Dr. A. V. Srinivasan: The Second Generation of Indians in Connecticut

The Second Generation of Indians in Connecticut

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The second generation of Indians in Connecticut has come into its own and is now poised to determine its anchors in this society. The sons and daughters of those who came to the States in the 60s for "advanced studies" have, in varying degrees, successfully withstood the strains of being "different." As individuals the Indian youth are bright and they continue to excel in their schools and colleges. The sons and daughters of professionals (scientists, engineers and doctors) have now spread farther and cover a broader spectrum of careers. As the children of those who came from a distant land, the second generation is the legitimate inheritors of an extraordinary culture from Bharat. Born as Americans and bred as Indians, they have the potential to become a distinct ethnic group full of promise, full of adventure and excitement. It ought to be a recipe for success in the American context. What more can parents ask? What more can society expect? What more can you possibly need? What can possibly be more important than 3 car garages and the Mercedes Benzes and the BMWs?

The answer is "plenty!" And the second generation cried their hearts out with that answer here in the Greater Hartford region during a variety program called Megh Dhanush they presented in August, 2000.

Unlike other ethnic groups, the Indian community did not come to this country in large groups. Many didn't even come in small groups. Most of us came here one at a time, from different parts of India, with the corresponding language and sub-culture baggage in tow. The sole objective in the 60s was to get an "advanced degree" and return home. This was not a community that came to begin a new life in a new land upon disembarking at Ellis Island.

The initial cultural shocks were surprisingly absorbed with relative ease and the American air and water were enough to serve as fuels to engine the American Dream! The result was more than one advanced degree. We stayed on, got more education. The thinking was to get some "practical training" and return home. But then the lure of good jobs in American corporations and health care absorbed us fully as we tasted the fruits of the first world. The next steps were obvious and predictable. A spouse, a home in suburbia, shiny cars every other year ... and lo and behold, the second generation began to arrive! We got settled. This series of developments was not the result of any grand plan but an accident of history.

And because this development did not start as a community, it has never quite developed into one, many infrequent attempts to "unite" notwithstanding. As some of these attempts were aimed at coming together to "help" India, the primary need to settle as a community took second place. What can possibly be the outcome of such efforts that lack focus? The end result was the gradual, unmistakable formation of sub-ethnic groups based mostly on language groupings, interest groupings etc. across the country. Connecticut is no exception where the loyalties to Indian regional and language interests override the larger interests of the community. This has inevitably trickled down and the second generation essentially maintains that identity as they grow up with their neighbors who may have a European or Latin or Spanish heritage. The children of the first generation, more often than not, may speak the tongue practiced at home -as well as English - and master either French or Spanish or Russian as they take these courses in schools and colleges. The "diversity" Indians boast about when they refer to that ideal "unity in diversity" is made even more complicated because the second generation was ushered into an even more diverse society.

How can the second generation go from a narrow non-community of well-educated individuals of sub-ethnic cultural type, lacking a distinct identity, to a nearly homogeneous ethnic Indian community bang in the middle of mosaic America? That is a good question of national importance inviting a vigorous debate and discussion among those who care.

The author served as Advisor to the India Association of Greater Hartford during 1967-71, Vice President of VHP during 1979-80, founded the Connecticut Valley Hindu Temple Society in 1979 and currently serves as Vice Chairman on the Glastonbury Town Council.