July 30, 2014
Derek O’Brien makes a Special Mention on the occasion of World Anglo-Indian Day | Transcript
Mr Chairman, to coincide with the celebrations for World Anglo Indian Day on August 2, here is a humble submission to highlight a microscopic but vibrant community.
Anglo Indian, as defined in the Constitution, refers to persons domiciled or born in India, whose paternal line can be traced to Europe. The Anglo Indian community, interestingly, is the only community in India that has the word ‘Indian’ in its name. It is also the only community that has two representatives nominated to the Lok Sabha by the President under Article 331.
The community has made significant contributions in education, railways, nursing, sports and the armed forces. The community, whose mother tongue is English, continues to play a key role in education. However, the population of the community remains uncounted since the 1941 census. The 2011 census only enumerated Christians as a category, and not Anglo Indians. There are an estimated 500,000 Anglo Indians throughout the world, of which around 200,000 live in India. It is my appeal to the government to make ‘Anglo Indian’ a separate head in the census.
The time is ripe to propose an extension of the special representation of Anglo-Indians in the Lok Sabha beyond 2020. There might also be a need for a debate on the issue of direct election to the two Lok Sabha seats. I also urge the government to take measures to protect and support Anglo Indian schools and help the community preserve its distinct identity.
I’m sure the Government of India will join me in extending its greetings to Anglo Indians in India and across the world.
