As India votes, the UK-based National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU) has expressed its concern on ‘the rising communal tension during the election campaign in India. Divisions are getting bigger and bigger in the name of religion. Most of our youngsters believe polarisation is on the rise and incidents of religious hatred, including mob lynchings have vitiated the communal harmony of India. We do not approve of such things,” said Sanam Arora, Chairperson, NISAU UK.
Sanam Arora is in conversation with Cine Ink’s Pervaiz Alam.
She says NISAU has released its findings on the concerns and recommendations of young Indians living outside India, both students and working professionals.
“Young Indians in the UK want our politicians to shift focus back on issues that concern them most such as unemployment, education and healthcare and not on the issues which divide our nation.”
“Majority of our students are in constant touch with India. Seeking votes in the name of religion is actually a violation of the model code of conduct. Students ask ‘if it continues like this, would India remain India?” Sanam Arora highlights what youngsters of Indian origin have told her in the UK.
“This religious hatred has impacted negatively on the good image of India. People ask me ‘Is it safe to go there?’ Earlier, only women used to ask me this question but now even men ask the same question,” she added.
Sanam Arora says most of her members are hugely concerned about the rise of unemployment in India, according her organisation’s research.
Feedback gathered through a survey and focus groups, the research has been primarily aimed to understand the issues that matter to young Indians living outside India, both that relate to them as the Indian diaspora, as well as relating to India’s development.
As India votes its next national government to power in the coming weeks, the NISAU hopes that these concerns and recommendations are considered by all political parties who are contesting the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
The National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU) is the pan-national umbrella organisation representing UK university students & alumni of Indian heritage.
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