in the last week, as intimated by his supporters, we cannot seek pleasure […]
In today’s episode Rajan travels to Malawi to meet with leading entrepreneur, friend and Malawian, Mr Haroon Sacranie.
His story of determination is an inspiration to many, as despite being exiled in and out of the city based on the colour of his skin an…
Conversion therapy is the practice of attempting to treat, correct or cure sexual orientation or gender identity. Primarily used against homosexuals during the 20th century, it has a long-lasting legacy across the globe. One of the main reasons for this is colonialism. Western understandings of same-sex sexuality as a sin, crime or disease were imported […]
The Global Indian series expands to St Lucia and Malawi making it one of the world’s fastest-growing encyclopedias of people of Indian origin. On behalf of our team at the Global Indian Series, it is my deep pleasure to announce the joining of H.E Hon Guy Joseph, Minister of Economic Development, Housing, Urban Renewal, Transport […]
On Monday May 10, clashes between Palestinians and Israelis erupted once again. The reason for the clashes this time was due to the fact that the Israeli regime have moved to expel Palestinians from their homes in East Jerusalem to make way for new Israeli settlers. They are people who were not just born in […]
The Podcast:
In today’s episode, Rajan travels to St Lucia in the Caribbean to meet with politician and renowned social custodian Honourable Guy Joseph, Minister for Economic Development in St Lucia and person of Indian origin.
Approximately 5000 persons…
My daughter Larra wrote this – at the time she was 6. She entered a literary competition for Black Lives Matter. She did not make it into the finals, but for me, the theme and how it was tackled by her could be a lesson that we can all learn from our children. It looks […]
by Hardeep Singh | First published in The Spectator Last week, the New York Times mapped the location and number of casualties of mass shootings that have occurred on US soil in 2021. It’s a ‘partial’ list, but remarkable, nevertheless. March alone saw the senseless killing of ten people in Colorado, four in California, eight in Atlanta, […]
Today’s Podcast:
With images of mass cremations hitting global headlines, 300,000 and growing daily (registered) Covid case rates, in addition to the world’s largest protest where Farmers from across India are gathered in Delhi to pursue reforms, Delhi i…
Press Release: On behalf of the Global Indian, it is a pleasure to announce the joining of Dr Mohan Kaul to our Global Indian Ambassadors program. Dr Kaul brings over 30 years dedicated international experience. From setting up the Commonwealth Business Council through to hosting over 50 high-level initiatives and forums involving heads of government, […]
What is identity and where do we draw the line between politics and people? Is gender identity? Do borders define our perceptions of it? Who’s history matters most and do we need to question the colonial past that has defined us today?In today’s podc…
The ushering in of a Global Indian 2021 seemed so extraordinary – surreal in fact. No family and friends mingling, no hugs and handshakes for the neighbours – for the very first time in my life, and I suspect for countless others, the dawning of the new year could not have been so different as […]
The colonial importation of Indian citizens from the sub-continent to South Africa in 1860 entrenched a historical perspective that runs very deep into the veins of a country whose own history has ebbed and flowed in ways we least imagined. The prime objective of this importation was not simply a migration but a decidedly egregious […]
The East India Company, de-industrialisation, Opium Wars, and the Global Decolonisation Movement Dr. Kirk Meighoo ABSTRACT This article will place Indian indentureship in its wider historical context as part of the historically central, long plunder of India by outside forces, and not simply an isolated, peripheral occurrence related to the end of slavery. This gives […]
By Global Indian Correspondent – Narendh Ganesh South Africa “THIS IS NOT INDIA” – You are very observant and geographically clued-up, Muzi Hlengwa – Sadly you are not very bright!* The article in the *POST*(December 2-6), “This is not India, Newlands residents told”, refers. The confrontation between residents of Newlands and Muzi Hlengwa, leader of […]
It is fascinating to get a historical perspective – Indians were considered black when they joined the anti apartheid fight but were seen as Indians again once the main fight was over…. reflecting the difficulty of being a minority, albeit a large one in South Africa
A recovering alcoholic whose life spiralled out of control from the age of 13 almost leading to murder and the voyage to sobriety.
Rajesh Gopie delves into the question of identity, indenture and the need to understand more about our joint experiences
African voyage begins. Over the upcoming 5 years, Rajan travels to Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Malawi, Nigeria, Morocco, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia to name a few. Work is featured in TIME, Capital Magazine, and Shanghai Daily.
In this ear-opening episode, Rajan takes a trip to a small destination that has been at the centre of conflict between India and Pakistan. Today, we meet “Ridhi”. Speaking to us anonymously, she shares with us the truth behind the headlines and the dev…
In this ear-opening episode, Rajan takes a trip to Lisbon to meet with the remarkable Chitra Stern. They speak about her inspiring upbringing in Singapore and the rise of her business interests in Portugal. It’s a candid conversation that delves into fem…
In this episode – Explorer Rajan Nazran along with theatre actor and social activist Rajesh Gopie, plunge into the human experience of being a person of Indian origin and the conversations you need to know. In this special 2-part podcast, the pair meet w…
Join us in this episode as we welcome a truly unique guest, Jayne Ruff, who brings together the worlds of parenting and leadership coaching. With her rich and diverse background, she offers invaluable insights into the art of parenting through her theory of the importance of rebalancing. Jayne Ruff is not only a parenting coach […]
