INTRODUCTION
The Indian Diaspora Council, Inc. (New York, USA), the Indian Diaspora Council of Trinidad & Tobago, Global affiliates of Indian Diaspora Council, the National Council of Indian Culture (Trinidad and Tobago), the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha of Trinidad and Tobago and other stakeholders announce a conference in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the abolition of Indian indentureship by the British Parliament’s Defense of India Act in March, 1917. This conference, to be held in Trinidad in March 2017, forms part of a wider series of global events planned by the Indian Diaspora Council, Inc. ((IDC, New York, USA) to commemorate this event in several diasporic countries including Malaysia, Fiji, Mauritius, South Africa, Canada, USA and the Caribbean.
While the Defense of India Act 1917 was an official declaration to abolish Indian migration, that did not bring an immediate end to the indentureship system; instead, it was gradually phased out until it finally ended in 1920.
PROGRAM & DATES
18th March 2017 (9:00am – 5:00pm): Conference
19th March 2017 (10:00am – 1:00pm): Country reports, round table discussions, resolutions & action plans.
THEME:
The theme, Global Indian Diaspora: Charting New Frontiers has been chosen to encourage enquiry by diasporic scholars, researchers and others into the challenges and practical possibilities for diaspora peoples in the social, economic, technological, scientific, medical and entrepreneurial fields. Equally important are the new frontiers in information gathering, its presentation and new methodologies of sharing research among the millions of Indian diasporic people.
RATIONALE:
There are few opportunities for diasporic researchers and scholars to engage in a genuinely global dialogue. In the context of globalizing similarities and differences, such dialogue is increasingly important as it facilitates the development and sharing of knowledge, and the establishment of international collaborative relations. This conference is committed to advancing the achievement of a just, peaceful and progressive diasporic world community through collaboration and dialogue on various issues through the exchange of ideas, concerns, solutions, problems, person-to-person contacts and professional relationships.
MIGRATION STREAMS:
The conference encompasses three major migrations of the Indian Diaspora.
1. First Migration – The Plantation Diaspora
2. Second Migration – The migration and advancement of mostly free skilled Indians to various parts of the world including Europe, Canada, Australasia, and the Americas beginning from the 1960s.
3. Third Migration – The movement and advancement of second, third and fourth generations of diasporic people to other locations.
OBJECTIVES:
The four major objectives for this conference:
• The conference will provide a forum for constructive international dialogue among diasporic scholars and researchers and community advocates from all regions and countries. Such dialogue is critical as it would provide a basis for the advancement of the Global Diasporic Community.
• The conference will provide an opportunity for scholars, researchers and community advocates to interact and share major concerns with each other while discussing matters relating to their respective communities. The conference will thereby enhance the global networks of interdependence of diasporic scholars, researchers and community advocates.
• The conference will offer insightful experiences, innovative ideas and solutions that could benefit both local and international scholars, researchers, as well as their respective diasporic communities.
• The conference will encourage or challenge organizations, individuals and community advocates, to utilize their skills and talent not only to advance academic excellence, but also, to launch various projects such as building new schools, technical colleges, and conduct humanitarian initiatives in their respective countries and beyond, in order to improve the quality of life of their diasporic communities.
SUB-TOPICS:
The sub-topics of the conference theme and areas of discussions listed are suggestive, not conclusive. Additional ideas may be added as long as they relate to the theme of the conference.
1. Historical perspective
This panel will explore the range of legacies and historical experiences that continue to shape the Indian immigration experience in host communities in the global diaspora countries. It would also consider issues such as religio-cultural beliefs and practices; cultural and economic traditions, and language as a vehicle for the transmission of culture.
2. Labour in the Indian Diaspora
Diasporic Indians have modified their approaches in efforts to survive in diasporic countries. The following areas will be analyzed: How they have survived in Christian dominated and multi-ethnic societies, including, white and creole societies; how, in many cases they have risen to important positions in their host communities; how Indian labour had been able to cope with different labour systems; and how Indians made their entry, as well as, their impact on the labour/trade union movement.
3. Youth and Gender Issues
Presenters in this panel will discuss issues relating to youth and gender, and how roles could be expanded and refined in the context of moral dilemmas. Specific areas for consideration include: how historical perspectives have shaped youth and gender identities in the diasporic world, and how diaspora communities could challenge or reinforce gender inequalities in their evolving diasporic centers. Additionally, in what ways can diasporic activities offer opportunities for women and youth to chart new approaches to their existence, their contributions, challenges and vulnerabilities within the global diaspora context?
4. The Movement for the End of Indian Indentureship
This panel will critically evaluate the movements, structure and struggles, both inside and outside of India, in the lead up to the abolition of the Indian indentureship system.
5. Documenting the Indian Diaspora
It is expected that this panel will consider papers in several genres of documentation such as poems, plays, film, documentaries, paintings, photography, historiography, literature, novels, blogs, websites and social media, among others.
