Global Organization of People of Indian Origin launches world’s first initiative to document, preserve, and celebrate the story of Indians across continents
The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) has announced a groundbreaking initiative to establish the world’s first Indian Diaspora Museum — a permanent global institution dedicated to chronicling the history, achievements, and cultural legacy of Indians settled across the world, reported theindianeye.com.
Unveiled virtually on November 1 at a global gathering of GOPIO chapters, the project brought together leading scholars, entrepreneurs, historians, and community leaders who share a collective vision: to create a living archive that honors the journey of the global Indian community.
“A long-overdue tribute to the global Indian story”
Dr Thomas Abraham, GOPIO’s Chairman and Founding President, described the museum as “a long-overdue tribute” to millions of Indians who left their homeland and shaped societies across continents. “There have been exhibits at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas conventions,” he said, “but there has not been a museum of the Indian Diaspora.”
GOPIO had earlier led the creation of a memorial at Hubli river in Kolkata — the departure point for indentured laborers. Yet, Abraham emphasized, “there is still no museum that truly honors their journey.”
He announced the formation of a Museum Committee chaired by Australian museologist Vinod Daniel, who has led heritage projects in over 60 countries. Daniel outlined a detailed plan for four permanent galleries — History, Migration and Settlement, Celebration, and Culture — along with rotating exhibitions, digital archives, and an interactive “Migration Theatre.”
“This is not just a museum,” Daniel said, “it’s a mirror for a people, a bridge to a homeland, a legacy for generations to come.”
Proposing Delhi as the ideal location, Daniel said the museum could be established within 18 months once the site is finalized, through a public-private or foundation-led model.
Global scholars highlight regional diaspora legacies
From Cambridge University, Professor Prabhu Guptara emphasized the early migration of Indians to Europe as sailors and intellectuals, recalling figures like Sheikh Dean Mohammed, who opened the UK’s first Indian restaurant, and Madam Bhikaji Cama, who unfurled the first Indian flag in 1907.
- In Malaysia, Prof Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria urged the museum to reflect pre-colonial connections, highlighting India’s influence on Southeast Asia through religion, art, and trade
- “It must be an honest story — one of triumph, but also of toil,” he said
Indian author and filmmaker Dr Bhuvan Lall traced the American diaspora’s journey from Swami Vivekananda’s 1893 Chicago address to the rise of Indian Americans in Silicon Valley and U.S. politics. “Future generations must know how hard-won our diaspora’s place in the world truly is,” he said.
From the Caribbean, Sharlene Mohammed of the Indo-Caribbean Cultural Centre stressed the importance of documentation for identity and healing. “A museum that archives these stories can help heal generations,” she said.
South African leader Omie Singh recounted the 165-year-old legacy of Indians in Africa — from indentured laborers arriving in 1860 to their vital role in shaping democracy. “It was in South Africa,” he noted, “that a young lawyer named Mohandas Gandhi became Mahatma Gandhi.”
Business leaders and youth lend their support
Global business leader Prakash Hinduja, Chairman of the Hinduja Group in Europe, praised the initiative and pledged support from the Hinduja Foundation. His granddaughter Nitya Hinduja, representing the next generation, called the project “a living archive of our collective identity,” emphasizing how Indians have carried values of resilience and enterprise to every corner of the globe.
Hollywood producer Ashok Amritraj, Chairman and CEO of Hyde Park Entertainment, added, “It’s time to create a museum that preserves not only our traditions but our accomplishments.”
Next steps: turning vision into reality
Dr Abraham concluded that the museum would be “a global space of pride, education, and connection.” GOPIO plans to collaborate with governments, cultural institutions, and private organizations to bring the project to life. “This is our collective story — one that began on distant shores but always carried India in its heart,” he said.
GOPIO International President Prakash Shah reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to uniting Indians worldwide through this initiative. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by GOPIO Secretary Siddarth Jain, supported by technical coordination from Associate Secretary Vatsala Upadhyay.
