From Roots to Routes: The Indian Diaspora's Journey Through Time

A Storizen Exclusive Feature

- Pria Raiyani and Swapna Peri

Migration is often told through sweeping historical narratives, yet it is the deeply personal stories that truly bring it to life. In The Other Mohan, the author offers a unique and intimate perspective on the Indian diaspora, particularly through the lens of the indentured labor system. Drawing from his own family's history, he uncovers the forgotten struggles, resilience, and cultural evolution of early Indian migrants. In this conversation, he delves into the inspiration behind the book, the emotional discoveries made during his research, and the enduring impact of migration on Indian identity today.

Migration stories often focus on broader historical events, but The Other Mohan brings an intimate, personal perspective to this vast subject. What inspired you to delve into the lesser-known narratives of the Indian diaspora?

The Other Mohan does delve into the subject of migration but as an Indian living in India my perspective on the subject is very different from a writer who is part of the diaspora. I became interested in the subject because of my great grandfather who went to South Africa at a time of a historic encounter between Gandhi and the colonial administration and came back to India. Following him allowed me to observe the emergence of diasporic communities in Mauritius and South Africa under British dominance. But my project was also very much concerned with understanding what these early stories of migration tell us about the Indian psyche, about our spirit of adventure and enterprise.

Your portrayal of migration and resilience feels deeply personal. Did you uncover any surprising or emotional stories during your research that shaped the narrative?