Bharat Dadlani: The Indian community feels at home in Chile

By David Azócar

With over 1,400 members, the Indian community is one of the largest Asian groups in Chile. Indians work in a wide range of professions and have made Chile their second home. On this occasion, the Asia-Pacific portal talked to the president of the Indian Association of Santiago.

Please tell us about the evolution of the Indian community in Chile.

The community has been in Chile for many years. The first immigrants arrived to Magellanes circa 1904 and worked in free trade. Our arrival was always something cherished because we felt well-treated by Chileans.  Today we have deep roots and have set up homes in different parts of the country, though mostly in Santiago.

A second large wave of Indian immigration occurred in the 1980s. These are the people who set up the Association. Those were economically difficult years for Chile, but the community was able to prosper despite this.  

How would you characterize the Community’s relationship with Chileans?

Very good. (In fact, as far as I know) every single immigrant who has arrived to Chile is still here. For example, I arrived for an initially three-year stay. I had a fixed contract, but extended my stay. Now, here I am 15 years later, and my children are as Chilean as they are Indian. After all, Indians are a very cosmopolitan group. You can find Indians in the various professions, as well as jobs such as cooks; the entire spectrum.

Moreover, the many similarities between our peoples are something that has helped us integrate ourselves into a new country. For example, the food is good here, and the weather is similar India’s, too. On the other hand, our differences are few. And, as I mentioned, we adapt easily (to new cultures due to our cosmopolitan outlook). 

Bottom line, there are many Indians at their Chilean neighbors’ family barbecues.

One thing major similarity is the importance Indians and Chileans place on getting the family together for the various holidays. Cousins, uncles and grandparents come together to spend time with one another. We're not praying all day (during these holidays). We prefer to make our religion pleasant. Unfortunately we do not have a cultural centre, but we do have several temples where we are able to meet. Incidentally, Chileans are always welcome (and we invite them to visit).

How do you feel about the recent progress made in ties between the government of Chile and India?

I hope they sign more agreements. India is not known for its political agenda; rather it tends to be more business-oriented. (The Indian Association) does not address these issues, per se, but we definitely applaud any positive steps towards increased exchange between the two nations.

Do you identify yourself as a Hindu or an Indian?

We are both. In Chile, it is normal to immediately think that people born in India are Hindus. But this is not the case. In our country there are many religions, one of which is Hinduism, which currently happens to be the majority to which we belong.

What makes Chile such an attractive country for the Indian community?

Chile is a beloved place for Indians. There are 90 families which amount to 400 people in Santiago alone. Nationally, there are about 1400.  The main reason we enjoy living here is the Chileans’ attitude towards us, which is quite affectionate. There are many Chileans who are interested in our culture, not to mention the obvious commercial opportunities here in Chile.

And we tell our countrymen back in India all the above, too. Thus, the word is getting around in India that Chile is a country where life is good: skiing, good food and opportunities.  Multinational firms have begun to arrive and with them Indian engineers.  Bottom line, Indians are happy to live here.

Note: To learn more about the Indian community in Chile, visit their blog by clicking here.