South Asian, general in United States

Introduction / History

There has been a South Asian diaspora in various parts of the world including the United States. Among them are Punjabi-speaking Sikhs, Muslims from Pakistan or Bangladesh and Hindus who speak a variety of languages: Tamil, Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, etc. Muslims usually speak either Urdu or Bengali. Among those in the United States, Hindi is the most common language, though almost all also speak English. Almost all speak English in the United States where that is the trade language.

Some segments of the South Asian diaspora don't fit into any neat language category. Those we simply call, "South Asians" or "Indo-Pakistanis" since we are referring to people from India, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh or Pakistan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

There are two general categories of people in the South Asian diaspora. Some have ancestors who arrived during the colonial era, usually working for low pay. Generations later South Asians are often involved in business. Others have ancestors who were merchants involved with international trade. These South Asians have deep roots in the host country.

The recent Diaspora is more likely to be in a different category. For decades India has produced highly trained techies for jobs that often don't exist in their country. South Asians with these skills take jobs in other parts of the world. They are welcome in the host country, and they adapt to the local language and culture. Other South Asian families who own grocery stores and restaurants. Some who come from a high-status community like the Rajputs have become truck drivers or cab drivers, but they are still earning far more than they would in South Asia. South Asians in the US have a higher level of education and a higher income than the general population. The one exception would be the small Bhutanese community.

Though there are special events for South Asians based on language, they commonly come together as a group, even those who are "generic" South Asians. These gatherings might be cultural or religious. A Hindu might attend a Sikh event, for example, though they don’t adhere to the same religion. It would still be frowned upon to marry across religious lines.

In the United States, South Asians have made their mark economically and culturally. Indian food is popular and certain types of Indian-based music are catching on with the general public. South Asians, however, tend to marry within their cultural group. Marriages are either arranged or they must be approved by parents. Usually, the couple dates before marriage, which is less common in South Asia. On a social level, it’s becoming more common for South Asians to have friendships with non-South Asians. This is especially true for the second and third generations.

What Are Their Beliefs?

In the United States, nearly two-thirds of the South Asians are Hindus. Hindus in the business community are often secularized. Commonly they do pujas (worship) of certain deities like Ganesh, the god whom they believe helps overcome obstacles. They might also worship Laksmi, the goddess of wealth. They often get together with other South Asian Hindus to worship as a cultural event. Their motivation is to bond with people with a similar culture or to gain favor from the gods. For example, it’s not just Hindus who will attend Diwali celebrations.

There are also Sikhs, Muslims and Christians among the South Asians in the US. About one in ten are Christian, and some are sharing their faith.

What Are Their Needs?

South Asians, be they Hindu, Muslim or Sikh, need to hear that Jesus Christ came to save sinful mankind. The message that we have offended the one true and living God is not popular; the gospel is offensive. If Christ-followers were willing to befriend South Asians, they could earn a hearing. It would take time and much prayer. Unfortunately, not enough Christ followers are willing to reach Hindus, Muslims or Sikhs in the United States.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord's blessing of the South Asian diaspora and the work of their hands as a testimony of his goodness and power.
Pray for workers, filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit, to go to the South Asians in the United States.
Pray for South Asians in the US to have the spiritual hunger to seek and find Jesus Christ.
Pray for South Asians in the US to begin a family-based movement to Christ that will bless them abundantly.

Text Source:   Joshua Project