6. Identity in the Indian Diaspora
This panel will examine and analyze various forms of construction of individual, communal and national identity as these relate to politics, gender, economic status, class, caste, race and religion.
7. Technology and Entrepreneurship
This panel will consider the Indian diasporic contribution, inclusive of challenges to development at the communal, the national, and the international levels to such areas as agriculture, oil, science, technology and wealth creation.
8. Contemporary Issues/Challenges Facing Diaspora Indians
Presenters in this category will look at issues such as ethnic discrimination, poverty and poverty reduction, family life, culture clash, volunteerism and voluntary organizations, social issues, cultural diversity, ethnicity and nationalism, reparation, and ‘adaptations, assimilations and synthesization’ in diaspora host societies, as well as opportunities to address and overcome challenges and obstacles.
9. The Global Indian Diasporic Community in the 21st century
It is expected that presenters in this panel will address matters such as governance, appropriate technology, human rights, the role of Indian culture and religion in the future diaspora and global community, the nature of transnational relations among diaspora communities, diaspora bonding, the importance of civic engagement, social justice and social development, fostering intercultural understanding and cultural diversity, promoting global development and sustainability in the form of viable institutions, foundations, associations and chambers of commerce and ways to enhance diasporic publications, conferences and organizations.
SOCIAL EVENTS
• Reception and Dinner: Friday March 17, 2017 (hosted by the Indian High Commission to Trinidad and Tobago)
• Commemorative Dinner and Cultural Evening: Sunday March19, 2017 (hosted by the National Council of Indian Culture)
• Gala Banquet and Recognition Ceremony: Saturday March 18, 2017 (hosted by Indian Diaspora Council of Trinidad and Tobago and several community organizations)
COMMEMORATION
20th March 2017 (10:00am-2:00pm) - Hosted by the Mayor of the Borough of Chaguanas,Trinidad
YOUTH SUMMIT
11th March 2017 (9:30am-3:00pm) - Hosted by the Mayor of the Borough of Chaguanas,Trinidad
TOURS: to be announced
Note: Conference delegates (presenters) will be invited to social events listed above.
CALL FOR PAPERS
There would be at least four presenters in each panel session. Presentations will be limited to 20 minutes each.
1. Abstracts of up to 250 words should be submitted on or before December 15, 2016. [Please use the Presentation Proposal format below in sending your abstract].
2. Acceptance letters for proposals will be e-mailed by January 5, 2017. All abstracts will be peer reviewed.
3. Presenters should indicate if their formal presentations will be in PowerPoint format.
4. An electronic copy of the full paper must be submitted no later than February 15, 2017.
In the Subject window of your e-mails, please type the following words: INDIAN DIASPORA WORLD CONVENTION 2017
Proposals for Paper presentations should be sent to:
1. Dr. Primnath Gooptar
Chairman, Academic Committee
INDIAN DIASPORA WORLD CONVENTION 2017
pgoopta@hotmail.com tele: 1-868-470-0133
and copied to
2. Dr. Kumar Mahabir
Member, Academic Committee
GLOBAL INDIAN DIASPORA WORLD CONVENTION 2017
dmahabir@gmail.com • Tel: 1-868-756-4961
3. Dr. Tara Singh,
Member, Academic Committee
GLOBAL INDIAN DIASPORA WORLD CONVENTION 2017
Mayaky11959@gmail.com • Tel: 347-580-2285
The following format should be used in sending proposals to the Conference Committee
Name of Presenter
Institutional Affiliation
Mailing Address
Email
Abstract
Brief Biography (75 words or less)
REGISTRATION
There is no registration fee for the conference.
TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION
Presenters would be expected to fund their own travel and local accommodation to the conference.
HOTELS
Arrangements are being made for discounted rates at hotels for presenters and delegates. Listing of hotels can be found online through the following or other links:
1. http://www.booking.com
2. https://www.expedia.com
IMPORTANT DEADLINES:
• Submission of Paper abstracts, December 15, 2016
• Acceptance of Paper, January 5, 2017
• Full paper submission, February 15, 2017
CONVENTION SPONSORS
Sponsored and or supported by:
• INDIAN DIASPORA COUNCIL (New York, USA)
• INDIAN DIASPORA COUNCIL (Trinidad & Tobago)
• GLOBAL AFFILIATES OF INDIAN DIASPORA COUNCIL
• NATIONAL COUNCIL OF INDIAN CULTURE (NCIC TT)
• SANATAN DHARMA MAHA SABHA OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (SDMS)
• INDIAN HIGH COMMISSION TO TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
• MAYOR OF THE BOROUGH OF CHAGUANAS, TRINIDAD
Dr. Primnath Gooptar
Chair, Academic Committee
Email: pgoopta@hotmail.com
Cell: (868)-470-0133
Mailing Address:
INDIAN DIASPORA WORLD CONVENTION 2017
NCIC NAGAR
28-38 Narsaloo Ramaya Marg Road
Chaguanas 502128
Trinidad & Tobago