The world’s Indians are united. Why aren’t our politicians?

Something is deeply wrong with our political ecosystem. Opposition parties seem unwilling to feel the pulse of the people or recalibrate their narratives, policies, and programmes accordingly. Trapped in rigid mindsets, they continue to see themselves as apostles of virtue and wisdom, clinging to colonial and dynastic habits that alienate them from today’s India. Cut off from ground realities, they try to impose outdated, illogical ideas on voters — and turn a deaf ear when citizens clearly tell them, “You’re out of sync with our thinking.”

If only they kept their eyes, ears, and minds open, they would see a powerful lesson in the Indian diaspora — millions of citizens across the world striving to preserve unity in diversity, promote Indian languages, and uphold Sanatana Dharma. While domestic politicians divide people by language, religion, and region, Indians abroad work tirelessly to protect their cultural roots and celebrate festivals in traditional ways.

Take the Telugu Association of North America (TANA), a shining example of cultural activism. TANA organises literary and cultural programmes such as Sahasra Avadhanam, Pravachanam, poetry readings, and book reviews. Its activities nurture Telugu literature, connect the community with writers back home, and provide welfare support for Telugu-speaking families in North America. Its “Paatasala” institute teaches Telugu to NRI children and has received an overwhelming response.

The Paatasala initiative began in 2013 with 10 centres, supported by Telugu Times — the first global Telugu newspaper serving NRIs in the U.S. Through consistent effort, Telugu Times has played a crucial role in spreading awareness of Telugu culture and keeping the language alive in faraway lands.

This spirit is not limited to Telugu-speaking people or to the United States. Across continents — whether among Punjabis in Canada, Tamils in Singapore, Gujaratis in the UK, or Malayalis in the Gulf — Indian communities have built strong institutions to preserve language, culture, and faith.

Consider the Ahmedabad Andhra Mahasabha, the oldest organisation for Pravasi Telugus in Gujarat. It recently celebrated its platinum jubilee and stands as a remarkable example of how cultural identity and community service can go hand in hand. The Mahasabha not only promotes Telugu culture but has also built a magnificent temple for Lord Venkateswara along the SG highway — a “mini Tirupati.” The temple’s construction was supported generously by Gujaratis across communities. The foundation stone was laid when Narendra Modi was Gujarat’s Chief Minister and the temple was inaugurated by him as Prime Minister.

The Mahasabha also runs Telugu language classes for children and maintains close ties with Telugu associations in other districts of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and beyond. Its cultural wing, Swaramanjari, comprises talented singers — professionals from ISRO, ONGC, and private industries — who perform at community events.

Its influence extends further through the Ahmedabad South Indian Association (ASIA). It is over 35-year-old federation bringing together Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada associations. This collaboration has not only strengthened linguistic unity but also produced tangible achievements such as the renowned JG University and several educational institutions, including ASIA School, which offers CBSE, ICSE, and IB curricula. All these accomplishments stem from the vision and commitment of pravasis settled in Gujarat.

Recently, the Mahasabha organised a professional-level musical tribute to the legendary singer S. P. Balasubrahmanyam — proof that cultural pride can be celebrated with both devotion and finesse. What makes these organisations inspiring is their focus on togetherness rather than petty politics. Their members are highly proactive and keep discussing several issues including where to buy Gongura (the tangy leafy vegetable) than indulge in divisive rhetoric about “vote chori” or caste.

Across the world — in Singapore, the UK, the U.S., or Africa — Indian diasporas continue to promote Sanatana Dharma and Indian values through strong community ties despite facing challenges, especially among younger generations balancing ancestral traditions with modern global life.

To sustain their heritage, Indian communities employ several creative strategies like celebrating Diwali, Holi, Pongal, Onam, etc, which have become the heart of community life abroad, bringing people together and introducing Indian culture to host nations.

Tamil is an official language in Singapore — a testament to cultural endurance.

Hybrid traditions: Younger generations blend old and new, giving rise to creative forms like Caribbean chutney music, born from Bhojpuri folk songs. They also use technology like Podcasts, YouTube sketches, and Instagram reels about “growing up Indian” have made heritage relatable to the youth.

Indian food has become a global ambassador, creating familiarity and respect for our traditions.Social media, online classes, and satellite TV help diasporas stay connected to India in real time.

The Indian government has also recognised this strength through initiatives such as the Bharat Ko Janiye online quiz, encouraging young overseas Indians to engage with India’s history and culture.

Our opposition leaders could learn immensely from these examples. Instead of seeking foreign sympathy or invoking “deep state” conspiracies to protect democracy, they should engage directly with the Indian diaspora. Listen to their ideas, understand their struggles, and create policies that encourage their return or contribution to India’s development.

If the opposition could shed its dynastic and feudal hangovers and embrace merit, inclusivity, and vision — as diaspora communities have — they could regain credibility and rebuild democratic vibrancy. But that demands introspection and the courage to move beyond outdated politics.

The biggest challenge India faces today is poverty and unemployment. Addressing these issues requires more than slogans or freebies; it demands vision-driven leadership. Corporates, too, must move beyond token CSR activities — like distributing sewing machines or notebooks — and instead adopt villages or communities for holistic development. Employment-oriented, skill-based initiatives can bring real transformation.

Such change requires political will and imagination. The opposition must stop competing in announcing giveaways and start presenting credible alternatives rooted in economic reform, job creation, and social equity.

The upcoming electoral cycle offers a critical test. Bihar votes first, followed by Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. The opposition has already stumbled in Bihar by misreading the public mood. But if it can reinvent itself with authenticity and vision, it can still challenge the ruling alliance. If not, many parties — including the Congress — risk fading from India’s political map altogether.

The time has come for the opposition to learn from the Indian diaspora: reconnect with the people, preserve unity amid diversity, and build policies that inspire rather than divide. Only then can India’s democracy regain its vitality — not through slogans, but through sincerity of purpose.

(The author is a former Chief Editor at The Hans India)