The plight of Indians displaced by indentured labour: a call for recognition

THE stories of hardship, abuse, discrimination, rape, murder and racial violence against Indians displaced by indentured labour have not eroded with time.

- VINESH SELVAN

The living conditions of Indians displaced by indentured labour under colonial rule, dating back over 165 years ago still prevail today, this time under a new administration. The oppression and suffering imposed on Indians by the colonial rulers are now being dispensed by the indigenous majorities of countries in the post-colonial era.

The indigenous majorities who are now in power and liberated see Indians who are descendants of indentured labourers as foreigners. Most Indians have lived in these countries for more than three generations, which they now call home, and many have proactively participated in the liberation struggles of these countries.

In the mid-1800s, with the changing laws in Europe surrounding slavery, plantation owners in British colonies worldwide had to devise new ways to circumvent the law and acquire cheap labour to maintain high profits. Their innovation led them to the concept of bonded contracts, which came to be known as indentured labour contracts. In reality, this was contractual entrapment for Indian labourers who were not versed in the English language; as a result, their lives were turned into slavery under this contract.

It has become necessary in modern times to address and rectify the perceptions of the past on indentured labour, as it has significant importance in correcting the injustice of the past and the present regarding Indians displaced by indentured labour.

The term indentured labour needs to be redefined from one of the labour contracts to one of slavery as experienced by Indians displaced from India to work in foreign countries.

Technological advancements have brought new developments that connect Indians across the globe, each sharing their history via social media about the challenges faced by their communities from Trinidad and Tobago to South Africa to Fiji.